Evidence-Based Review of BioBran/MGN-3 Arabinoxylan Compound as a Complementary Therapy for Conventional Cancer Treatment

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound as a natural product for cancer treatment - an evidence-based assessment of the effects and mechanisms

CONTEXT

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is a natural immunomodulator with anticancer properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study critically evaluates the available evidence on the biological pathways of RBAC and its effects on cancer treatment.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a scoping review includes studies evaluating the mechanisms of RBAC on healthy or malignant cells, animal models, or humans for cancer prevention or treatment. Data from randomized controlled trials on survival and quality of life outcomes were subjectd to meta analysis.

RESULTS

The evidence synthesis was based on 38 articles. RBAC exhibited antitumor properties by promoting apoptosis and restoring immune function in cancer patients to enhance inflammatory and cytotoxic responses to block tumorigenesis. RBAC works synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents by upregulating drug transport. In a clinical trial, combining RBAC with chemoembolization in treating liver cancer showed improved response, reduced recurrence rates, and prolonged survival. RBAC also augments the endogenous antioxidant system to prevent oxidative stress and protect against radiation side effects. In addition, RBAC has chemoprotective effects. Animals and humans have exhibited reduced toxicity and side effects from chemotherapy. Meta analysis indicates that RBAC treatment increases the survival odds by 4.02-times (95% CI: 1.67, 9.69) in the first year and 2.89-times (95% CI: 1.56, 5.35) in the second year.

CONCLUSION

RBAC is a natural product with immense potential in cancer treatment. Additional research is needed to characterize, quantify, and standardize the active ingredients in RBAC responsible for the anticancer effects. More well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are required to substantiate the treatment efficacies further.

Biobran-loaded core/shell nanofibrous scaffold: a promising wound dressing candidate

This research examined the effectiveness of Biobran as a bioactive substance that could potentially improve wound healing. It also looked at how Biobran affects the properties of a nanofibrous scaffold made through coaxial electrospinning. This is the first study exploring the use of Biobran in this context and its interaction with nanofibrous scaffolds. The scaffolds were composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) in the shell and various concentrations of Biobran blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in the core. The properties of the scaffolds were characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, stress-strain test, WCA, release test, MTT cytotoxicity assay, wound scratching assay, and the dye exclusion method using trypan blue. The scaffolds loaded with Biobran exhibited a more compact and smooth morphology compared with the scaffold without Biobran. The physical interaction and crystallinity of the polymers in the scaffolds were also affected by Biobran in a concentration-dependent manner. This positively influenced their tensile strength, elongation at break, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity. The porosity, water uptake capacity, and WVTR of the nanofibrous scaffolds are within the optimal ranges for wound healing. The release rate of Biobran, which revealed a biphasic release pattern, decreased with increasing Biobran concentration, resulting in controlled and sustained delivery of Biobran from the nanofiber scaffolds. The cell viability assays showed a dose-dependent effect of Biobran on WISH cells, which might be attributed to the positive effect of Biobran on the physicochemical properties of the nanofibrous scaffolds. These findings suggest that Biobran-loaded core/shell nanofiber scaffolds have a potential application in wound healing as an ideal multifunctional wound dressing.

Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound and Quality of Life (RBAC-QoL) of Cancer Patients: An Interim Analysis of the RBAC-QoL Study

