Germinated Brown Rice and Its Role in Human Health

Comprehensive quality profiling and multivariate analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars: integrating physical, cooking, nutritional, and micronutrient characteristics for enhanced varietal selection

BACKGROUND

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for nearly half the global population, with rice grain quality (RGQ) and yield being the most valuable attributes for consumers and food security. RGQ encompasses multiple interconnected features including physical appearance, cooking properties, biochemical composition, nutritional components, and sensory aspects.

METHODS

This study evaluated the agronomic performance of four commercial rice cultivars (Giza 178, Sakha 108, Sakha Super 300, and Egyptian Yasmin) during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The experiment was conducted at the Rice Technology Training Center in Alexandria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. A cultivars were selected based on their commercial significance and diverse genetic backgrounds to represent the primary rice varieties grown in Egypt.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic effects (p < 0.001) for most traits, with notable genotype × environment interactions in milling quality and water uptake characteristics. Multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and correlation analysis, provided complementary evidence for cultivar differentiation. PCA demonstrated that 94.2% of total variance was explained by two principal components, with Yasmin distinctly clustering in the positive quadrant of Dim1, showing superior performance in nutritional and cooking parameters (protein: 8.51%, fiber: 0.33%, water uptake: 439.45%, elongation: 60.73%). Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed two distinct trait groupings: physical-processing parameters and nutritional-functional attributes. Cultivar Super 300 demonstrated superior performance in physical-processing metrics (milling yield: 71.69%, grain hardness: 6.56), while Yasmin exhibited exceptional nutritional-functional characteristics. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among quality parameters (p < 0.001), particularly between physical characteristics and milling traits (r = 0.99), and among nutritional components (r = 0.87-0.99).

CONCLUSION

The integrated multivariate approach identified Yasmin as the superior cultivar for nutritional and cooking qualities, while Super 300 excelled in physical parameters, providing comprehensive insights for developing cultivars with optimized quality profiles tailored to specific market demands and consumer preferences.

Chemical composition and anticancer potential of water extracts derived from ground powder of Thai germinated brown rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Powdered germinated Thai rice (Oryza sativa L.) is widely utilised as a dietary supplement to support health and prevent diseases. This study investigated the bioactive compound profile of water extracts from beverage powder made from Thai germinated brown rice (GBRE) and assessed its anticancer effects on cholangiocarcinoma, lung cancer, and liver cancer cell lines. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) revealed 23 metabolites, including amino acids, sugar, phenolic compounds and nitrogenous compounds. Additionally, GBRE exhibited anticancer properties by effectively inhibiting cancer cell growth, inducing cell cycle arrest, and reducing cell migration. Our findings highlight the nutritional benefits and anticancer potential of germinated brown rice powder in impeding cancer cell progression. This study demonstrates the nutritional benefits and anticancer effects of germinated brown rice powder in inhibiting cancer cell progression. Incorporating germinated brown rice powder for a nutraceutical supplement can be served as a potential strategy for cancer prevention or therapeutic intervention.

Germination alters the bioactive compounds of pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties in fresh and year-old stored seeds

This study assessed the effect of germination on bioactive compounds in fresh and one-year-old seeds of pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties. Rice varieties had similar changes in bioactive compounds during germination. GABA and several phenolic acids increased 11.7 to 18.5 folds and 0.7 to 4.2 folds, respectively in germinating seeds. The vitamin E compounds, γ-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol increased by 23 to 35 % only in soaked seeds, but declined after seed germination. In the germinating seeds, higher levels of phenolic acids (e.g., protocatechuic acid, 0.5-fold higher) and some compounds of vitamin E (e.g., γ-tocotrienol, 0.4-fold higher) were observed in the pigmented rice compared to the non-pigmented line, in accordance with antioxidant activity. Additionally, one-year-old seeds exhibited the same increases in bioactive compounds as the fresh seeds. We conclude that the seeds of the pigmented variety have the potential as a raw material for germination in the rice industry.

Contributions of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria on Food Quality and Human Health: Current Applications and Future Prospects

The need to increase food safety and improve human health has led to a worldwide increase in interest in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), produced by lactic acid bacteria (LABs). GABA, produced from glutamic acid in a reaction catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), is a four-carbon, non-protein amino acid that is increasingly used in the food industry to improve the safety/quality of foods. In addition to the possible positive effects of GABA, called a postbiotic, on neuroprotection, improving sleep quality, alleviating depression and relieving pain, the various health benefits of GABA-enriched foods such as antidiabetic, antihypertension, and anti-inflammatory effects are also being investigated. For all these reasons, it is not surprising that efforts to identify LAB strains with a high GABA productivity and to increase GABA production from LABs through genetic engineering to increase GABA yield are accelerating. However, GABA's contributions to food safety/quality and human health have not yet been fully discussed in the literature. Therefore, this current review highlights the synthesis and food applications of GABA produced from LABs, discusses its health benefits such as, for example, alleviating drug withdrawal syndromes and regulating obesity and overeating. Still, other potential food and drug interactions (among others) remain unanswered questions to be elucidated in the future. Hence, this review paves the way toward further studies.

