Nutritional and biochemical aspects of the hypolipidemic action of rice bran oil: a review

Nutrients in rice bran oil and their nutritional functions: a review

Rice is an important food crop throughout the world. Rice bran, the outer layer of rice grain, is a by-product generated during the rice milling process. Rice bran oil (RBO) is extracted from rice bran and has also become increasingly popular. RBO is considered to be one of the healthiest cooking oils due to its balanced proportion of fatty acids, as well as high content of γ-oryzanol together with phytosterols, vitamin E, wax ester, trace and macro elements, carotenoids, and phenolics. The existence of these compounds provides RBO with various functions, including hypotensive and hypolipidemic functions, antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory functions, antidiabetic function, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic functions, hepatoprotective activity function, and in preventing neurological diseases. Recently, research on the nutrients in RBO focused on the detection of nutrients, functions, and processing methods. However, the processing and utilization of rice bran remain sufficiently ineffective, and the processing steps will also affect the nutrients in RBO to different degrees. Therefore, this review focuses on the contents and nutritional functions of different nutrients in RBO and the possible effects of processing methods on nutrients.

Dietary full-fat rice bran prevents the risk of heart ferroptosis and imbalance of energy metabolism induced by prolonged cold stimulation

The threat to human health from cold stimulation is increasing due to the frequent occurrence of temperature extremes. It is a challenge for people to resist the negative effects of prolonged cold stimulation on the heart. In this study, we created prolonged cold stimulation pig models to investigate the cardiac energy metabolism and injury during prolonged cold stimulation, and the molecular mechanisms by which dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran reduces cardiac injury. The results showed that lesions in the morphological structure of the heart were detected under prolonged cold stimulation. At the same time, dystrophin was downregulated under the effect of prolonged cold stimulation. Cardiac fatty acid transport and utilization were promoted, and oxidative stress was increased under prolonged cold stimulation. It also increased MDA content and decreased T-AOC level in the heart, while promoting the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and NQO1, as well as the protein content of Nrf2 and HO-1. Prolonged cold stimulation induced mitochondrial lesions, mitochondrial fusion, and mitophagy in the heart. Prolonged cold stimulation promoted the mRNA expression of PTGS2, TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3, and IL-1β; and protein expression of PTGS2, NLRP3, and mature-IL-1β. GCH1 and FtH inhibited by prolonged cold stimulation caused the activation of heart ferroptosis. In addition, dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran improved oxidative stress in the heart and inhibited mitophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In conclusion, prolonged cold stimulation heightens the risk of cardiac ferroptosis and imbalance of energy metabolism, whereas dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran mitigates the adverse effects of prolonged cold stimulation on the heart.

Effect of novel combination processing technologies on extraction and quality of rice bran oil

Rice bran, a primary by-product from the rice processing industries, containing 10-15% oil, attracts significant attention from consumers due to its many health-promoting effects. The extraction methodology used is one of the most critical factors affecting the quality and yield of oil from rice bran. Using solvents is the current commercial process for rice bran oil extraction, which has its setbacks. It is challenging and expensive, and there is a risk of traces of solvent residue in the oil. Emerging combination extraction technologies offer zero to minimal solvent residues or chemical deformation while considering increasing environmental and energy footprint. Emerging combination processing technologies include new-age methods like supercritical fluid extraction, sub-critical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, ohmic heating, and microwave-assisted extraction. These techniques have been reported to extract oil from rice bran, improving extraction efficiency and quality. These techniques demonstrate solid prospects for future applications. The present review discusses and compares these emerging technologies for oil extraction from rice bran commercially.

Systems seed biology to understand and manipulate rice grain quality and nutrition

Rice is one of the most essential crops since it meets the calorific needs of 3 billion people around the world. Rice seed development initiates upon fertilization, leading to the establishment of two distinct filial tissues, the endosperm and embryo, which accumulate distinct seed storage products, such as starch, storage proteins, and lipids. A range of systems biology tools deployed in dissecting the spatiotemporal dynamics of transcriptome data, methylation, and small RNA based regulation operative during seed development, influencing the accumulation of storage products was reviewed. Studies of other model systems are also considered due to the limited information on the rice transcriptome. This review highlights key genes identified through a holistic view of systems biology targeted to modify biochemical composition and influence rice grain quality and nutritional value with the target of improving rice as a functional food.

Rice Bran Stabilisation and Oil Extraction Using the Microwave-Assisted Method and Its Effects on GABA and Gamma-Oryzanol Compounds

Rice bran oil (RBO) is a valuable ingredient extracted from rice bran (RB), a side stream of polishing rice grain in the milling process. RBO is rich in bioactive ingredients with potential health benefits, such as gamma-oryzanol (GO) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Despite its benefits, the quality of RBO depends on the degree of stabilisation of the RB, which is easily affected by lipase enzymes, and thus needs an effective treatment prior to RBO production. To assess the potential of the microwave-assisted method for RB stabilisation and RBO extraction, three Carolino rice varieties (Ariete, Teti, Luna) were tested. The effect of RB stabilisation was evaluated via acid value, water absorption, and GO and GABA levels. The RBO yield was optimised by solvent, temperature, and solvent-to-sample ratio, and the GO and fatty acid levels were determined. The RB stabilisation for the Luna variety did not affect the GO and GABA; for the Ariete and Teti varieties, the GO decreased by 34.4% and 24.2%, and the GABA increased by 26.5% and 47.0%, respectively. The GO levels in RBO samples were not affected by RB stabilisation. The RBO nutritional value was confirmed by the suitable ratio (>2) between polyunsaturated (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA), with the Teti variety presenting the highest ratio.