Background The effect of rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), a plant-based immunomodulator, on the quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients and underlying physiological pathways remains unclear. Trial design The RBAC-QoL study, a double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot feasibility study, aimed to determine RBAC's effects on QoL and the associated action mechanisms. Primary outcomes were the EORTC QLQ-C30 functional, symptom, and global QoL scores with inflammatory, nutritional, and cytokine parameters as secondary and exploratory outcomes. Methods Participants were adults diagnosed with solid organ tumours (≥ stage II) undergoing active treatment in several outpatient centres in New South Wales, Australia. Interventions were RBAC or matched placebo at 3g/day for 24 weeks allocated through stratified randomisation with participants, oncologists, and data collectors blinded. Data was collected from five study visits six weeks apart. The trial remained ongoing as of December 2023. An interim intention-to-treat analysis was performed using repeated measure ANOVA with pairwise comparisons where statistical significance was observed and adjusted with covariates. Results Global QoL scores from currently available data (n = 16; RBAC = 7, placebo = 9) were statistically different between groups (F1,8 = 8.6, p = 0.019, eta2[g] = 0.267). Pairwise comparisons found significant differences at Week 6 (p = 0.032, Cohen's d = 1.454) and marginally at Week 12 (p = 0.069, d = 1.427). Age-adjusted analysis showed a continuous upward trend in QoL improvement over time with RBAC, while the placebo group did not deviate from baseline QoL. Significant elevations of serum white blood cell count (Week 18) and total protein (Weeks 12 and 18) were detected in the RBAC group compared to placebo. The total protein levels correlated highly with white blood cell count (Pearson's r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and moderately with the global QoL scores (r = 0.338, p = 0.01). No intervention-related adverse events were reported in both groups.  Conclusions RBAC improves QoL beyond placebo during active cancer treatment, possibly through the immuno-nutritional pathway - these findings, though preliminary, are valuable for future research. Funding and registration: Daiwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Japan; BioMedica Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd., Australia. ANZCTR Reg No: ACTRN12619000562178p.

Is there any hepatic impact associated with rice bran arabinoxylan compound supplementation? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC) results from an enzymatic modification of rice bran, which is reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the hepatic adverse effects of RBAC by assessing the effect through liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

METHODS

In the present study, the Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant publications from the beginning to October 2022. The meta-analysis was based on the Mixed effect model to generate the mean effect sizes in weighted mean differences (WMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Chi-squared test, and the analysis of Galbraith plots was applied.

RESULTS

Subgroup meta-analysis on five eligible randomized controlled trials (n = 239) showed a significant decrease in serum AST regarding RBAC supplementation in powder form (WMD (95%CI) = -3.52 (-5.62, -1.42) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 46.9; P heterogeneity = 0.170), three months and more supplementation duration (WMD (95%CI) = -3.71 (-5.95, -1.48) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 29.9; P heterogeneity = 0.240) and studies with a good quality (WMD (95%CI) = -3.52 (-5.62, -1.42) U/L; P-value = 0.001, I2 (%) = 46.9; P heterogeneity = 0.170).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, RBAC supplementation seems to not have any hepatic adverse effects and its supplementation as powder or for three months and more may decrease serum AST levels. However, we need further studies to confirm the results.

REGISTRY NUMBER FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS OR META-ANALYZES

CRD42022361002, registration time: 29/09/2022.

Modified rice bran arabinoxylan as a nutraceutical in health and disease-A scoping review with bibliometric analysis

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is a polysaccharide modified by Lentinus edodes mycelial enzyme widely used as a nutraceutical. To explore translational research on RBAC, a scoping review was conducted to synthesise research evidence from English (MEDLINE, ProQuest, CENTRAL, Emcare, CINAHL+, Web of Science), Japanese (CiNii, J-Stage), Korean (KCI, RISS, ScienceON), and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang) sources while combining bibliometrics and network analyses for data visualisation. Searches were conducted between September and October 2022. Ninety-eight articles on RBAC and the biological activities related to human health or disease were included. Research progressed with linear growth (median = 3/year) from 1998 to 2022, predominantly on Biobran MGN-3 (86.73%) and contributed by 289 authors from 100 institutions across 18 countries. Clinical studies constitute 61.1% of recent articles (2018 to 2022). Over 50% of the research was from the USA (29/98, 29.59%) and Japan (22/98, 22.45%). A shifting focus from immuno-cellular activities to human translations over the years was shown via keyword visualisation. Beneficial effects of RBAC include immunomodulation, synergistic anticancer properties, hepatoprotection, antiinflammation, and antioxidation. As an oral supplement taken as an adjuvant during chemoradiotherapy, cancer patients reported reduced side effects and improved quality of life in human studies, indicating RBAC's impact on the psycho-neuro-immune axis. RBAC has been studied in 17 conditions, including cancer, liver diseases, HIV, allergy, chronic fatigue, gastroenteritis, cold/flu, diabetes, and in healthy participants. Further translational research on the impact on patient and community health is required for the evidence-informed use of RBAC in health and disease.

Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan by Lentinus edodes Mycelial Enzyme as an Immunoceutical for Health and Aging-A Comprehensive Literature Review

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran enzymatically treated with Lentinus edodes mycelium. This review explores biologically active compounds and mechanisms of action that support RBAC as an immunomodulating nutraceutical in generally healthy and/or aging individuals. Thirty-seven (n = 37) primary research articles fulfilled the selection criteria for review. Most research is based on Biobran MGN-3, which consists of complex heteropolysaccharides with arabinoxylan as its primary structure while also containing galactan and glucan. RBAC was found to invoke immunological activities through direct absorption via the digestive tract and interaction with immune cells at the Peyer's patches. RBAC was shown to promote innate defence by upregulating macrophage phagocytosis and enhancing natural killer cell activity while lowering oxidative stress. Through induction of dendritic cell maturation, RBAC also augments adaptive immunity by promoting T and B lymphocyte proliferation. RBAC acts as an immunomodulator by inhibiting mast cell degranulation during allergic reactions, attenuating inflammation, and downregulating angiogenesis by modulating cytokines and growth factors. RBAC has been shown to be a safe and effective nutraceutical for improving immune health, notably in aging individuals with reduced immune function. Human clinical trials with geriatric participants have demonstrated RBAC to have prophylactic benefits against viral infection and may improve their quality of life. Further research should explore RBAC's bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the complex heteropolysaccharides within. Translational research to assess RBAC as a nutraceutical for the aging population is still required, particularly in human studies with larger sample sizes and cohort studies with long follow-up periods.

Changes in the Human Gut Microbiome during Dietary Supplementation with Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound

This study investigated the effects of a modified rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) as a dietary supplement on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. Ten volunteers supplemented their diet with 1 g of RBAC for six weeks and 3 g of RBAC for another six weeks, with a three-week washout period. Faecal samples were collected every 3 weeks over 21 weeks. Microbiota from faecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Assessment of alpha and beta microbiota diversity was performed using the QIIME2 platform. The results revealed that alpha and beta diversity were not associated with the experimental phase, interventional period, RBAC dosage, or time. However, the statistical significance of the participant was detected in alpha (p < 0.002) and beta (weighted unifrac, p = 0.001) diversity. Explanatory factors, including diet and lifestyle, were significantly associated with alpha (p < 0.05) and beta (p < 0.01) diversity. The individual beta diversity of six participants significantly changed (p < 0.05) during the interventional period. Seven participants showed statistically significant taxonomic changes (ANCOM W ≥ 5). These results classified four participants as responders to RBAC supplementation, with a further two participants as likely responders. In conclusion, the gut microbiome is highly individualised and modulated by RBAC as a dietary supplement, dependent on lifestyle and dietary intake.

Rice Bran: From Waste to Nutritious Food Ingredients

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a principal food for more than half of the world's people. Rice is predominantly consumed as white rice, a refined grain that is produced during the rice milling process which removes the bran and germ and leaves the starchy endosperm. Rice bran is a by-product produced from the rice milling process, which contains many bioactive compounds, for instance, phenolic compounds, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and γ-oryzanol. These bioactive compounds are thought to protect against cancer, vascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Extraction of rice bran oil also generates various by-products including rice bran wax, defatted rice bran, filtered cake, and rice acid oil, and some of them exert bioactive substances that could be utilized as functional food ingredients. However, rice bran is often utilized as animal feed or discarded as waste. Therefore, this review aimed to discuss the role of rice bran in metabolic ailments. The bioactive constituents and food product application of rice bran were also highlighted in this study. Collectively, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism and the role of these bioactive compounds exerted in the rice bran would provide a useful approach for the food industry and prevent metabolic ailments.

Encapsulation of Polyphenolic Compounds Based on Hemicelluloses to Enhance Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are difficult to cure, and available treatment is associated with troubling side effects. In addition, current therapies have limited efficacy and are characterized by high costs, and a large segment of the IBD and CRC patients are refractive to the treatment. Moreover, presently used anti-IBD therapies in the clinics are primarily aimed on the symptomatic control. That is why new agents with therapeutic potential against IBD and CRC are required. Currently, polyphenols have received great attention in the pharmaceutical industry and in medicine due to their health-promoting properties. They may exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer activity, via inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes or factors associated with carcinogenesis (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factor), suggesting they may have therapeutic potential against IBD and CRC. However, their use is limited under both processing conditions or gastrointestinal interactions, reducing their stability and hence their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Therefore, there is a need for more effective carriers that could be used for encapsulation of polyphenolic compounds. In recent years, natural polysaccharides have been proposed for creating carriers used in the synthesis of polyphenol encapsulates. Among these, hemicelluloses are particularly noteworthy, being characterized by good biocompatibility, biodegradation, low immunogenicity, and pro-health activity. They may also demonstrate synergy with the polyphenol payload. This review discusses the utility and potential of hemicellulose-based encapsulations of polyphenols as support for treatment of IBD and CRC.

Advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological activities of hemicelluloses: A review

Hemicelluloses, a major component of plant cell walls, are a non-cellulosic heteropolysaccharide composed of several distinct sugars that is second in abundance to cellulose, which are one of the most abundant and cheapest renewable resources on earth. Hemicelluloses structure is complex and its chemical structure varies greatly among the different plant species. In addition to its wide use in production of feed and other chemical materials, hemicelluloses are known for its remarkable biological activities that remain largely underutilised to date. Therefore, comprehensive investigations of hemicelluloses structural and biological properties would be helpful for achieving rational utilisation and high-value conversion of this underutilised substance into agents with enhanced health benefits for incorporation in drugs and health foods. In this review, details of diverse research initiatives that have enhanced our understanding of hemicelluloses properties are summarised, including hemicelluloses sources, extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics and biological activities. Furthermore, hemicelluloses structure-activity relationships and new directions for future hemicelluloses research studies are discussed.

Effects of arabinoxylan and chlorogenic acid on the intestinal microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium–treated mice

Dietary non-starch polysaccharides and phenolics are usually ingested at the same time. They are both regarded as prebiotics, and they regulate the intestinal microbiota through various mechanisms. Notably, however, reports of their combined or synergistic effects are rare. Arabinoxylan (AX), a polysaccharide, and chlorogenic acid (CA), a polyphenol, are widely consumed, and their effects on the microbiota have previously been discussed. In the present study, they were given to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–treated mice, separately and together, and the intestinal microbiota were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. The data showed that CA attenuated body weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage in DSS-treated mice, while neither AX nor the AX+CA combination exhibited any ameliorating potential. AX+CA had less of a modulating effect on intestinal microbiota profiles than did CA. AX+CA administration increased the relative abundance of Flavonifractor, Coprobacillus, and Clostridium_XlVa, and decreased the abundance of Robinsoniella and Lactobacillus. Compared to AX and CA, AX+CA contributed to a more complicated shift in the biological functions of the intestinal microbiotaAX seemed to weaken the beneficial effects of CA, at least in the present experimental model of DSS-induced colitis. The combined effects and mechanisms of dietary polysaccharides and phenolic compounds on the intestinal microbiota and on overall health still need to be further investigated.

Sequential Drug Delivery in Targeted Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of death. However, traditional cancer therapy may damage normal cells and cause side effects. Many targeted drug delivery platforms have been developed to overcome the limitations of the free form of therapeutics and biological barriers. The commonly used cancer cell surface targets are CD44, matrix metalloproteinase-2, folate receptors, etc. Once the drug enters the cell, active delivery of the drug molecule to its final destination is still preferred. The subcellular targeting strategies include using glucocorticoid receptors for nuclear targeting, negative mitochondrial membrane potential and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase for Golgi apparatus targeting, etc. Therefore, the most effective way to deliver therapeutic agents is through a sequential drug delivery system that simultaneously achieves cellular- and subcellular-level targeting. The dual-targeting delivery holds great promise for improving therapeutic effects and overcoming drug resistance. This review classifies sequential drug delivery systems based on final targeted organelles. We summarize different targeting strategies and mechanisms and gave examples of each case.

Protective rules of natural antioxidants against gamma-induced damage-A review

Phytochemicals accessible in food have demonstrated efficiency against impairment by gamma radiation. The review presented here is an attempt to show the pharmacological outline of the activity of the natural antioxidants and its primary action of molecular mechanism against the damage induced by gamma rays. This research focused on the results of the in vitro dosage of natural antioxidants relationship, and on the correlation of this information with the statistical variables. Moreover, it deliberated the natural compounds which could decrease the unwelcome impacts of gamma radiation and safeguard biological systems from radiation-stimulated genotoxicity. The outcomes indicated that natural compounds can be utilized as an adjunct to orthodox radiotherapy and cultivate it as an effectual drug for the clinical administration of ailments.