Time maters: Exploring the dynamics of bioactive compounds content, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity during Lupinus angustifolius germination

Germination is a process that enhances the content of health-promoting secondary metabolites. However, the bioaccessibility of these compounds depends on their stability and solubility throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to explore how germination time influences the content and bioaccessibility of γ-aminobutyric acid and polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) sprouts during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Gamma-aminobutyric acid showed a decrease following gastrointestinal digestion (GID) whereas phenolic acids and flavonoids exhibited bioaccessibilities of up to 82.56 and 114.20%, respectively. Although the digestion process affected the profile of phenolic acids and flavonoids, certain isoflavonoids identified in 7-day sprouts (G7) showed resistance to GID. Germination not only favored antioxidant activity but also resulted in germinated samples exhibiting greater antioxidant properties than ungerminated counter parts after GID. Intestinal digests from G7 did not show cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and notably, they showed an outstanding ability to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. This suggests potential benefit in mitigating oxidative stress. These findings contribute to understand the dynamic interplay between bioprocessing and digestion in modulating the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in lupin, thereby impacting health.

Effects of germinated brown rice and germinated black rice on people with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with dyslipidaemia

Objective: This study aimed to observe the effects of germinated brown rice and germinated black rice on blood lipid levels, blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism-related enzymes in T2DM patients with dyslipidaemia and to study their effects on the gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids. Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 68 subjects were randomly divided into a germinated brown rice group, a germinated black rice group and a white rice group. At the end of the intervention, relevant anthropometric indices, blood biochemistry, and levels of adipokines and lipid metabolism-related enzymes were measured. Faecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and for an analysis of short-chain fatty acids. Results: After 3 months of intervention with germinated brown rice, germinated black rice or white rice, 21 people in each group completed the intervention as required. At the end of the intervention, the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the germinated brown rice group and germinated black rice group were significantly lower than those in the white rice group. The levels of adiponectin (ADPN) and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in the germinated brown rice group were significantly higher than those in the white rice group (P < 0.05). At the genus level, interventions with germinated brown rice and germinated black rice significantly increased the relative abundance of Megamonas, Muribaculaceae and Alloprevotella and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Veillonella (P < 0.05). After 3 months of intervention, a significant decrease in waist circumference was observed within the germinated brown rice group compared to that at baseline (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the consumption of white rice, the consumption of germinated brown rice and germinated black rice can effectively regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism of this population. In addition, interventions involving the use of germinated brown rice and germinated black rice may further improve intestinal diversity and abundance, increase the relative abundance of Megamonas and decrease the relative abundance of Veillonella.

Autoclaving-treated germinated brown rice relieves hyperlipidemia by modulating gut microbiota in humans

Introduction

Germinated brown rice is a functional food with a promising potential for alleviating metabolic diseases. This study aimed to explore the hypolipidemic effects of autoclaving-treated germinated brown rice (AGBR) and the underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota.

Methods

Dietary intervention with AGBR or polished rice (PR) was implemented in patients with hyperlipidemia for 3 months, and blood lipids were analyzed. Nutritional characteristics of AGBR and PR were measured and compared. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to reveal the differences in gut microbiota between the AGBR and PR groups.

Results

AGBR relieves hyperlipidemia in patients, as evidenced by reduced levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein-B, and elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein-A1. In terms of nutrition, AGBR had significantly higher concentrations of free amino acids (10/16 species), γ-aminobutyric acid, resistant starch, soluble dietary fiber, and flavonoids (11/13 species) than PR. In addition, higher microbial abundance, diversity, and uniformity were observed in the AGBR group than in the PR group. At the phylum level, AGBR reduced Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Synergistota, and elevated Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota. At the genus level, AGBR elevated Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Dialister, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium, and reduced Escherichia-Shigella, Blautia, Romboutsia, and Turicibacter.

Discussion

AGBR contributes to the remission of hyperlipidemia by modulating the gut microbiota.

Germination-induced changes in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins: A pathway to boost bioactive compounds in red rice

This study aimed to investigate the specific changes in the anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins content of red rice during germination. Different methods including chemical detection, UPLC-QToF/MS, and metabolite analysis were used to examine these changes. The findings showed a significant increase in the overall levels of polyphenols and pigments in red rice as the germination period advanced. Specifically, the proanthocyanidins being the predominant pigments showed a significant increase during later stages of germination. Whereas, the anthocyanin levels reached their peak after 12 h of germination and subsequently declined. Furthermore, six anthocyanins and three proanthocyanidins were identified among the pigment constituents. Additionally, several significant precursor substances associated with pigments were identified, and their contents showed a significant increase, indicating that the proanthocyanidin synthesis pathway is activated by germination. These dynamic changes suggest that germination effectively stimulated the synthesis and accumulation of both anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, thereby improving the nutritional value of red rice.

Impact of germination on the techno-functional properties, nutritional composition, and health-promoting compounds of brown rice and its products: A review

Rice is a popular grain and forms part of the daily diet of people throughout the world. However, the consumption of rice and its products is sometimes limited by its high glycemic index due to its high starch content, low protein content and quality, and low bioavailability of minerals due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors. This has partly stimulated research interest in recent times toward the use of bioprocessing techniques such as germination as cheap and natural means to improve the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health properties of cereals, including rice, to partially achieve nutrition and food security in the developing regions of the world. This review highlights the impact of germination on the nutritional quality, health-promoting properties, and techno-functional characteristics of germinated brown rice grains and their products. The review demonstrated that germinated rice grains and their products have improved nutritional quality and digestibility, modified functional properties, and showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and anti-cardiovascular activities. Germination appears to be a suitable bioprocessing method to improve the nutritional quality and bioactive constituents and modify the techno-functional properties of rice grains for diverse food applications and improved global nutrition and food safety.