The involvement of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA pathway in the antifibrotic impact of rice bran oil on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats

The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on hepatic fibrosis as a characteristic response to persistent liver injuries. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the negative control group, thioacetamide (TAA) group (thioacetamide 100 mg/kg thrice weekly for two successive weeks, ip), RBO 0.2 and 0.4 groups (RBO 0.2mL and 0.4 mL/rat/day, po) and standard group (silymarin 100 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks after TAA injection. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, liver fibrosis markers were assessed. The obtained results showed that RBO reduced TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suppressed the extracellular matrix formation. Compared to the positive control group, RBO dramatically reduced total bilirubin, AST, and ALT blood levels. Furthermore, RBO reduced MDA and increased GSH contents in the liver. Simultaneously RBO downregulated the NF-κβ signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the expression of some inflammatory mediators, including Cox-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. RBO attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing the biological effects of TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I, hydroxyproline, CTGF, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RBO reduced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and modulating the interplay among the TGF-β1 and FAK signal transduction. The greater dosage of 0.4 mL/kg has a more substantial impact. Hence, this investigation presents RBO as a promising antifibrotic agent in the TAA model through inhibition of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA.

The link to polysulfides and their applications

This article highlights recent discoveries within the field of polysulfides which are created from waste sulfur through inverse vulcanisation. Due to the current environmental climate, making materials from renewable resources or industrial waste is highly desirable. Sulfur is an impurity refined out of petroleum and gas reserves at a rate of more than 70 million tonnes a year and is currently used in the rubber, fertiliser and chemical industries. However, even with these applications, the usage is significantly below the amount refined each year, leading to large stockpiles of sulfur. Inverse vulcanisation is an attractive method to synthesize new sulfur based materials by trapping the polysulfide using crosslinkers containing diene functionalities. A wide variety of unsaturated crosslinkers can be incorporated into polysulfide materials resulting in inorganic rubbers, combining the benefits of both components. The materials produced have been shown to selectively absorb mercury, are prominsing replacements for existing mid IR lenses, and can be used as capsules for controlled release fertilisers. An overview of the field, including the breadth of crosslinkers employed, synthetic strategies, and the properties and potential applications of polysulfides created through inverse vulcanisation, is captured.

The impact of rice bran oil consumption on the serum lipid profile in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia is recognized among the risk factors for lifestyle related diseases. A healthy diet, rich in vegetable oils such as rice bran oil (RBO), may aid to improve serum lipid levels. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of rice bran oil (RBO) consumption on serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglyceride (TG) levels in adults. The following online databases were searched for manuscripts published until October 7^th 2020: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar. The effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 8 eligible trials with 14 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that the consumption of RBO significantly decreased serum TC (WMD: -7.29 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.32, -3.25, P = 0.000), LDL-c (WMD: -7.62 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.10, -4.14, P = 0.000) and TG (WMD: -9.19 mg/dL, 95% CI: -17.99, -0.38, P = 0.041) levels. So, available evidence suggests that RBO consumption can significantly decrease serum TC, LDL-c and TG levels. Hence, it may play a role in reducing dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia risk.

Rice Bran Extract Protected against LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation in Mice through Targeting PPAR-γ Nuclear Receptor

PPAR-γ anti-inflammatory functions have received significant attention since its agonists have been shown to exert a wide range of protective effects in many experimental models of neurologic diseases. Rice bran is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are reported to act as PPAR-γ partial agonists. Herein, the anti-inflammatory effect of rice bran extract (RBE) through PPAR-γ activation was evaluated in LPS-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model in comparison to pioglitazone (PG) using 80 Swiss albino mice. RBE (100 mg/kg) and PG (30 mg/kg) were given orally for 21 days and LPS (0.25 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for the last 7 days. TNF-α and COX-2 brain contents were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, NFκB binding to its response element was evaluated alongside with the effect of treatments on IκB gene expression. Furthermore, PPAR-γ sumoylation was also studied. Finally, histopathological examination was performed for different brain areas. RBE administration was found to protect against the LPS-induced inflammatory effects by decreasing the inflammatory mediator expression in mice brains. It also decreased PPAR-γ sumoylation without significant effect on IκB expression or NFκB binding to its response element. The majority of the effects were attenuated in presence of PPAR-γ antagonist (GW9662). Level of significance was set to P < 0.05. Such findings highlight the agonistic effect of RBE component(s) on PPAR-γ and support the hypothesis of involvement of PPAR-γ activation in its neuroprotective effect.

Nutraceutical Vegetable Oil Nanoformulations for Prevention and Management of Diseases

The scientific community is becoming increasingly interested in identifying, characterizing, and delivering nutraceuticals, which constitutes a multi-billion-dollar business. These bioactive agents are claimed to exhibit several health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diseases such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, cataracts, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases, heart, brain and metabolic disorders, etc. Nutraceuticals are typically consumed as part of a regular human diet and are usually present within foods, comprising vegetable oil, although at low levels and variable composition. Thus, it is difficult to control the type, amount and frequency of their ingestion by individuals. Nanoformulations about vegetable oil-based bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties are useful for overcoming these issues, while improving the uptake, absorption, and bioavailability in the body. The purpose of this current study is to review papers on such nanoformulations, particularly those relevant for health benefits and the prevention and management of diseases, as well as bioactives extracted from vegetable oils enhancing the drug effectiveness, retrieved through bibliographic databases by setting a timespan from January 2000 to April 2020 (about 1758 records).

Genome-wide analysis of fatty acid desaturase genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Fatty acid desaturases can catalyze saturated or unsaturated fatty acids to form a double bond at various locations in the hydrocarbon chain. In the present study, a total of 20 full-length desaturase genes were identified from rice genome. An exhaustive analysis was performed to describe their chromosomal locations, gene structures, phylogeny, cis-regulatory elements, sub-cellular localizations and expression patterns. The rice desaturase genes were distributed on ten of 12 chromosomes and phylogenetically classified into six subfamilies with the Arabidopsis counterparts, FAB2, FAD2, FAD3/7/8, FAD6, DES1 and SLD1. Among of them, 9 members were expanded via chromosomal tandem or segmental duplications. The gene structures and motif constituents were evolutionarily conserved in the same subfamilies. The majority of desaturase genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns and response to abiotic stresses and hormones based on microarray data and qRT-PCR analyses. This study will provide useful clues for functional validation of desaturase genes and contribute to produce nutritionally important fatty acids by genetic modification in rice.