Polysaccharides from Ganoderma Sinense - rice bran fermentation products and their anti-tumor activities on non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts more than 80% of the lung cancer cases. Polysaccharides in rice bran and its fermentation products have been proven to suppress many cancers. However, the report on inhibiting NSCLC is few. In this paper, the polysaccharides with suppression activity to H1299 NSCLC in the fermentation products of full-fat rice bran and defatted rice bran were studied in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

Polysaccharides (GSRBPs) were extracted from Ganoderma sinense - full-fat rice bran (GS-FRB) and Ganoderma sinense - defatted rice bran (GS-DRB) fermentation products. The structure information of the GSRBPs was studied using HPLC analysis. The anti-tumor activities on H1299 NSCLC of GSRBPs in vitro study was performed using MTT method. The in vivo studies use BALB/c-nu nude mice as H1299 NSCLC bearing mice.

RESULT

All the polysaccharides contained two fractions, GSFPS-1 and GSFPS-2. The molecular weight and the ratio of GSFPS-1 and GSFPS-2 were different in GS-FRB and GS-DRB. At the earlier state of fermentation, all polysaccharides were composed of D-glu, D-man, D-xyl and L-ara with certain molar ratios. But at the latter stage, polysaccharides in GS-FRB were composed of D-glu, D-man, D-xyl, L-ara and D-fru, while these in GS-DRB only composed of D-glu and D-man. In the in vitro study, the IC50 of RBS and GSRBPs was as GS-DRB-11 (40.62 μg/mL), GS-FRB-9 (43.82 μg/mL), GS-DRB-7 (48.08 μg/mL), RBS (49.56 μg/mL), GS-DRB-9 (49.91 μg/mL), GS-DRB-13 (51.89 μg/mL), GS-FRB-11 (53.75 μg/mL), GS-FRB-7 (56.84 μg/mL), GS-DRB-13 (60.63 μg/mL) from small to large. In the in vivo study, the H1299 NSCLC inhibition rate (InRa) of RBS and GSRBPs were GS-DRB-11 (86.81%) > GS-DRB-9 (86.01%) > GS-FRB-9 (84.88%) > GS-DRB-7 (82.21%) > GS-DRB-13 (78.04%) > RBS (76.06%) > GS-FRB-13 (65.44%) > GS-FRB-11 (64.70%) > GS-FRB-7 (27.87%). The GSFPS-2 area percent was negatively correlated to the IC50 and was positively correlated to the InRa. This means the GSFPS-2 had much higher anti-tumor activity than GSFPS-1.

CONCLUSION

GSFPS-2 had higher anti-tumor activities, and the lipid in the rice bran has a decisive effect on the structures of polysaccharides produced by fermentation. Therefore, GSRBPs could be considered as potential novel agents to suppress H1299 non-small-cell lung cancer.

The Health-Promoting Properties and Clinical Applications of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Modified with Shiitake Mushroom Enzyme-A Narrative Review

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran hydrolyzed with Lentinus edodes mycelial enzyme. It has been marketed as a functional food and a nutraceutical with health-promoting properties. Some research has demonstrated this rice bran derivative to be a potent immunomodulator, which also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. To date, research on RBAC has predominantly focused on its immunomodulatory action and application as a complementary therapy for cancer. Nonetheless, the clinical applications of RBAC can extend beyond cancer therapy. This article is a narrative review of the research on the potential benefits of RBAC for cancer and other health conditions based on the available literature. RBAC research has shown it to be useful as a complementary treatment for cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection. It can positively modulate serum glucose, lipid and protein metabolism in diabetic patients. Additionally, RBAC has been shown to ameliorate irritable bowel syndrome and protect against liver injury caused by hepatitis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It can potentially ease symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome and prevent the common cold. RBAC is safe to consume and has no known side effects at the typical dosage of 2–3 g/day. Nevertheless, further research in both basic studies and human clinical trials are required to investigate the clinical applications, mechanisms, and effects of RBAC.