Health-promoting germinated rice and value-added foods: a comprehensive and systematic review of germination effects on brown rice

Over the last 30 years, thousands of articles have appeared examining the effects of soaking and germinating brown rice (BR). Variable germination conditions and methods have been employed to measure different health-beneficial parameters in a diverse germplasm of BR. Research results may therefore appear inconsistent with occasional anomalies, and it may be difficult to reach consensus concerning expected trends. Herein, we amassed a comprehensive review on germinated brown rice (GBR), attempting to codify 133 peer-reviewed articles regarding the effects on 164 chemical parameters related to health and nutrition in BR and in value-added food products. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) approach was used to direct the flow of the literature search. A pair-wise comparison t-test was performed to deliver an overall approach indicating when a given compound has been found to significantly increase or decrease through germination, which was grouped into GABA and polyamines, γ-Oryzanol and phytosterols, phenolic compounds, vitamins, proteins and amino acids, starchy carbohydrates, free sugars, lipids, minerals and phytic acid. This resource will stimulate interest in germinating rice and optimistically help increase both production and consumption of highly nutritious, health-beneficial rice with pigmented bran.

Effects of Heat-Moisture-Treated High-Amylose Rice Flour on Body Weight, Lipid Metabolism, and Gut Microbiome Composition in Obese Rats

The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, has increased the need for effective dietary interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat-moisture-treated high-amylose rice (HA-HMT) on body weight, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiome composition in a rat model of obesity. Starch digestibility-specifically, resistant starch-has been shown to provide various health benefits, including improved metabolic health and gut microbiome composition. We employed a sequential approach: firstly, utilizing diet-induced obesity rat models fed with HMT-processed and HMT-non-processed low- or high-amylose rice to investigate the potential of amylose content or HMT to alter phenotypic characteristics and lipid metabolism; and secondly, using the optimal rice flour identified in the previous step to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicate that heat-moisture treatment, rather than the level of the amylose content of the rice, contributes to the observed anti-obesity and cholesterol-lowering effects. We identified candidate genes contributing to the cholesterol-regulating potential and demonstrated that HMT rice flour could influence the gut microbiome, particularly the Ruminococcus taxa. This study provides valuable insights into the health benefits of HA-HMT rice and supports its potential as a functional food ingredient in the management of obesity and cholesterol-related disorders.

Nutritional and physicochemical changes in two varieties of fonio (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) during germination

Germination is a cheap and effective bioprocessing technique used for improvement of the nutritional, physicochemical and health-promoting properties of seeds. The benefits of germination on two fonio varieties (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) have not been studied. This study investigated the nutritional and physicochemical changes in two varieties of fonio germinated for 24, 48 and 72 h at 28 °C. The antioxidant, protein and starch digestibility, functional, pasting, and thermal properties were also determined. Germination over time (24, 48, 72 h) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the protein, ash, total dietary fiber, majority of the amino acids, minerals, protein digestibility, resistant starch, total phenolics and antioxidant activities while phytic acid, tannin, saponin and digestible starch contents decreased in both varieties. Germination significantly increased water and oil absorption capacity, and slightly modified pasting and thermal characteristics while bulk density decreased in both varieties. The principal component analysis revealed germination time to be the key determinant in the physicochemical, nutritional, and techno-functional characteristics of fonio rather than variety, with raw and 24 h germinated grains having similar attributes. The study established that germination improved the nutritional, antioxidant, and techno-functional properties of Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua, which can serve as novel food ingredients for product development.

Germinated Brown rice enhanced n-3 PUFA metabolism in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Brown rice (BR) has been considered as a potential strategy in improving T2DM. However, there are a lack of population-based trials on the association of Germinated brown rice (GBR) and diabetes.

AIMS

We aimed to explore the influence of GBR diet in T2DM patients for 3 months and whether this effect relates to serum fatty acids.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty T2DM patients have been enrolled and eligible subjects (n = 112, 61 female, 51 male) were randomly divided into GBR intervention group (n = 56) and control group (n = 56). Except those who lost follow-up and withdrew, final GBR group and control group consisted of 42 and 43 patients, respectively. Participants in GBR group were asked to consume 100 g/d GBR instead of equal refined grain (RG) for 3 months, while control group maintain their usual eating habits. A structured questionnaire was used for demographic information at baseline, and basic indicators were measured both at the beginning and end of the trail to evaluate plasma glucose and lipids levels.