Corrigendum: Engineering Strategies in Microorganisms for the Enhanced Production of Squalene: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00050.].

Engineering Strategies in Microorganisms for the Enhanced Production of Squalene: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities

The triterpene squalene is a natural compound that has demonstrated an extraordinary diversity of uses in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care industries. Emboldened by this range of uses, novel applications that can gain profit from the benefits of squalene as an additive or supplement are expanding, resulting in its increasing demand. Ever since its discovery, the primary source has been the deep-sea shark liver, although recent declines in their populations and justified animal conservation and protection regulations have encouraged researchers to identify a novel route for squalene biosynthesis. This renewed scientific interest has profited from immense developments in synthetic biology, which now allows fine-tuning of a wider range of plants, fungi, and microorganisms for improved squalene production. There are numerous naturally squalene producing species and strains; although they generally do not make commercially viable yields as primary shark liver sources can deliver. The recent advances made toward improving squalene output from natural and engineered species have inspired this review. Accordingly, it will cover in-depth knowledge offered by the studies of the natural sources, and various engineering-based strategies that have been used to drive the improvements in the pathways toward large-scale production. The wide uses of squalene are also discussed, including the notable developments in anti-cancer applications and in augmenting influenza vaccines for greater efficacy.

Molecular and isotopic evidence for the processing of starchy plants in Early Neolithic pottery from China

Organic residue analysis of ancient ceramic vessels enables the investigation of natural resources that were used in daily cooking practices in different part of the world. Despite many methodological advances, the utilization of plants in pottery has been difficult to demonstrate chemically, hindering the study of their role in ancient society, a topic that is especially important to understanding early agricultural practices at the start of the Neolithic period. Here, we present the first lipid residue study on the Chinese Neolithic pottery dated to 5.0 k - 4.7 k cal BC from the Tianluoshan site, Zhejiang province, a key site with early evidence for rice domestication. Through the identification of novel molecular biomarkers and extensive stable isotope analysis, we suggest that the pottery in Tianluoshan were largely used for processing starchy plant foods. These results not only highlight the significance of starchy plants in Neolithic southern China but also show a clear difference with other contemporary sites in northern Eurasia, where pottery is clearly orientated to aquatic resource exploitation. These differences may be linked with the early development of rice agriculture in China compared to its much later adoption in adjacent northerly regions.

Red Palm Oil to Combat Vitamin A Deficiency in Developing Countries

Red palm oil (RPO), besides providing calorie density to the diet, is also the richest natural source of β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and an antioxidant that destroys singlet oxygen and free radicals. Chemical analysis of the fatty acid composition of RPO indicates that it has 50% saturated, 40% mono-unsaturated, and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids. RPO contains 550 mg/g of total carotenoids, of which 375 mg/g represent β-carotene. It also contains 1,000 mg/g of tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Nutritional values in rats fed 10% RPO in a 10% casein diet were comparable to those fed 10% ground nut oil (GNO) or 10% RBDPO (refined, bleached, deodorized palm oil). Rats fed RPO or RBDPO had significantly lower plasma cholesterol concentrations than those fed GNO. Significant inhibition of micro-somal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity was observed in the RPO and RBDPO groups, indicating reduced synthesis of endogenous cholesterol. Toxicological studies also indicate that RPO is safe for human consumption. Indian school children fed supplementary snacks prepared with RPO for 60 days had significant increases in serum retinol levels as well as an increased liver retinol store, suggesting the ready bioavailability of β-carotene.

Apigenin ameliorates vascular injury in rats with high fructose-induced metabolic disturbance by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/GLUT1

The abuse of fructose in daily diet may cause cardiovascular diseases that seriously threaten human health, and both safe and efficient solutions need to be developed. We investigated whether apigenin can prevent the harmful impact of excessive fructose on cardiovascular events. Based on the reduction of percentage of body fat and systolic pressure as well as the improvements in insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and pathological injury to the thoracic aorta, we suggested that high levels of fructose cause vascular injury and metabolic disorders, which can be improved to some extent by using apigenin. Fundamentally, apigenin down-regulates levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), which increase with high concentrations of fructose. Moreover, the inflammation and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels increased in fructose group, but they decreased when the rats were fed with apigenin. The results suggest that PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 may have potential for alleviating cardiovascular injury, and apigenin can be an excellent candidate for supplements to ameliorate cardiovascular diseases related to high fructose consumption.

(A) Chemical structure of apigenin. (B) Graph illuminating the experimental design for the time course of fructose and apigenin administration, and the timelines for the histological studies, biochemical analysis and western blot analysis.

Minor Constituents in Rice Bran Oil and Sesame Oil Play a Significant Role in Modulating Lipid Homeostasis and Inflammatory Markers in Rats

The effects of feeding rats with groundnut oil (GNO), rice bran oil (RBO), and sesame oil (SESO) on serum lipids, liver lipids, and inflammatory markers were evaluated in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with AIN-93 diet supplemented with 10 wt% of GNO, RBO, and SESO in the form of native (N) and minor constituent-removed (MCR) oils. Rats given RBO and SESO showed significant reduction in serum and liver lipids, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, cytokines in liver, and eicosanoids in leukocytes as compared with the rats given GNO and MCR oils. The rats fed with native oils of RBO and SESO showed an upregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65. These effects of native oil were significantly compromised when rats were given MCR oils. In conclusion, the minor constituents significantly support the hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of RBO and SESO.