Rice Bran By-Product: From Valorization Strategies to Nutritional Perspectives

The aim of this study is to review the innovative techniques based on bioprocessing, thermal or physical treatments which have been proposed during the last few decades to convert rice bran into a valuable food ingredient. Rice bran (Oryza sativa) is the main by-product of rice grain processing. It is produced in large quantities worldwide and it contains a high amount of valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds with significant health-related properties. Despite that, its application in food industry is still scarce because of its sensitivity to oxidation processes, instability and poor technological suitability. Furthermore, the health-related effects of pretreated rice bran are also presented in this review, considering the up-to-date literature focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Moreover, in relation to this aspect, a brief description of rice bran arabinoxylans is provided. Finally, the application of rice bran in the food industry and the main technology aspects are concisely summarized.

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound and quality of life of cancer patients (RBAC-QoL): Study protocol for a randomized pilot feasibility trial

Introduction

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is a nutraceutical for enhancing a depleted immune system during and after cancer treatment. This pilot feasibility trial aims to evaluate the effects of RBAC on cancer patients' quality of life during active treatment, compared to placebo, using a validated questionnaire. Other outcome measures include changes in inflammatory and nutritional status, cytokine profile, and gut microbiota.

Methods/Design

The study will recruit 50 participants from a regional cancer center in Australia. Patients aged 18–70, diagnosed with solid organ cancers stage II and above, and currently undergoing active systemic therapies, are eligible. Random allocation of participants into two groups is stratified based on metastatic status and treatment type. The dosage is either 3 g/day of RBAC or placebo in identical packaging. The participants, study coordinator, and treating oncologists are blinded to the interventions. Data collections are at baseline and at four follow-up sessions, which are six weeks apart (24 weeks). Statistical analysis will involve a protected p-value with multiple dependent values and analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures on the occasion of testing and with both a full Bonferroni or Sidak corrections applied to protect against Type I errors. Any observed significance warrants further analysis with pairwise comparisons. Analysis of covariance will also be performed to assess any influence of the demographic data, cancer diagnosis, as well as changes in physical activity, dietary habits, and complementary medicine usage. Comparisons of gut microbiota will be based on the analysis of the fecal microbiome using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid amplicon sequencing. The proposed research timeline is from October 2018 to May 2022.

Trial registration

ANZCTR. Reg No: ACTRN12619000562178p.

Efficacy of Cereal-based Oral Nutrition Supplement on Nutritional Status, Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Under Cancer Therapy

A rapid increase in cancer incidence accompanied by aging population requires evidence-based supportive cancer care practices. Cancer therapies often accompany adverse events which induce malnutrition and declined quality of life. We conducted an 8-week non-randomized clinical trial to evaluate efficacy of cereal-based oral nutritional supplement (ONS) intervention on nutritional status, quality of life and inflammatory responses in cancer patients undergoing cancer therapy with 5% < weight loss. The study included 34 pateints (24 in control group, 10 in intervention group) with 15 drop-outs. ONS used in this intervention contained 0.5% arabinoxylan-rich fermented rice bran powder and 5.5% black rice powder as active ingredients in a regular cereal-based formula. Results showed that ONS intervention for 8 weeks did not show significant improvement in blood biomarkers of nutritional status or patient-generated subjective global assessment scores. However, 8-week of intervention showed reduced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β secretion in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells while IL-12p70 level was increased. For health-related quality of life (HRQoL) indices, emotional functioning and fatigue symptoms were improved after 4 weeks only in the intervention group although no difference was found at week 8. These results suggest that ONS intervention may improve chronic inflammatory status and HRQoL indices (at week 4) in cancer patients receiving treatments.

Molecular Mechanism of Functional Ingredients in Barley to Combat Human Chronic Diseases

Barley plays an important role in health and civilization of human migration from Africa to Asia, later to Eurasia. We demonstrated the systematic mechanism of functional ingredients in barley to combat chronic diseases, based on PubMed, CNKI, and ISI Web of Science databases from 2004 to 2020. Barley and its extracts are rich in 30 ingredients to combat more than 20 chronic diseases, which include the 14 similar and 9 different chronic diseases between grains and grass, due to the major molecular mechanism of six functional ingredients of barley grass (GABA, flavonoids, SOD, K-Ca, vitamins, and tryptophan) and grains (β-glucans, polyphenols, arabinoxylan, phytosterols, tocols, and resistant starch). The antioxidant activity of barley grass and grain has the same and different functional components. These results support findings that barley grain and its grass are the best functional food, promoting ancient Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations, and further show the depending functional ingredients for diet from Pliocene hominids in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe to modern humans in the world. This review paper not only reveals the formation and action mechanism of barley diet overcoming human chronic diseases, but also provides scientific basis for the development of health products and drugs for the prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases.

Arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) alleviates radiation-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction of mice in a mitochondrion-dependent manner

MGN-3 is an arabinoxylan from rice bran that has been shown to be an excellent antioxidant and radioprotector. This study examined the protective effects of MGN-3 on radiation-induced intestinal injury. Mice were treated with MGN-3 prior to irradiation, then continued to receive MGN-3 for 4 weeks thereafter. MGN-3 increased the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ, the intercellular ATP content, the mitochondria-encoded gene expression and mitochondrial copy numbers in the jejunal and colonic mucosa. MGN-3 reduced the oxidative stress levels and inflammatory response indicators in the serum and jejunal and colonic mucosa. Antioxidant indicators such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in the serum and jejunal and colonic mucosa in the MGN-3 group. Moreover, MGN-3 decreased the gene abundances and enzymatic activities of caspase-3, 8, 9 and 10 in the jejunal and colonic mucosa. The endotoxin, diamine peroxidase, d-lactate and zonulin levels were significantly reduced in the serum and jejunal and colonic mucosa in the MGN-3 group. MGN-3 also markedly upregulated the gene abundances of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1 and mucin 2. MGN-3 effectively attenuated radiation-induced changes in the intestinal epithelial mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, intestinal permeability and barrier function in mice. These findings add to our understanding of the potential mechanisms by which MGN-3 alleviates radioactive intestinal injury.

Ferulated Arabinoxylans and Their Gels: Functional Properties and Potential Application as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agent

In the last years, biomedical research has focused its efforts in the development of new oral delivery systems for the treatment of different diseases. Ferulated arabinoxylans are polysaccharides from cereals that have been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical field due to their prebiotic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The antioxidant and anticancer properties of these polysaccharides make them attractive compounds for the treatment of cancer, particularly colon cancer. In addition, ferulated arabinoxylans can form covalent gels through the cross-linking of their ferulic acids. Due to their particular characteristics, ferulated arabinoxylan gels represent an excellent alternative as colon-targeted drug delivery systems. The aim of the present work is to review the physicochemical and functional properties of ferulated arabinoxylans and their gels and to present the future perspectives for potential application as antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Biobran/MGN-3, an arabinoxylan rice bran, enhances NK cell activity in geriatric subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Aging is associated with a decline in natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cell function that may contribute to increased susceptibility to malignancy and infection. A preliminary investigation was conducted examining the hypothesis that arabinoxylan rice bran (Biobran/MGN-3), a denatured hemicellulose with known immunomodulatory activity, could counteract this decline in NK/NKT cell activity in geriatrics. A total of 12 healthy geriatric subjects of both sexes and over 56 years old, participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of six subjects served as control and six subjects ingested Biobran/MGN-3 (500 mg/day) for 30 days. The effect of Biobran/MGN-3 supplementation on NK/NKT cell activity was assessed using the degranulation assay. All study subjects were monitored for the development of any inadvertent side effects. In addition, the pharmacological effects of Biobran/MGN-3 on blood cell components and liver and kidney functions were also assessed. Results demonstrated that Biobran/MGN-3 had no effect on the total percentage of NK cells, however it enhanced the cytotoxic activity of induced NK cell expression of cluster of differentiation 107a, when compared with baseline values and with the placebo group (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were no side effects observed, indicating that Biobran/MGN-3 supplementation was safe at the utilized dosage and for the duration of administration. Various additional beneficial effects were observed, including improved mean corpuscular volume and reduced hepatic aspartate aminotransferase enzyme levels, which suggested improved liver function. It was concluded that Biobran/MGN-3 induces a significant increase in NK activity which may increase resistance to viral infections and cancers in the geriatric population. However, additional clinical trials should be conducted in the future to verify these findings.