RESULTS

In GBR group, mean dietary inflammation index (DII) decreased, indicating GBR intervention retarded patient inflammation. Besides, glycolipid related parameters, including FBG, HbA1c, TC and HDL, were all significantly lower than those in control group. Excitingly, fatty acid composition was changed by intake of GBR, especially n-3 PUFA and n-3/n-6 PUFA rate were significantly increased. Moreover, subjects in GBR group had higher levels of n-3 metabolites, such as RVE, MaR1 and PD1, reducing inflammatory effect. In contrast, n-6 metabolites, like LTB4 and PGE2 which could promote inflammatory effect, were lower in GBR group.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that diet with 100 g/d GBR for 3 months could really improve T2DM to some extent. This beneficial effect may be related to n-3 metabolites, namely inflammation changes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCRT-IOR-17013999, www.chictr.org.cn.

Composition, Microbiota, Mechanisms, and Anti-Obesity Properties of Rice Bran

Rice is a major cereal crop and a staple food for nearly 50% of people worldwide. Rice bran (RB) is a nutrient-rich by-product of rice processing. RB is rich in carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, lipids, minerals, and several trace elements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese). The extraction process and storage have influenced RB extracts and RB oil's quality. The RB composition has also varied on the rice cultivars. The color of RB indicates the richness of the bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins. γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and unsaturated fatty acids are major components of RB oil. It has been established that RB supplementation could improve the host's health status. Several preclinical and clinical studies have reported that RB has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anticolitis, and antidiabetic properties. The beneficial biological properties of RB are partially attributed to its ability to alter the host microbiome and help to maintain and restore eubiosis. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung disease, account for 74% of deaths worldwide. Obesity is a global health problem and is a major reason for the development of NCDs. The medical procedures for managing obesity are expensive and long-term health supplements are required to maintain a healthy weight. Thus, cost-effective natural adjuvant therapeutic strategy is crucial to treat and manage obesity. Several studies have revealed that RB could be a complementary pharmacological candidate to treat obesity. A comprehensive document with basic information and recent scientific results on the anti-obesity activity of RB and RB compounds is obligatory. Thus, the current manuscript was prepared to summarize the composition of RB and the influence of RB on the host microbiome, possible mechanisms, and preclinical and clinical studies on the anti-obesity properties of RB. This study suggested that the consumption of RB oil and dietary RB extracts might assist in managing obesity-associated health consequences. Further, extended clinical studies in several ethnic groups are required to develop dietary RB-based functional and nutritional supplements, which could serve as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy to treat obesity.

Eating Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Brown Rice Improved by Ascorbic Acid Treatments

The effects of ascorbic acid treatment alone and in combination with degreasing or hydrothermal treatment on eating quality and in vitro digestibility of brown rice were explored for improving poor mouthfeel and low digestibility, and the improvement mechanism was investigated. The results indicated that the texture of cooked brown rice was significantly improved by degreasing combined with ascorbic acid hydrothermal treatment; the hardness and chewiness decreased to the level of polished rice; the stickiness increased three times of the cooked untreated brown rice; and the sensory score and in vitro digestibility were significantly enhanced from 68.20 and 61.37% to 83.70 and 79.53%, respectively. In addition, the relative crystallinity and water contact angle of treated brown rice were respectively reduced from 32.74% and 113.39° to 22.55% and 64.93°, and normal temperature water uptake significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope showed that the separation of starch granules occurred inside cooked brown rice grain obviously. The improvement of eating quality and in vitro digestibility of brown rice is conducive to enhancing the consumers acceptance and human health.

Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the mechanisms of ultrasonication improvement of brown rice germination

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication treatment on the germination rate of brown rice. Brown rice grains were subjected to ultrasound (40 kHz/30 min) and then incubated for 36 h at 37 °C to germinate the seeds. Ultrasonic treatment increased the germination rate of brown rice by up to ∼28 % at 30 h. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the brown rice germination rate. Comparing the treated and control check samples, 867 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 638 upregulated and 229 downregulated), as well as 498 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including 422 up accumulated and 76 down accumulated. Multi-omics analysis revealed that the germination rate of brown rice was promoted by increased concentrations of low-molecular metabolites (carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates, fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, and analogues), and transcription factors (ARR-B, NAC, bHLH and AP2/EREBP families) as well as increased carbon metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of ultrasound in improving the brown rice germination rate and candidate DEGs and DAMs responsible for germination have been identified.

Impact of Germinated Brown Rice and Brown Rice on Metabolism, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiome in High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistant Mice

The constituents of germinated brown rice (GBR), brown rice (BRR), and white rice (WHR) and their impact on metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in high fat (HF) diet-fed mice were examined. The contents of total fiber and γ-aminobutyric acid in BRR and GBR were higher than that in WHR (p < 0.05). Male C57 BL/6J mice received HF diet+26 g% of WHR, BRR, or GBR for 12 weeks. BRR and GBR comparably reduced HF diet-induced increases in fasting plasma glucose, lipids, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers compared to WHR (p < 0.01). The abundance of fecal Bacteroidetes in mice fed HF+GBR or HF+BRR was higher than in HF+WHR-fed mice (p < 0.05). The abundance of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri in GBR-fed mice was greater than that in WHR- or BRR-fed mice (p < 0.05). The results indicated that GBR or BRR attenuated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation in mice. HF+GBR, but not HF+BRR, increased a probiotic bacteria in the gut.