Nonglyceride Components of Edible Oils and Fats. 2. Nutritional and Health Significance

Edible oils and fats, which consist primarily of triglycerides of different fatty acids, also contain 1% to 10% of fat-soluble phytochemicals derived from oil-bearing seeds or fruits, collectively called the nonglyceride fraction. They belong to different classes of chemicals, each with a number of different chemical compounds. These chemicals are also present in the unsaponifiable fraction of oils and fats, some of them in a modified form. Several of these chemicals have been shown during the past two decades to have health-promoting functions, with vitamin, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities. Studies in experimental animals and humans have shown that they can have a preventive role in noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataract. They also serve as a source of vitamin E and provitamin A. Thus, oils and fats in the nonglyceride fraction not only are sources of energy and essential fatty acids, but also have a disease-preventing and health-promoting role and can serve as a source of some fat-soluble vitamins. Certain edible oils, such as palm oil, rice bran oil, and sesame oil, are particularly rich in the health-promoting chemicals present in their nonglyceride fraction. Some of the edible unconventional oils have high levels of the nonglyceride fraction (8%–10%), and they may have important disease-preventing potential.

Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Rice Bran Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein1

This report addresses the safety of cosmetic ingredients derived from rice, Oryza sativa. Oils, Fatty Acids, and Waxes : Rice Bran Oil functions in cosmetics as a conditioning agent—occlusive in 39 formulations across a wide range of product types. Rice Germ Oil is a skin-conditioning agent—occlusive in six formulations in only four product categories. Rice Bran Acid is described as a surfactant— cleansing agent, but was not in current use. Rice Bran Wax is a skin-conditioning agent—occlusive in eight formulations in five product categories. Industry did not directly report any use of Rice Bran Wax. Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax is a binder, skin-conditioning agent—occlusive, and viscosity-increasing agent—nonaqueous in 11 formulations in six product categories. Rice Bran Oil had an oral LD50 of >5 g/kg in white rats and Rice Wax had an oral LD50 of > 24 g/kg in male mice. A three-generation oral dosing study reported no toxic or teratologic effects in albino rats fed 10% Rice Bran Oil compared to a control group fed Peanut Oil. Undiluted Rice Bran Oil, Rice Germ Oil, and Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax were not irritants in animal skin tests. Rice Bran Oil was not a sensitizer. Rice Bran Oil, Rice Germ Oil, Rice Wax, and Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax were negative in ocular toxicity assays. A mixture of Rice Bran Oil and Rice Germ Oil had a ultraviolet (UV) absorption maximum at 315 nm, but was not phototoxic in a dermal exposure assay. Rice Bran Oil was negative in an Ames assay, and a component, -oryzanol, was negative in bacterial and mammalian mutagenicity assays. Rice oils, fatty acids, and waxes were, at most, mildly irritating in clinical studies. Extracts : Rice Bran Extract is used in six formulations in four product categories. Rice Extract is a hair-conditioning agent, but was not in current use. Hydrolyzed Rice Extract is used in four formulations and current concentration of use data were provided for other uses. Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, described as a skin-conditioning agent—miscellaneous, is used in two product categories. Use concentrations are in the 1% to 2% range. Rice Bran Extract is comprised of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, mineral ash, and water. The content includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Other components include antioxidants such as tocopherols. Rice Extract reduced the cytotoxicity of sodium chloride in male rats. Bran, Starch and Powder : Rice Bran (identified as rice hulls) is an abrasive and bulking agent in one formulation. Rice Starch is an absorbent and bulking agent in 51 formulations across a wide range of product categories. Rice Germ Powder is an abrasive and one manufacturer described an exfoliant use, but it was not reported to be used in 2002. Oral carcino-genicity studies done on components of Rice Bran (phytic acid and -oryzanol) were negative. Rice Bran did not have an anticarcinogenic effect on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced large bowel tumors. In cocarcinogenicity studies done using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and other agents, with Rice Bran Oil and Rice Bran-derived hemicellulose and saccharide, tumor inhibition was observed; -oryzanol did not inhibit the development of neoplasms. A decrease in cutaneous lesions in atopic dermatitis patients was reported following bathing with a Rice Bran preparation. Proteins : Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein function as conditioning agents (hair or skin), but only the latter was reported to be used in a few products. An in vitro phototoxicity assay using UVA light found no photochemical toxicity. Rice bran protein hydrolysates are not acutely toxic, are not skin or ocular irritants in animals, are not skin sensitizers in guinea pig maximization tests, and are not irritating or sensitizing in clinical tests. Isolated cases of allergy to raw rice have been reported, but rice, in general, is considered nonallergenic. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel considered that safety test data available on certain of these ingredients could be extrapolated to the entire group. Although Rice Bran Extract does contain UV absorbing compounds at low concentrations, clinical experience suggested no phototoxi-city would be associated with such materials. Rice derived ingredients generally are considered to be nonallergenic. There were no safety test data available for Hydrolyzed Rice Extract and Hy-drolyzed Rice Bran Extract, but their safety may be inferred from that of the extracts from which they are derived. Current levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals in rice-derived ingredients used in cosmetics are not a safety concern. The Panel was concerned, however, that contaminants such as pesticides have been reported in Rice Bran Oil used for cooking. Pesticides and heavy metals should not exceed currently reported levels for ricederived cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that these rice-derived ingredients are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentrations as described in this safety assessment.

Isolation and Structure Determination of 24-Methylenecycloartanyl Ferulate from Indian Rice Bran and Its Quantitative Analysis

BACKGROUND

γ-oryzanol is a major bioactive constituent in rice. Most of the literature reports isolation of 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate (24-mCAF) from rice bran oil (RBO) of other than Indian variety. Current research has successfully applied high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for isolation of 24-mCAF from Indian variety (Indrayani) of RBO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPTLC method was developed for standard γ-oryzanol using tinidazole as an internal standard. The proposed HPTLC method was optimized and validated as per the guidelines stated by the International Conference on Harmonization Q2 R1 recommendations. The mobile phase composed of toluene:ethyl acetate:methanol (15.0:1.7:3.3, (v/v/v) was selected because well-resolved peaks were obtained. The optimum wavelength chosen for detection and quantitation was 317 nm.

RESULTS

The retention factors for tinidazole, 24-mCAF, and CAF were found to be 0.27 ± 0.02, 0.72 ± 0.02, and 0.79 ± 0.02, respectively. The percent content of 24-mCAF in ethanol fraction was found to be 1.02%. The 24-mCAF was isolated from RBO using HPTLC method.

