Search Results (57)

Due to the stroke-protective effects of dietary fiber and anthocyanin together with the synergistic interaction, we hypothesized that the functional drink containing the anthocyanins and dietary fiber-enriched functional ingredient from banana and germinated black Jasmine rice (BR) should protect against ischemic stroke. BR at doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg body weight (BW) was orally given to male Wistar rats weighing 290–350 g once daily for 21 days, and they were subjected to ischemic reperfusion injury induced by temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO/IR) for 90 min. The treatment was prolonged for 21 days after MCAO/IR. They were assessed for brain infarction volume, neuron density, Nrf2, MDA, and catalase in the cortex together with serum TNF-α and IL-6. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces were also assessed. Our results showed that BR improved the increase in brain infarcted volume, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 and the decrease in neuron density, Nrf2, catalase, and both bacteria spp. induced by MCAO/IR. These data suggest the stroke-protective effect of the novel functional drink, and the action may involve the improvement of Nrf2, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. Full article

The occurrence of anthocyanins in rice (Oryza sativa) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) varies among cultivars, with pigmented varieties (e.g., black rice and purple barley) accumulating higher concentrations due to genetic and environmental factors. The biosynthesis of anthocyanins is regulated by a complex network of structural and regulatory genes. Key enzymes in the pathway include chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT). These genes are tightly controlled by transcription factors (TFs) from the MYB, bHLH (basic helix–loop–helix), and WD40 repeat families, which form the MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40) regulatory complex. In rice, OsMYB transcription factors such as OsMYB3, OsC1, and OsPL (Purple Leaf) interact with OsbHLH partners (e.g., OsB1, OsB2) to activate anthocyanin biosynthesis. Similarly, in barley, HvMYB genes (e.g., HvMYB10) coordinate with HvbHLH TFs to regulate pigment accumulation. Environmental cues, such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability, further modulate these TFs, influencing the production of anthocyanin. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in rice and barley provides opportunities for the development of biofortification strategies that enhance their nutritional value. Full article

In this study, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to conduct untargeted metabolomics analysis on black rice (BR), milled black rice (MBR), wet germinated black rice (WBR), and high-temperature and high-pressure-treated WBR (HTP-WBR). A total of 6988 positive ions and 7099 negative ions (multiple difference ≥1.2 or ≤0.8333, p < 0.05, and variable importance in projection ≥1) were isolated, and 98 and 100 differential metabolic pathways were identified between the different samples in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Distinctive variations in the metabolic compositions of BR, MBR, WBR, and HTP-WBR were observed. Flavonoids, fatty acids, lipids, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, benzenoids, and organooxygen were the dominant differential metabolites. Milling removed the majority of bran-associated bioactive components such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, micronutrients, fatty acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The germination process significantly reduced the number of flavonoids, polyketides, and lipid-related metabolites, while enzymatic activation notably increased the number of organic acids and amino acids. HTP treatment synergistically enhanced the content of heat-stable flavonoids and polyketides, while simultaneously promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. These findings establish novel theoretical foundations for optimizing processing methodologies and advancing functional characterization in black rice product development. Full article