Lipid Profiles in Preliminary Germinated Brown Rice Beverages Compared to Non-Germinated Brown and White Rice Beverages

Brown rice is nutritionally superior to white rice, yet oil rancidity can be problematic during processing and storage regarding sensory attributes. Germinating brown rice is known to generally increase some health-promoting compounds. In response to increasing the consumption of plant-based beverages, we sprouted unstabilized brown rice, using green technologies and saccharification enzymes for value-added beverages. ‘Rondo’ paddy rice was dehulled, sorted and germinated, and beverages were produced and compared against non-germinated brown and white brewers rice beverages. The preliminary germinated brown rice beverage contained significantly higher concentrations of total lipids, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, free sterols, phytosterol esters and oryzanols than both non-germinated brown and white rice beverages. White rice beverages had significantly higher free fatty acids. Significant lipid losses occurred during sieving, yet novel germinated brown rice beverages contained appreciable levels of valuable health-beneficial lipids, which appeared to form natural emulsions. Further pilot plant investigations should be scaled-up for pasteurization and adjusted through emulsification to ameliorate sieving losses.

Symbiotic and adverse interplay of hypogeal germination periods on brown rice (Oryza sativa): nutrient and non-nutrient characteristics

This study investigated the symbiotic and adverse consequence of hypogeal germination periods on nutrients and non-nutrient characteristics of brown rice (Oryza sativa). Brown rice paddy was subjected to hypogeal germination for 0–72 h using one-factor design-response surface methodology (OFD-RSM) and evaluated for nutrients and non-nutrient characteristics. The results showed that hypogeal germination caused a significant (p < 0.05) change in the proximate composition: protein (9.42–12.36%), fat (0.88–1.38%), ash (1.87–2.50%); anti-nutrients: saponin (2.03–2.22%), oxalate (2.44–3.45 mg/100 g), phytate (6.99–8.81 mg/100 g); functional properties: water absorption capacity, WAC (121.23–147.78%), oil absorption capacity, OAC (121.39–147.26%); antioxidants properties: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (35.30–43.60%), ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP (0.054–0.119 mMolFe2+), metal chelating activity, MCA (44.28–52.99%), total phenolic content, TPC (0.623–0.798 mg gallic acid equipvalent per gram (mgGAE/g)), total flavonoid content, TFC (43.47–50.63 mg rutin equivalent per gram (mgRUTIN/g)); and mineral content: calcium (36.0–41.76 mg/100 g), phosphorus (82.53–94.32 mg/100 g), and magnesium (162.70–168.36 mg/100 g). Germination had significant symbiotic effects (linear and quadratic) on the proximate, DPPH, FRAP, MCA, TPC, WAC, OAC, and anti-nutrients. Whereas, adverse effects (linear and quadratic) of germination were noted in total flavonoids and anti-nutrients. Optimum hypogeal germination period of 72.18 h was established and corresponding protein (12.37 g/100 g), fat (1.37 g/100 g), fibre (2.15 g/100 g), moisture (10.07 g/100 g), DPPH (43.66%), FRAP (0.105mMolFe2+), TPC (0.08mgGAE/g), TFC (50.25MgRUTIN/g), WAC (147.99%), OAC (147.29%), Calcium (41.77 mg/100 g), iron (0.207 mg/100 g), zinc (5.89 mg/100 g), phosphorus (94.77 mg/100 g). Phenolic compounds profile of the optimized germinated brown rice showed the presence of gallic acid (2.84 mg/100 g), 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (3.41 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (4.63 mg/100 g), vanillic acid (6.19 mg/100 g), catechin (3.88 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (1.93 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (4.16 mg/100 g), and quercetin (1.27 mg/100 g) whereas, the non-germinated rice showed gallic acid (2.05 mg/100 g), 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (2.53 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (4.11 mg/100 g), vanillic acid (6.08 mg/100 g), catechin (3.35 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (1.89 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (4.23 mg/100 g), and quercetin (1.29 mg/100 g). Hypogeal germinated brown rice could find application as a functional ingredient in food formulation.

Integrated Analysis of Metabolome and Volatile Profiles of Germinated Brown Rice from the Japonica and Indica Subspecies

In the present study, germinated brown rice (GBR) from three Japonica and three Indica rice cultivars were subjected to metabolomics analysis and volatile profiling. The statistical assessment and pathway analysis of the metabolomics data demonstrated that in spite of significant metabolic changes in response to the germination treatment, the Japonica rice cultivars consistently expressed higher levels of several health-promoting compounds, such as essential amino acids and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), than the Indica cultivars. No clear discriminations of the volatile profiles were observed in light of the subspecies, and the concentrations of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including alkenes, aldehydes, furans, ketones, and alcohols, all exhibited significant reductions ranging from 26.8% to 64.1% after the germination. The results suggest that the Japonica cultivars might be desirable as the raw materials for generating and selecting GBR food products for health-conscious consumers.