CONCLUSION

The characterization data of 1D, 2D spectral analysis confirm that the isolated compound 1 is 24-mCAF.

SUMMARY

HPTLC method was developed for standard γ-oryzanol using tinidazole as an internal standardThe proposed HPTLC method was optimized and validated as per the guidelines stated by the ICH Q2 R1 recommendationsThe characterization data of 1D, 2D spectral analysis confirms that the isolated compound is 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulateIn this work, high purity 24-mCAF was successfully isolated from crude RBO using HPTLC with a solvent system composed toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol (15.0:1.7:3.3, v/v/v) Abbreviations used: RBO: Rice Bran Oil, CAF: Cycloartenol ferulic acid, 24-mCAF: 24-Methylcycloartenol ferulic acid, HPLC: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPTLC: High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, 1H: Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 13C: Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, COSY: Correlation spectroscopy, NOESY: Nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy, HMBC: Heteronuclear multiple bond correlation nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, HSQC: heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Dietary supplementation of germinated pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) lowers dyslipidemia risk in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

In the recent years, cases of elderly women suffering from metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemias brought about by hormonal imbalance after menopause are continuously increasing. In this regard, a continuous and escalating demand to develop a more functional and highly nutritional food product as an adjunct supplement that can help alleviate these diseases is still being sought.

Objective

This study investigated the effects of germinated blackish-purple rice cultivars Keunnunjami, Superjami, and reddish-brown cultivar Superhongmi in the lipid metabolism of ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats.

Method

The animals were randomly divided into nine groups (n=5) and were supplemented with either non-germinated or germinated rice for 9 weeks. Then the plasma, liver, and fat samples were collected for the lipid metabolism effects analyses.

Results

Animals fed with germinated rice cultivars had improved lipid profile levels relative to the groups supplemented with non-germinated rice cultivars. The germinated rice groups, Keununjami and Superjami in particular, showed a low total cholesterol levels, high levels of high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol, high fecal lipid output, low hepatic lipid values, and low hepatic adipocyte accumulation. There was also an increase in the rate of lipolysis and decrease in lipogenesis based on the lipid-regulating enzyme activity profiles obtained for the groups that fed on germinated rice. Also, results revealed that pigmented rice cultivars had superior effects in improving the lipid metabolism relative to the non-pigmented normal brown rice variety.

Conclusion

Based on the results, this study suggests that germinated pigmented rice consumption can confer better lipid metabolism than ordinary white rice and constitutes as an effective functional food in alleviating the risk of having dyslipidemias like those suffering from menopausal co-morbidities.

Effects of dietary supplementation with rice bran oil on the growth performance, blood parameters, and immune response of broiler chickens

Background

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of rice bran oil (RBO) on growth performance, blood parameter, and immune response in broiler chickens.

Methods

A total of 240 1-d-old ROSS 308 male broilers were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments with six replicated pens consisting of ten chicks. The basal diet was formulated to be adequate in energy and nutrients. Three additional diets were prepared by adding 5, 10 or 20 g/kg of RBO to the basal diet. The experimental diets were fed on an ad libitum basis to the birds during 35 d.

Results

Results indicated that increasing inclusion level of RBO in diets improved BW gain (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), improve feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.05) of birds during 0 to 35 d. There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on feed intake of birds. There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on erythrocytes of birds. However, heterophil, lymphocyte, and monocytes increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with inclusion level of RBO in diets increased. Feeding the diets containing increasing amount of RBO to birds increased (linear, P < 0.01) the concentrations of total cholesterol. Increasing inclusion level of RBO in diets increased concentrations of IgG (linear, P < 0.01). There was no effect of inclusion level of RBO in diets on concentrations of IgM.

Conclusions

These results suggest that dietary RBO may be used functional ingredient to improve growth performance, total cholesterol in serum, and immune response of birds.

Effects of Feeding Purple Rice (Oryza sativa L. Var. Glutinosa) on the Quality of Pork and Pork Products

Purple rice is a strain of glutaneous rice rich in anthocyanins and γ-oryzanol. Both types of compounds are involved in antioxidant and lipid metabolism of mammals. Three experimental diet types were used which consisted approximately by half either of purple rice, white rice or corn. Diets were fed to 3×10 pigs growing from about 30 to 100 kg. Meat samples were investigated either as raw or cured loin chops or as smoked bacon produced from the belly. Various physicochemical traits were assessed and data were evaluated by analysis of variance. Traits describing water-holding capacity (drip, thaw, and cooking losses) and tenderness (sensory grading, shear force) of the meat were mostly not significantly affected by the diet type. However, purple rice feeding of pigs resulted in lower fat and cholesterol contents of loin and smoked bacon compared to white rice, but not compared to corn feeding except of the fat content of the loin. The shelf life of the raw loin chops was improved by purple rice as well. In detail, the occurrence of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances after 9 days of chilled storage was three to four times higher in the white rice and corn diets than with purple rice. The n-6:n-3 ratio in the raw loin chops was 9:1 with purple rice and clearly higher with 12:1 with the other diets, meat lipids. Level and kind of effect of purple rice found in raw meat was not always recovered in the cured loin chops and the smoked bacon. Still the impression of flavor and color, as well as overall acceptability were best in the smoked bacon from the purple-rice fed pigs, whereas this effect did not occur in the cured loin chops. These findings suggest that purple rice has a certain, useful, bioactivity in pigs concerning meat quality, but some of these effects are of low practical relevance. Further studies have to show ways how transiency and low recovery in meat products of some of the effects can be counteracted.