Colored rice (black, purple, red and brown) has been consumed in China for nearly 4000 years. Recent research has focused on exploring its nutritional and metabolomic profiles and associated health benefits. Due to the improvement in detection and quantification techniques for health-promoting compounds and their activities, the number of studies has increased significantly. In this regard, a timely and updated review of research on nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and metabolite content and composition can significantly enhance consumer awareness. Here, we present a detailed and up-to-date understanding and comparison of the nutritional and phytochemical (metabolite) composition of colored rice. While earlier literature reviews focus on either single type of colored rice or briefly present nutritional comparison or bioactivities, here we present more detailed nutrient profile comparison (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins), together with the most recent comparative data on phytochemicals/metabolites (flavonoids, anthocyanins, fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives, phenolic acids, organic acids, alkaloids, and others). We discuss how metabolomics has broadened the scope of research by providing an increasing number of detected compounds. Moreover, directions on the improvement in colored rice nutritional quality through breeding are also presented. Finally, we present the health-beneficial activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and antitumor activities) of different colored rice varieties, together with examples of the clinical trials, and discuss which bioactive substances are correlated with such activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation can result from exposure to bacterial particles, leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These effects may cause irreversible respiratory damage, contributing to persistent lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as observed in long COVID or bacterial pneumonia in older adults’ patients. Given its profound impact, the NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as a key therapeutic target for mitigating aberrant inflammatory responses. Methods: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Kum Akha black rice, a functional food, on the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway using lipopolysaccharide-induced A549 lung epithelial cells and a C57BL/6NJcl mouse model. The anthocyanin-rich fraction from Kum Akha black rice germ and bran extract (KA1-P1) was obtained using a solvent-partitioned extraction technique. Results: KA1-P1 exhibited a high anthocyanin content (74.63 ± 1.66 mg/g extract) as determined by the pH differential method. The HPLC analysis revealed cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G: 45.58 ± 0.48 mg/g extract) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G: 6.92 ± 0.29 mg/g extract) as its anthocyanin’s active compounds. Additionally, KA1-P1 demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays. KA1-P1 (12.5–100 μg/mL) possessed inhibitory effects on LPS + ATP-induced A549 lung cells inflammation through the significant suppressions of NLRP3, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 mRNA levels and the inhibition of cytokine secretions in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Mechanistic analysis revealed that KA1-P1 downregulated key proteins in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and cleaved-caspase-1). Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated that KA1-P1 significantly diminished LPS-induced lower respiratory inflammation in C57BL/6NJcl mice, as evidenced by the reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18) and diminished histopathological inflammatory lung lesions. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of KA1-P1 may support its application as a functional supplement or promote the consumption of pigmented rice among the elderly to mitigate chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Full article

Pigmented rice, particularly the black and red varieties, is popular due to its better nutritional value. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are two major flavonoid subcategories with broad physiological functions and therapeutic significance. However, pigment deposition is a complex process, and the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. This review explores the metabolites responsible for the pigmentation in various rice tissues. Moreover, the current challenges, feasible strategies, and potential future directions in pigmented rice research are reported. Full article

As an agri-food by-product, the rice bran of pigmented rice, encompassing varieties such as red, black, and purple rice, has garnered increasing attention due to its richness in terms of bioactive compounds. Being mainly composed of the pericarp, aleuron, seed coat, and germ, the brown outer layer of the rice kernel offers potential health benefits and has applications in skincare. Human skin serves as the primary barrier against external threats, including pathogens, pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Notably, UV radiation accelerates the aging process and contributes to various skin issues. Recent trends suggest a heightened interest in incorporating pigmented rice into skincare regimens, motivated by its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and pigmentation, which are pivotal factors in skin aging and photodamage. With increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, pigmented rice has emerged as a promising candidate within the skincare and personal care sectors, effectively bridging the gap between nutrition and dermatological health. This review examines the applications of pigmented rice in skincare, with a particular focus on its bioactive components and potential mechanisms of action that contribute to skin health. The unique chemical composition of pigmented rice, which includes compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamin E, underlies its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. Despite the increasing recognition of its benefits, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited, underscoring the necessity for further research to exploit the potential of pigmented rice in skincare applications fully. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the renal protective effects of black rice anthocyanins (BRAs) against renal injury in mice induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Methods: The renal aging mouse model was established by thirteen consecutive weeks of subcutaneous injections of D-gal. The serum levels of urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), uric acid (UA), antioxidant enzymes (e.g., GSH-Px and SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as the contents of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in kidney tissues were evaluated. Additionally, the relative expression of the NQO1, HO-1, IKKβ, NF-kBp65, and TLR4 proteins was examined. Results: BRA treatment significantly reduced serum levels of BUN, and CRE increased the concentrations of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity in renal tissues, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, BRAs restored the relative expression of the NQO1, HO-1, IKKβ, NF-kBp65, and TLR4 proteins to normal levels and promoted the recovery of the renal tissue architecture. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that BRAs could potentially prevent and protect against kidney injury by modulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and modulating the gut microflora. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of BRAs as a natural bioactive substance in the field of nephroprotection, especially against the renal degeneration that accompanies the aging process. Full article

We hypothesized that consumption of a diet containing the functional ingredient from black sticky rice, which is rich in anthocyanin, over a five-day period would improve anxiety, depression, and stress perception in adult volunteers based on the benefits of this compound. In this study, a total of 46 male and female adult volunteers with mild and moderate stress level were assigned to groups consuming a breakfast meal containing an anthocyanin-enriched functional ingredient at doses of 2 and 4 g per day for 5 days. The volunteers consumed three meals with a low DII but high DAQ-S, and the total calories consumed during the study period was 2000 kcal/day. Mental well-being, including depression, anxiety, and stress, together with AChE, MAO, Nrf2, 8OHdG, MDA, and the density of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Safety parameters were also examined. A diet containing both doses of the anthocyanin-enriched functional ingredient with a low DII but high DAQ-S was found to improve anxiety, depression, and stress, with changes in 8-OHdG and IL-6 levels. No other changes and toxicity-related parameters were observed. Our results show that the novel functional ingredient can improve anxiety, depression, and stress perception partly by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation; however, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with a larger sample size should be performed to confirm this benefit. Full article