Potential use of ground brown rice for weanling pigs

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of substituting corn with ground brown rice on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota in weanling pigs. Seventy-two weanling pigs (28 d old with 6.78 ± 0.94 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments with six pens and six pigs (three barrows and gilts) per pen within a randomized complete block design. The control pigs were fed a typical diet for weanling pigs based on corn and soybean meal diet (control diet: CON), and the other pigs were fed a formulated diet with 100% replacement of corn with ground brown rice for 35d (treatment diet: GBR). Growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota of weanling pigs were measured. The substitution of corn with GBR did not affect growth performance or diarrhea frequency. Additionally, there were no differences in white blood cell number, hematocrit, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels between pigs fed CON or GBR for the first 2 wk after weaning. However, weanling pigs fed GBR had lower (P < 0.05) serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 level than those fed CON. Furthermore, weanling pigs fed GBR had increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus and Streptococcus and decreased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Clostridium and Prevotella in the gut microbiota compared with those fed CON. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in growth performance when corn was replaced with ground brown rice in diets for weanling pigs. Furthermore, the substitution of corn with ground brown rice in weaning diet modulated immune status and gut microbiota of pigs by increasing beneficial microbial communities and reducing harmful microbial communities. Overall, ground brown rice-based diet is a potential alternative to corn-based diet without negative effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota changes of weanling pigs.

A Cardiac Protection of Germinated Brown Rice During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery and Simulated Myocardial Ischemia

Purpose

The potential cardio-protective property of germinated brown rice (GBR) has been revealed by ameliorating risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases. This study hypothesized that the combination of GBR and cardioplegic solution could protect the cardiomyocytes exposed to simulated ischemic reperfusion injury in vitro study and preserve cardiac function during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in animal models.

Methods

Primary porcine cardiomyocytes were isolated and experimented cell viability against simulated ischemic reperfusion injury. In a cardiac surgical animal model, six pigs were randomly assigned to receive the two types of cardioplegic solution: i) St. Thomas cardioplegic solution (20 cc/kg); and ii) St. Thomas cardioplegic solution plus GBR (1 mg/kg). During open-heart surgery, the aorta was cross-clamped for 20 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 1 hour. Cardiopulmonary bypass parameters were recorded until the end of the procedure. Furthermore, hemodynamic parameters and arterial blood gas characteristics of animals among groups were monitored at different time points, including baseline before cardiopulmonary bypass (T1), during cardiopulmonary bypass (T2), during aortic clamp on (T3), and aortic clamp off (T4).

Results

Primarily, GBR cotreatment with cardioplegic solution essentially resulted in the improvement of cell viability in primary porcine cardiomyocytes against simulated ischemic reperfusion induction. The findings from cardiac surgery demonstrated that mean arterial pressure and heart rate are constantly stable in cardioplegic solution combined with the GBR group, while the trend of potassium and lactase concentration was decreased in the animals receiving GBR group. Consistently, all parameters from arterial blood gas showed better outcomes in animals receiving GBR; however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups, except hepatic enzymes.

Conclusion

Therefore, GBR might exert cardio-protective effects against ischemic reperfusion injury in the porcine cardiac surgery model due to anti-inflammatory response. These protective actions of GBR may explain the benefits gained from applying GBR products as a possible therapeutic supplement on cardiac diseases.

Plant sprout foods: Biological activities, health benefits, and bioavailability

Plant sprout foods exhibit a lot of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticancer, antidiabetes, anti-infection, and antiviral activities. Up to the present moment, plant sprout foods have received much attention due to their abundance, good bioavailability, and health benefits for human. This review highlights the biological activities of different plant sprout foods (viz., broccoli sprout, buckwheat sprout, wheat sprout, mung bean sprout, soybean sprout, and adkuzi bean sprout) using in vitro model, animal model, and human model. Furthermore, the bioavailability of plant sprout foods is also discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A review of the literature was conducted to biological activities of plant sprout foods, in addition to a summary of health benefits and bioavailability of sprout foods. Several biological activities of plant sprout foods with in vitro and in vivo evidence are currently unexplored in clinical trials, because the effects of sprout foods on human tissues and cells measured by tube test do not recapitulate the actual in vivo effects. Moreover, the safety of chemoprevention strategies using sprout foods that to protect against environmental exposures and other oxidative stress-related pathologies is important. Further research is warranted to evaluate bioavailability of individual forms.

Effects of extraction methods on protein properties obtained from paddy rice and germinated paddy rice

Rice protein has attracted considerable attention recently due to its physiological effects. This study extracted the proteins from paddy rice (PR) and germinated paddy rice (GPR) using three methods i.e., alkaline, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) reagent and enzymatic extractions. The extracted proteins or protein fractions were assessed for their properties using various techniques. Data were analyzed by 2'3 factorial design experiment. It was found that germination and extraction methods significantly affected the concentration of protein fractions when analyzed by Bradford assay. Average protein fraction concentration of the GPR was lower than that of PR. SDS-PAGE patterns of protein fractions obtained from PR and GPR using any extraction method displayed similar protein profiles. Three major protein bands at about 13 kDa (prolamin), 22-23 kDa (basic glutelin) and 37-39 kDa (acidic glutelin) with small amount of 57 kDa proglutelin were observed. For amino acid profile, germination increased the content of most amino acids, resulting in the higher content of amino acids in GPR, excepted for some amino acids. When processed with in vitro digestion, protein fractions from GPR exhibited a higher level of digestibility than those from PR as evidenced by the less intensity of the protein bands obtained from SDS-PAGE. Alkaline and SDS reagent extractions provided more digestible protein fractions than enzymatic extraction. Extraction methods also influenced phase transition of protein fractions as investigated by a DSC. Alkaline extraction resulted in protein fractions with higher phase transition temperature than the other methods. For antioxidant capacity, extraction methods as well as germination significantly affected antioxidant capacity of the protein fractions. Enzymatic extraction provided protein fractions with the best antioxidant capacity.