A blend of sesame oil and rice bran oil lowers blood pressure and improves the lipid profile in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND

Sesame oil and rice bran oil are known for their unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants contents and have been reported to reduce the cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a blend of 20% unrefined cold-pressed lignans-rich sesame oil and 80% physically refined γ-oryzanol-rich rice bran oil (Vivo) as cooking oil in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, open-label dietary approach, 300 hypertensive patients and 100 normotensives were divided into groups as: (1) normotensives treated with sesame oil blend, (2) hypertensives treated with sesame oil blend, (3) hypertensives treated with nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker (20 mg/d), and (4) hypertensives receiving the combination of sesame oil blend and nifedipine (20 mg/d). Sesame oil blend was supplied to respective groups, and they were instructed to use it as the only cooking oil for 60 days. Resting blood pressure was measured at days 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60, whereas the fasting lipid profile was measured at days 0 and 60.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial) from days 0 to 15, 30, 45, and 60 were observed in hypertensives treated with sesame oil blend alone (P < .001), nifedipine alone (P < .001), and combination of sesame oil blend and nifedipine (P < .001). Sesame oil blend with nifedipine-treated group showed greatest reduction in blood pressure. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels reduced, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased significantly only in hypertensives treated with sesame oil blend alone and the combination of sesame oil blend and nifedipine (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate for the first time that using a blend of sesame oil and rice bran oil as cooking oil showed a significant antihypertensive and lipid-lowering action and had noteworthy additive effect with antihypertensive medication.

Food supplementation with rice bran enzymatic extract prevents vascular apoptosis and atherogenesis in ApoE-/- mice

PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis is associated with reduced mononuclear cell (MNC) telomere length, and senescent cells have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Rice bran is a source of γ-oryzanol, phytosterols and tocols with potential lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we tested the hypothesis that rice bran enzymatic extract (RBEE) impacts on apoptosis, telomere length and atherogenesis in mice.

METHODS

Seven-week-old male ApoE-/- mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) or isocaloric HFD supplemented with 5 % (w/w) RBEE for 23 weeks. Wild-type mice of the same age were kept under standard diet as controls.

RESULTS

RBEE treatment reduced total cholesterol (19.24 ± 1.63 vs 24.49 ± 1.71 mmol/L) and triglycerides (1.13 ± 0.18 vs 1.75 ± 0.22 mmol/L) and augmented HDL-cholesterol (1.86 ± 0.20 vs 1.07 ± 0.20 mmol/L). RBEE attenuated macrophage infiltration by 56.69 ± 4.65 % and plaque development (7737 ± 836 vs 12,040 ± 1001 μm²) in the aortic sinus. In the aorta, RBEE treatment reduced expression of the apoptosis pathway components p16, p53 and bax/bcl-2 ratio. RBEE prevented apoptosis of aortic endothelial cells (2.81 ± 0.71-1.14 ± 0.35 apoptotic nuclei/ring for ApoE-/- HFD and ApoE-/- HFD 5 % RBEE, respectively). In contrast, MNC of RBEE-fed mice exhibited enhanced apoptosis marker expression with increased p53 and bax/bcl-2 protein levels. Compared to WT, ApoE-/- mice on HFD were characterized by significant telomere shortening in aorta (11 ± 2 %) and MNC (73 ± 7 %), which was reduced by supplementation with RBEE (aorta: 40 ± 7 %; MNC: 105 ± 10 %). Expression of telomere repeat-binding factor 2 was increased in RBEE-fed mice.

CONCLUSION

Long-term food supplementation with RBEE lowers cholesterol and prevents atherosclerotic plaque development in ApoE-/- mice. Differential regulation of vascular and MNC apoptosis and senescence were identified as potential mechanisms.

Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic and Hexanic Rice Bran Extract on Mitochondrial Function in PC12 Cells and the Search for Bioactive Components

Mitochondria are involved in the aging processes that ultimately lead to neurodegeneration and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, represents one strategy to protect the brain and to prevent neurodegeneration. We recently reported that a stabilized hexanic rice bran extract (RBE) rich in vitamin E and polyphenols (but unsuitable for human consumption) has beneficial effects on mitochondrial function in vitro and in vivo (doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2013.06.008, 10.3233/JAD-132084). To enable the use of RBE as food additive, a stabilized ethanolic extract has been produced. Here, we compare the vitamin E profiles of both extracts and their effects on mitochondrial function (ATP concentrations, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial biogenesis) in PC12 cells. We found that vitamin E contents and the effects of both RBE on mitochondrial function were similar. Furthermore, we aimed to identify components responsible for the mitochondria-protective effects of RBE, but could not achieve a conclusive result. α-Tocotrienol and possibly also γ-tocotrienol, α-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol might be involved, but hitherto unknown components of RBE or a synergistic effect of various components might also play a role in mediating RBE’s beneficial effects on mitochondrial function.

Nootropic and anti-stress effects of rice bran oil in male rats

Rice bran oil (RBO) is an important product of rice bran. It is considered to be one of the most important nutritious oil due to its favorable fatty acid composition and unique composition of naturally occurring biologically active antioxidant compounds. This study was designed to monitor the effects of oral intake of RBO on stress response in rats. RBO was extracted using hexane. Rats were divided into Control and test (RBO-treated). RBO-treated rats were given 0.2 ml/day RBO for 6 weeks. Food intake and body weight changes were monitored weekly. After 6 weeks open field activity and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test were performed. Results showed that weekly cumulative food intake but not body weight were lower in RBO-treated rats during 1st to 5th week of treatment, which were normalized at the end of treatment. Exploratory activity of RBO-treated rats in an open field was increased. Spatial memory in Morris water maze was enhanced in RBO-treated than control rats. An episode of 2 h restraint stress decreased the 24 h food intake of both control and RBO-treated animals. Behavioral deficits were lower in RBO-treated rats. Exposure of 2 h restraint stress increased brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) metabolism. These increases were lower in RBO-treated restrained than their respective control animals. Serotonergic neurotransmitter mechanism is implicated in stress. The findings of the study show beneficial effects of RBO in learning and memory functions. Moreover, the study also highlights the attenuating effect of RBO on stress induced behavioral and neurochemical effects in rats.