Rice varieties with high anthocyanin content are often recognized for their vibrant colors and health benefits. The demand for rice with high anthocyanin is increasing domestically and internationally due to consumers becoming more health-conscious. However, the current increase in yield might not raise the anthocyanin content due to its location in the grain pericarp and seed coat, which are relative to the grain surface area. This study aims to develop rice lines to increase anthocyanin yield per production area by improving rice varieties with small, black, and three grains per spikelet. Accordingly, six rice recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were bred by crossing Niaw Dam Chaw Mai Pai 49 (NDCMP49) with Khao Nok (LLR059). The grain color, size, and number of grains per spikelet were selected from the F₁ to the F₄ population through the pedigree selection method. Six RILs and their parents were assigned in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under field conditions during the rainy season of 2021 and 2022 in four locations. The results showed statistically significant differences in environmental conditions, affecting productivity and the yield components of rice lines. Consequently, the rice lines adapted to a specific environment, and there were significant differences in genotype. This study identified three RILs with higher yield performance (13-1 (3842 kg/ha), 374-1 (3699 kg/ha), and 903-3 (3550 kg/ha)) compared with the parent NDCMP49 (1996 kg/ha). However, the grain yields were unstable in the three top-yielding RILs due to varying environmental conditions, indicating that selective breeding requires a specific, narrow environment. Based on grain yield and grain size, the RILs performed better in the grain surface area than in the parent NDCMP49. Moreover, only two RILs (374-1 and 903-3) produced the highest anthocyanin content and yield, although this was lower than in the parent NDCMP49. However, the 374-1 and 903-3 RILs produced more grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet with high yield and moderate anthocyanin content. They can, therefore, be backcrossed to the parent NDCMP49 to increase the accumulated anthocyanin content with a stable, high yield. This work provides a resource of small grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet in the rice breeding line for breeding programs in the future. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population. An accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles causes degeneration of neurons, leading to neuronal cell death. The anthocyanin-rich fraction of black rice (Oryza sativa L. variety “Luem Pua”) bran (AFBRB), extracted using a solution of ethanol and water and fractionated using Amberlite XAD7HP column chromatography, contains a high anthocyanin content (585 mg of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and 24 mg of peonidin-3-O-glucoside per gram of the rich extract), which has been found to reduce neurodegeneration. This study focused on the neuroprotective effects of AFBRB in Aβ_25–35-induced toxicity in the human neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-SH). SK-N-SH was exposed to Aβ_25–35 (10 µM) to induce an AD cell model in vitro. Pretreatment with AFBRB (0.1, 1, or 10 µg/mL) or C3G (20 µM) was conducted for 2 h prior to the treatment with Aβ_25–35 (10 µM) for an additional 24 h. The results indicate that AFBRB can protect against the cytotoxic effect of Aβ_25–35 through attenuation of intracellular ROS production, downregulation of the expression of the proteins Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3, upregulation of the expression of Bcl-2 in the mitochondrial death pathway, and reduction in the expression of the three major markers of ER stress pathways in similar ways. Interestingly, we found that pretreatment with AFBRB significantly alleviated Aβ-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, and apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells. This suggests that AFBRB might be a potential therapeutic agent in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Pigmented rice grains are important resources for health and nutritional perspectives. Thus, a thorough dissection of the variation of nutrients and bioactive metabolites in different colored rice is of global interest. This study applied LC–MS-based widely targeted metabolite profiling and unraveled the variability of metabolites and nutraceuticals in long grain/non-glutinous black (BR), red (RR), green (GR), and white rice (WR) grains. We identified and classified 1292 metabolites, including five flavonoid compounds specific to BR. The metabolite profiles of the four rice grains showed significant variation, with 275–543 differentially accumulated metabolites identified. Flavonoid (flavone, flavonol, and anthocyanin) and cofactor biosynthesis were the most differentially regulated pathways among the four rice types. Most bioactive flavonoids, anthocyanidins (glycosylated cyanidins and peonidins), phenolic acids, and lignans had the highest relative content in BR, followed by RR. Most alkaloids, amino acids and derivatives, lipids, and vitamins (B6, B3, B1, nicotinamide, and isonicotinic acid) had higher relative contents in GR than others. Procyanidins (B1, B2, and B3) had the highest relative content in RR. In addition, we identified 25 potential discriminatory biomarkers, including fagomine, which could be used to authenticate GR. Our results show that BR and RR are important materials for medicinal use, while GR is an excellent source of nutrients (amino acids and vitamins) and bioactive alkaloids. Moreover, they provide data resources for the science-based use of different colored rice varieties in diverse industries. Full article