The Healthy Gluten-Free Diet: Practical Tips to Prevent Metabolic Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies in Celiac Patients

The gluten-free diet (GFD) is the cornerstone treatment for coeliac disease (CD). However, a healthy GFD is more complex than the only exclusion of gluten-containing foods. Most celiac patients do not receive nutritional advice and tend to consume industrial gluten-free products (GFPs), which often lack fiber, vitamins, and other micronutrients while being rich in saturated fats and refined sugars. This review focuses on the main potential metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies in CD patients at diagnosis and dissects the main nutritional and metabolic issues due to a non-balanced GFD. Nutritional tips to achieve an adequate dietary approach in CD are provided. We also compared the main nutritional components of naturally gluten-free cereals (including pseudocereals) to give an exhaustive overview of the possible healthy alternatives to processed GFPs. Clinicians and dietitians should be systematically involved in the diagnosis of CD to monitor the appropriateness of GFD and the patient’s nutritional status over time.

Bioactive Compounds from Germinated Brown Rice Protect Cardiomyocytes Against Simulated Ischemic/Reperfusion Injury by Ameliorating Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Purpose

Ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the principal mechanism during Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). The key modulator of I/R injury is dysregulation of mitochondria function. Germinated Brown Rice (GBR) has been recommended as a bio-functional food and has clarified the potential properties in several effects. However, the effect of GBR mediated cardioprotective properties, focusing on mitochondrial function’s role, remains unexplored. Thus, this study aims to investigate the cardioprotective effects of GBR pretreatment against simulated I/R injury.

Methods

H9c2 cardiomyocytes were incubated with GBR at a five ƞg/mL concentration for 24 hours and simulated I/R (sI/R) for 40 minutes. Cell viability and cell apoptosis were assessed by 7-AAD staining and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. The mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1 staining and mitochondrial respiration represented by oxygen consumption rate (OCR) using Seahorse Flux analyzer.

Results

The results revealed that the administration of GBR before sI/R significantly decreased the percentage of cell death and total cell apoptosis in H9c2 during stimulation of ischemic/reperfusion. Besides, pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with GBR remarkably stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and improved impaired mitochondrial respiration in simulated-H9c2 injury.

Conclusion

The present research is the first study to report the effective cardioprotection of GBR. Pretreatment of GBR potentially protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes against sI/R injury through mitochondrial function. The underlying therapeutic activities are possibly associated with its bio-functional compounds. However, the underlying mechanism on the cardioprotective effects of GBR needs further studies.

An untargeted metabolomic insight into the high-pressure stress effect on the germination of wholegrain Oryza sativa L

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technique is used as a novel abiotic stress factor for efficiently enhancing the biosynthesis of selected bioactive phytochemicals in germinated wholegrain, but the information about HHP stress-induced metabolic changes remains rather limited. Thus, the current work employed an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approach combining with multivariate models to analyze the effect of mild HHP stress (30 MPa/5 min) on the overall metabolome shifts of wholegrain brown rice (WBR) during germination. Simultaneously, major phenolics in germinated WBR (GBR) were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to explore the potential relationship between HHP stress-induced rice metabolome alternations and the biotransformation of bioactive components. The results demonstrated that the influence of HHP stress on GBR metabolite profiles was defined by germination durations, as revealed by the differentiation of the stressed grains from the naturally germinated grains at different germination points according to principal component analysis. This was further confirmed by the results of orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis, in which the discriminating metabolites between naturally germinated and HHP-stressed grains varied across the germination process. The metabolite signatures differentiating natural and HHP-stressed germination included glycerol-3-phosphate, monosaccharides, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2,3-butanediol, glyceryl-glycoside, amino acids and myo-inositol. Besides, HHP stress led to the increase in ribose, arabinitol, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as the reduced phenolic acids. These results demonstrated that HHP stress before germination matched with appropriate process parameters could be used as a promising technology to tailor metabolic features of germinated products, thus exerting targeted nutrition and health implications.

Influence of germinated brown rice-based flour modified by MAse on type 2 diabetic mice and HepG2 cell cytotoxic capacity

This study aimed to discover whether using maltogenic amylase (MAse) to modify starch in germinated brown rice flour may enhance slow digestion starch and release more bioactive compounds (BCs) content. To achieve this aim, the starch was modified with four levels of MAse (0 U, 133 U, 266 U and 399 U MAse/g flour) for 1 hr at pH 5 and then spray-dried to make modified flour. The biochemical impacts of the products were then accessed in normal and type 2 diabetic mice for 4 weeks. The result showed that when the starch was modified by MAse 266 U/g, a significant reduction of rapidly digested starch to 22.35% from 61.56%, an increase in slowly digested starch to 33.09% while resistant starch as 2.92% corresponding to the increase of γ-amino butyric acid to 528.1 ± 44.1 mg/L and 120.6 ± 10.9 mg/L of ferulic acid. The extract from modified flour showed very strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell (>80% inhibition). The result in vivo showed that the type-2 diabetic mice fed with this modified product could better improve the stability of the glycemic index. Also, atherosclerotic plaque assessment further supports these findings. The results indicated that BCs released considerably couple with the changes in starch properties caused by MAse enhanced the effectiveness of this product to diabetes as well as positive effect on cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell.