Pilot dietary intervention with heat-stabilized rice bran modulates stool microbiota and metabolites in healthy adults

Heat-stabilized rice bran (SRB) has been shown to regulate blood lipids and glucose, modulate gut mucosal immunity and inhibit colorectal cancer in animal and human studies. However, SRB’s effects on gut microbial composition and metabolism and the resulting implications for health remain largely unknown. A pilot, randomized-controlled trial was developed to investigate the effects of eating 30 g/day SRB on the stool microbiome and metabolome. Seven healthy participants consumed a study meal and snack daily for 28 days. The microbiome and metabolome were characterized using 454 pyrosequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at baseline, two and four weeks post-intervention. Increases in eight operational taxonomic units (OTUs), including three from Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus genera, were observed after two and four weeks of SRB consumption (p < 0.01). Branched chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids and eleven other putative microbial metabolites were significantly elevated in the SRB group after four weeks. The largest metabolite change was a rice bran component, indole-2-carboxylic acid, which showed a mean 12% increase with SRB consumption. These data support the feasibility of dietary SRB intervention in adults and support that SRB consumption can affect gut microbial metabolism. These findings warrant future investigations of larger cohorts evaluating SRB’s effects on intestinal health.

Effect of germinated brown rice extracts on pancreatic lipase, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

BACKGROUND

This study investigated anti-obesity effects of seven different solvent (n-hexane, toluene, dicholoromethane, ethyl acetate, absolute methanol, 80% methanol and deionized water) extracts of germinated brown rice (GBR) on pancreatic lipase activity, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS

GBR were extracted separately by employing different solvents with ultrasound-assisted. Pancreatic lipase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) to p-nitrophenol at 405 nm. Adipogenesis and lipolysis were assayed in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by using Oil Red O staining and glycerol release measurement.

RESULTS

GBR extract using hexane showed the highest inhibitory effect (13.58 ± 0.860%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml followed by hexane extract at 100 μg/ml (9.98 ± 1.048%) while ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest (2.62 ± 0.677%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml on pancreatic lipase activity. Water extract at 300 μg/ml showed 61.55 ± 3.824% of Oil Red O staining material (OROSM), a marker of adipogenesis. It significantly decrease (p < 0.05) lipid accumulation than control (OROSM = 100%), follow by ethyl acetate extract at 300 μg/ml (OROSM = 65.17 ± 3.131%). All the GBR extracts induced lipolysis with 1.22-1.83 fold of greater glycerol release than control.

CONCLUSIONS

GBR extracts especially the least polar and intermediate polar solvent extracts exhibited inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, decrease fat accumulation by adipocyte differentiation inhibition, and stimulate lipolysis on adipocytes. Therefore, GBR could be furthered study and developed as a functional food in helping the treatment and/or prevention of obesity.

Rice bran: a novel functional ingredient

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in East and South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the West Indies. It provides more than one fifth of the calories consumed worldwide by the human. It is the second leading cereal crop and staple food of half of the world's population. It is grown in at least 114 countries with global production of 645 million tons; share of Asian farmers is about 90% of the total produce. Rice bran, brown outer layer of rice kernel, is mainly composed of pericarp, aleurone, subaleurone layer, and germ. It contains appreciable quantities of nutrients like protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Furthermore, it contains substantial amount of minerals like K, Ca, Mg, and Fe. Presence of antioxidants like tocopherols, tocotrienols, and γ-oryzanol also brighten prospects of rice bran utilization for humans as functional ingredient to mitigate the life-threatening disorders. Moreover, in the developing countries, budding dilemma of food crisis, arising due to lower crop yields and escalating population, needs to utilize each pent of available resources. To provide enough food to all people, there is the holistic approach of using the by-products generated during food processing and preparations. Rice is being processed in well-established industry, but the major apprehension is the utilization of its by-products; rice bran (5-8%) and polishing (2-3%) that are going as waste. Rice processing or milling produces several streams of materials including milled rice, bran, and husk. In developing countries, rice bran is considered as a by-product of the milling process and commonly used in animal feed or discarded as a waste. The potential of producing rice bran at the global level is 29.3 million tons annually, whereas the share of Pakistan is worked out to be 0.5 million tons. In present paper, attempt has been made to highlight the significance of these valuable but neglected ingredients under various headings.

Rice Bran Oil Compared to Atorvastatin for Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To compare the effect of rice bran oil versus statins (atorvastatin drug) on blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and serum lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. The safety of the tested rice bran oil and atorvastatin were investigated. Fatty acids contents of RBO, olive and sesame oil were also assessed.Materials and Methods: Forty four eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and moderately hyperlipidemic were randomly and equally allocated into two groups, rice bran oil (RBO) group and atorvastatin group. The RBO group received a low-calorie diet and consumed 30 g / day RBO oil as salad dressing and for use as main cooking oil for 6 months. The Atorvastatin group received a low-calorie diet and 40 mg/day of atorvastatin drug for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months of study intervention, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum lipid profiles; hepatic, renal and inflammatory biomarkers were estimated.Results: Results showed significant increase in fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1C and liver transaminases (alanine transaminase ALT and aspartate transaminase AST) in the atorvastatin group while a significant reduction was shown in RBO group. Moreover, significant reductions in lipid profile levels, blood urea, serum uric acid and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were observed in both RBO and atorvastatin groups after 6 months of the study intervention.Conclusion: The use of rice bran oil together with dietary modifications may have implications in lowering fasting and postprandial blood glucose, suppressing serum lipid levels, reduce the TC/HDL-C ratio and therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, RBO exerts a hypouricemic action and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings obtained from the current study reinforce the use of RBO as an alternative natural potent hypolipidemic agent safer than atorvastatin drug that may induce side effects in some cases in patients intolerant to statins.

Consumer Acceptance and Preference Study (CAPS) on brown and undermilled Indian rice varieties in Chennai, India

OBJECTIVES

To study consumer acceptance of unmilled brown and undermilled rice among urban south Indians.