Accumulation of phytochemicals in vegetative tissue under nitrogen (N) stress as an adaptive strategy has been investigated in various crops, but the effect of applied N on grain phytochemicals is poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of applied N on the biosynthesis and accumulation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain anthocyanin and γ-oryzanol under different ultraviolet-B (UV-B) conditions in a controlled pot trial using two distinct black rice genotypes. The response of grain anthocyanin and γ-oryzanol content to applied N was genotype-dependent but was not altered by UV-B conditions. Applied N increased grain anthocyanin and decreased γ-oryzanol content in genotype SCU212 but had no significant effect in genotype SCU254. The expression of the OsKala3 regulatory gene was significantly upregulated in response to applied N in SCU212, while the expressions of OsKala4 and OsTTG1 were unchanged. The expression of all three regulatory genes was not significantly affected in SCU254 with applied N. Key anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were upregulated in grain by N application, which indicates that the common increase in anthocyanin in vegetative tissues under N deprivation does not hold true for reproductive tissues. Hence, any future approach to target higher content of these key phytochemicals in grains should be genotype-focused. Full article

The study investigates the structural and chemical properties of brown rice flour (WRF), black rice flour (BRF) and their mixtures in ratios of 25%, 50% and 75% to provide reference information for the gluten-free bakery industry. BRF contains higher concentrations of proteins, lipids, total minerals, crude fiber, total polyphenols, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids than WRF. A higher amylose content in BRF than in WRF resulted in flour mixtures with slower starch digestion and a lower glycemic response depending on the BRF ratio added. Differences in the chemical composition of WRF and BRF led to improved composition of the flour mixtures depending on the BRF ratio. The presence of anthocyanidins and phenolic acids in higher concentrations in the BRF resulted in a red–blue color shift within the flour mixtures. The deconvoluted FTIR spectra showed a higher proportion of α-helixes in the amide I band of BRF proteins, indicating their tighter folding. An analysis of the FTIR spectra revealed a more compact starch structure in BRF than in WRF. By processing reflection spectra, nine optically active compound groups were distinguished in rice flour, the proportion in BRF being 83.02% higher than in WRF. Due to co-pigmentation, the bathochromic shift to higher wavelengths was expressed by the proanthocyanins and phenolic acids associated with the wavelengths 380 nm to 590 nm and at 695 nm. Anthocyanins, protein–tannin complexes, methylated anthocyanins and acylated anthocyanins, associated with wavelengths 619, 644 and 668 nm, exhibited a hypsochromic effect by shifting the wavelengths to lower values. This research represents a first step in the development of rice-based products with increased nutritional value and a lower glycemic index. Full article

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is primarily caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a widely occurring natural anthocyanin with multiple biological activities. This study aims to investigate the effects of C3G isolated from black rice on ALD and explore the potential mechanism. C57BL/6J mice (male) were fed with standard diet (CON) and Lieber-DeCarli liquid-fed (Eth) or supplemented with a 100 mg/kg/d C3G Diet (Eth-C3G), respectively. Our results showed that C3G could effectively ameliorate the pathological structure and liver function, and also inhibited the accumulation of liver lipids. C3G supplementation could partially alleviate the injury of intestinal barrier in the alcohol-induced mice. C3G supplementation could increase the abundance of Norank_f_Muribaculaceae, meanwhile, the abundances of Bacteroides, Blautia, Collinsella, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Prevotella, [Ruminococcus]_gnavus_group, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Romboutsia, Streptococcus, Bilophila, were decreased. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that 12 distinct genera were correlated with blood lipid levels. Non-targeted metabolic analyses of cecal contents showed that C3G supplementation could affect the composition of intestinal metabolites, particularly bile acids. In conclusion, C3G can attenuate alcohol-induced liver injury by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient against alcoholic liver disease. Full article