Impact of processing techniques on the glycemic index of rice

Rice is an important starchy staple food and generally, rice varieties are known to have a higher glycemic index (GI). Over the years, the significance of GI on human health is being better understood and is known to be associated with several lifestyle disorders. Apart from the intrinsic characteristics of rice, different food processing techniques are known to have implications on the GI of rice. This work details the effect of domestic and industrial-level processing techniques on the GI of rice by providing an understanding of the resulting physicochemical changes. An attempt has been made to relate the process-dependent digestion behavior, which in turn reflects on the GI. The role of food constituents is elaborated and the various in vitro and in vivo approaches that have been used to determine the GI of foods are summarized. Considering the broader perspective, the effect of cooking methods and additives is explained. Given the significance of the cereal grain, this work concludes with the challenges and key thrust areas for future research.

Oral Administration of Germinated, Pigmented, Giant Embryo Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Keunnunjami) Extract Improves the Lipid and Glucose Metabolisms in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. The effect of ethanol extract from germinated Keunnunjami, blackish-purple rice with a giant embryo, compare to ordinary brown rice, on the body weight and lipid and glucose metabolism in high-fat diet-fed mice was analyzed. Mice were fed with a high-fat diet-fed for 3 weeks and then orally administered with either distilled water (HF) or extract (0.25%, w/w) from brown, germinated brown, Keunnunjami, and germinated Keunnunjami rice for 4 weeks. Control mice were fed with a normal diet and orally administered with distilled water. The HF group showed markedly higher body weight and triglyceride, cholesterol, fatty acid, glucose, and insulin levels than the control group. However, the oral administration of rice extracts ameliorated this high-fat diet-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypoglycemia through the modulation of adipokine production, lipogenic and glucose-regulating enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of genes associated with lipid and glucose metabolism. The germinated Keunnunjami extract exhibited greater hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and body weight-lowering effects than the other rice extracts. The results demonstrated that germination could further enhance the physiological properties of rice and that germinated Keunnunjami extract has a strong therapeutic potential against high-fat diet-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

Phytic Acid in Brown Rice Can Be Reduced by Increasing Soaking Temperature

Phytic acid (PA) is a storage form of phosphorus in seeds. Phytase enzyme is activated at germination and hydrolyses PA into myo-inositol and inorganic phosphate. PA inhibits the absorption of minerals in the human intestine by chelation. Its degradation, therefore, is a key factor to improve mineral bioavailability in rice. Germinated brown rice (GBR) is favoured because it improves the availability of nutrients, and thus have a positive effect on health. In this study, we show the effects of soaking temperature on phytase activity and PA content in GBR. Rice phytase showed thermostability and its activity peaked at 50 °C. After 36 h of soaking, phytase activity was significantly increased at 50 °C and PA content was significantly decreased, compared to that at 30 °C. Zinc (Zn) analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in Zn content among different temperature treatments. Calculated total daily absorbed Zn (TAZ) was significantly higher in GBR compared with non-soaked seeds. Moreover, brown rice grains germinated at 50 °C showed a higher TAZ value than that at 30 °C. Seed germination and seed water soaking at high temperatures reduce PA content in brown rice showing a potentially effective way to improve mineral bioavailability in brown rice.

Lysine Bioavailability in School-Age Children Consuming Rice Is Reduced by Starch Retrogradation

BACKGROUND

Rice is one of the most commonly consumed cereal grains and is part of staple diets in the majority of the world. However, it is regarded as an incomplete protein, with lysine being a limiting amino acid.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to determine the bioavailability of lysine in school-age children consuming cooked white rice and to assess the effect of rice starch retrogradation.

METHODS

Bioavailability or metabolic availability (MA) of lysine was determined using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method in a repeated-measures design. Six healthy school-age children (3 boys, 3 girls) with a mean ± SD age of 6.8 ± 0.98 y randomly received 4 crystalline l-lysine intakes (2, 6, 10, 14 mg · kg-1 · d-1), and 5 rice intakes to provide lysine at 8, 11, or 14 mg · kg-1 · d-1. The 14 mg · kg-1 · d-1 intakes were measured twice as warm rice and once as cold rice (to assess the impact of starch retrogradation on MA). Diets provided protein at 1.5 g · kg-1 · d-1 and calories at 1.7 times the participant's measured resting energy requirement, and were isonitrogenous. Breath samples were collected at baseline and during an isotopic steady state for 13C enrichment measurement. The MA of lysine from rice was determined by comparing the IAAO response of rice with l-lysine using the slope-ratio and single intake methods. Starch retrogradation was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry.

RESULTS

MA of lysine in warm rice measured in school-age children was 97.5% and was similar to a repeated rice study (97.1%) within the same study population. MA of lysine was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) to 86.1% when the cooked rice was consumed cold, which corresponded to detectable starch retrogradation.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure the MA of lysine from rice in school-age children. Although the bioavailability of lysine from rice is high, it can be reduced by retrogradation of its starch component.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04135040.