Characterization of High-Value Bioactives in Some Selected Varieties of Pakistani Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study reports the composition and variation of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols and γ-oryzanol among selected varieties namely Basmati Super, Basmati 515, Basmati 198, Basmati 385, Basmati 2000, Basmati 370, Basmati Pak, KSK-139, KS-282 and Irri-6 of Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L). Oil content extracted with n-hexane from different varieties of brown rice seed (unpolished rice) ranged from 1.92% to 2.72%. Total fatty acid contents among rice varieties tested varied between 18240 and 25840 mg/kg brown rice seed. The rice tested mainly contained oleic (6841–10952 mg/kg) linoleic (5453–7874 mg/kg) and palmitic acid (3613–5489 mg/kg). The amounts of total phytosterols (GC and GC-MS analysis), with main contribution from β-sitosterol (445–656 mg/kg), campesterol (116–242 mg/kg), Δ5-avenasterol (89–178 mg/kg) and stigmasterol (75–180 mg/kg) were established to be 739.4 to 1330.4 mg/kg rice seed. The content of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols as analyzed by HPLC varied from 39.0–76.1, 21.6–28.1 and 6.5–16.5 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. The amounts of different γ-oryzanol components (HPLC data), identified as cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate, were in the range of 65.5–103.6, 140.2–183.1, 29.8–45.5 and 8.6–10.4 mg/kg rice seed, respectively. Overall, the concentration of these bioactives was higher in the Basmati rice cultivars showing their functional food superiority. In conclusion, the tested varieties of Pakistani rice, especially the Basmati cultivars, can provide best ingredients for functional foods

In Situ Trans-Esterification of Residual Oils in Spent Bleaching Clays from Vegetable Oil Refineries

Spent bleaching clays (SBCs) from vegetable oil refineries are industrial wastes. The clays contain large amount of oils (20-25%), which are good feedstock for biodiesels. Non-thermal in situ trans-methylation and trans-ethylation of oils in the SBC from rice bran oil (RBO), crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) are rapid and can be accomplished in minutes with an alkaline catalyst. Thus, the process may possibly be used for large scale preparation of ethyl biodiesel

Ferulic Acid Supplementation Improves Lipid Profiles, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Status in Hyperlipidemic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic compound found in vegetables and cereal grains. In vitro and animal studies have shown ferulic acid has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of ferulic acid supplementation on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in hyperlipidemia. The study design is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 24) was given ferulic acid (1000 mg daily) and the control group (n = 24) was provided with a placebo for six weeks. Lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed before and after the intervention. Ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (8.1%; p = 0.001), LDL-C (9.3%; p < 0.001), triglyceride (12.1%; p = 0.049), and increased HDL-C (4.3%; p = 0.045) compared with the placebo. Ferulic acid also significantly decreased the oxidative stress biomarker, MDA (24.5%; p < 0.001). Moreover, oxidized LDL-C was significantly decreased in the ferulic acid group (7.1%; p = 0.002) compared with the placebo group. In addition, ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the inflammatory markers hs-CRP (32.66%; p < 0.001) and TNF-α (13.06%; p < 0.001). These data indicate ferulic acid supplementation can improve lipid profiles and oxidative stress, oxidized LDL-C, and inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects. Therefore, ferulic acid has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors

Extraction of &#947-oryzanol from rice bran Extração de γ-oryzanol de farelo de arroz

&#947;-oryzanol, a phytochemical, has antioxidant activities and potential health benefits. In this study, we aimed to develop a method for extracting high amounts of &#947;-oryzanol from rice bran and for verifying its stability in different solvents. Of the 5 methods under investigation, the one that yielded the highest &#947;-oryzanol content was further improved by using a central composite rotational design (DCCR - 2(4), including 8 tests in axial conditions and 4 central points, totaling 28 trials). The parameters under study were temperature, time, volume, and the ratio of hexane:isopropanol. High &#947;-oryzanol content (13.98 mg.g-1) was obtained by using the following extraction conditions: 40° C, 40 min, and 75 mL hexane:isopropanol (1:3). The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 0.9 µg g-1 and 31 µg g-1, respectively. The instrumental precision was 0.004%, the repeatability (CVr) was 9.4%, and the recovery was 111.7 ± 17.7%. &#947;-oryzanol is more stable in isopropanol than in hexane, in which 100% concentration could be maintained after refrigeration for 72 days.<br>&#947;-orizanol, um fitoquímico, tem atividade antioxidante e benefícios potenciais para saúde. Esse estudo objetivou desenvolver um método para extração de alta quantidade de &#947;-orizanol de farelo de arroz e verificar sua estabilidade em diferentes solventes. Dentre os cinco métodos estudados, o que teve maior rendimento em &#947;-orizanol foi melhorado, usando um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR - 2(4), incluindo 8 experimentos no ponto axial e 4 no ponto central, totalizando 28 experimentos). As variáveis testadas foram temperatura, tempo, volume e proporção de hexano: isopropanol usados na extração. Elevado conteúdo de &#947;-orizanol (13,98 mg g-1) foi obtido quando as condições de extração foram 40° C, 40 min e 75 mL de hexano:isopropanol (1:3). Os limites de detecção e quantificação do método foram 0,9 µg g-1 e 31,0 µg g-1, respectivamente. A precisão instrumental foi 0,004%, a repetibilidade (CVr) 9,4% e a recuperação 111,7 ± 17,7%. &#947;-orizanol é mais estável em isopropanol do que em hexano, onde 100% da concentração foi mantida após refrigeração por 72 dias