METHODS

Overweight and normal weight adults living in slum and nonslum residences in Chennai participated (n = 82). Bapatla (BPT) and Uma (red pigmented) rice varieties were chosen. These rice varieties were dehusked (unmilled, 0% polish) and further milled to 2.3% and 4.4% polishing (undermilled). Thus, 9 rice samples in both raw and parboiled forms were provided for consumer tasting over a period of 3 days. A 7-point hedonic scale was used to rate consumer preferences. A validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic, anthropometric, medical history, physical activity, dietary intake data, and willingness of the consumers to switch over to brown rice.

RESULTS

Consumers reported that the color, appearance, texture, taste, and overall quality of the 4.4% polished rice was strongly preferred in both varieties and forms. Ratings for 0% polished (brown rice) were substantially lower than those of 2.3% polished rice, which were intermediate in ratings between 0% and 4.4% polishing. However, most of the consumers (93%) expressed a willingness to substitute brown or 2.3% polished rice, if affordable, after the taste tests and education on nutritional and health benefits of whole grains.

CONCLUSION

Though most consumers preferred polished white rice, education regarding health benefits may help this population switch to brown or undermilled rice. Cooking quality and appearance of the grains were perceived as the most important factors to consider when purchasing rice among Chennai urban adults.

The potential of rice to offer solutions for malnutrition and chronic diseases

It is internationally accepted that malnutrition and chronic diseases in developing countries are key limitations to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In many developing countries, rice is the primary source of nutrition. In those countries, the major forms of malnutrition are Fe-induced anaemia, Zn deficiency and Vitamin A deficiency, whereas the major chronic disease challenges are Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. There is a growing corpus of evidence regarding both limitations and opportunities as to how rice could be an effective vehicle by which to tackle key nutrition and health related problems in countries with limited resources. Rice breeding programs are able to focus on developing new varieties carrying enhanced amounts of either Fe, Zn or beta-carotene because of large public investment, and the intuitive link between providing a mineral/vitamin to cure a deficiency in that mineral/vitamin. By contrast, there has been little investment in progressing the development of particular varieties for potential impact on chronic diseases. In this review article we focus on the broad battery of evidence linking rice-related nutritional limitations to their impact on a variety of human health issues. We discuss how rice might offer sometimes even simple solutions to rectifying key problems through targeted biofortification strategies and finally, we draw attention to how recent technological (-omics) developments may facilitate untold new opportunities for more rapidly generating improved rice varieties specifically designed to meet the current and future nutritional needs of a rapidly expanding global population.

Characterization of high-value bioactives in some selected varieties of Pakistani Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study reports the composition and variation of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols and γ-oryzanol among selected varieties namely Basmati Super, Basmati 515, Basmati 198, Basmati 385, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370, Basmati Pak, KSK-139, KS-282 and Irri-6 of Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L). Oil content extracted with n-hexane from different varieties of brown rice seed (unpolished rice) ranged from 1.92% to 2.72%. Total fatty acid contents among rice varieties tested varied between 18240 and 25840 mg/kg brown rice seed. The rice tested mainly contained oleic (6841-10952 mg/kg) linoleic (5453-7874 mg/kg) and palmitic acid (3613-5489 mg/kg). The amounts of total phytosterols (GC and GC-MS analysis), with main contribution from β-sitosterol (445-656 mg/kg), campesterol (116-242 mg/kg), Δ(5)-avenasterol (89-178 mg/kg) and stigmasterol (75-180 mg/kg) were established to be 739.4 to 1330.4 mg/kg rice seed. The content of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols as analyzed by HPLC varied from 39.0-76.1, 21.6-28.1 and 6.5-16.5 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. The amounts of different γ-oryzanol components (HPLC data), identified as cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate, were in the range of 65.5-103.6, 140.2-183.1, 29.8-45.5 and 8.6-10.4 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. Overall, the concentration of these bioactives was higher in the Basmati rice cultivars showing their functional food superiority. In conclusion, the tested varieties of Pakistani rice, especially the Basmati cultivars, can provide best ingredients for functional foods.

Substituting white rice with brown rice for 16 weeks does not substantially affect metabolic risk factors in middle-aged Chinese men and women with diabetes or a high risk for diabetes

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that higher consumption of white rice (WR) is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is unclear whether substituting brown rice (BR) for WR can improve metabolic risk factors. A total of 202 middle-aged adults with diabetes or a high risk for diabetes were randomly assigned to a WR (n = 101) or BR group (n = 101) and consumed the rice ad libitum for 16 wk. Metabolic risk markers, including BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and serum lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations were measured before and after the intervention. Over the course of the intervention, no between-group differences were found for any markers except the serum LDL cholesterol concentration, which decreased more in the WR group compared to the BR group (P = 0.02). However, this effect was observed only among participants with diabetes (n = 47). The reversion rate of reduced serum HDL cholesterol was marginally higher in the BR group (14.9%) than in the WR group (6.9%) (P = 0.07). Among participants with diabetes, a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed in the BR group compared to the WR group (P = 0.02). Our study suggests that incorporating BR into the daily diet for 16 wk did not substantially improve metabolic risk factors. Further studies with larger sample sizes, longer durations of follow-up, and different varieties of rice are needed to carefully examine the role of BR in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Tocotrienols, the vitamin E of the 21st century: its potential against cancer and other chronic diseases

Initially discovered in 1938 as a "fertility factor," vitamin E now refers to eight different isoforms that belong to two categories, four saturated analogues (α, β, γ, and δ) called tocopherols and four unsaturated analogues referred to as tocotrienols. While the tocopherols have been investigated extensively, little is known about the tocotrienols. Very limited studies suggest that both the molecular and therapeutic targets of the tocotrienols are distinct from those of the tocopherols. For instance, suppression of inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, which is closely linked to tumorigenesis and inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, mammalian DNA polymerases and certain protein tyrosine kinases, is unique to the tocotrienols. This review examines in detail the molecular targets of the tocotrienols and their roles in cancer, bone resorption, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases at both preclinical and clinical levels. As disappointment with the therapeutic value of the tocopherols grows, the potential of these novel vitamin E analogues awaits further investigation.