Search Results (21)

This study explores the valorization of agro-industrial by-products—riceberry broken rice (RBR) and soybean meal (SBM)—as cost-effective substrates for enhancing exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Bacillus tequilensis PS21. Eight Bacillus strains were screened, and B. tequilensis PS21 demonstrated the highest EPS yield (2.54 g/100 mL DW). The EPS displayed a strong antioxidant capacity with 65.5% DPPH and 80.5% hydroxyl radical scavenging, and a FRAP value of 6.51 mg Fe²⁺/g DW. Antimicrobial testing showed inhibition zones up to 10.07 mm against Streptococcus agalactiae and 7.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Optimization using central composite design (CCD) and the response surface methodology (RSM) revealed the best production at 5% (w/v) RBR, 3% (w/v) SBM, pH 6.66, and 39.51 °C, yielding 39.82 g/L EPS. This EPS is a moderate-molecular-weight (11,282 Da) homopolysaccharide with glucose monomers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an amorphous pattern, favorable for solubility in biological applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated thermal stability up to ~250 °C, supporting its suitability for high-temperature processing. EPS also exhibited anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 226.60 µg/mL (MCF-7) and 224.30 µg/mL (HeLa) at 72 h, reduced colony formation, inhibited cell migration, and demonstrated anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase effects. This study demonstrates the successful valorization of agro-industrial by-products—RBR and SBM—for the high-yield production of multifunctional EPS with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The findings highlight the sustainable potential of these low-cost substrates in supporting the development of green and value-added bioproducts, with promising utilizations across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Background: Antioxidants and prebiotics are popular functional foods known for their distinct physiological ameliorating benefits on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Whether and how a combined antioxidant-prebiotic supplement affects primary and secondary T2DM outcomes is not known. Objectives: We investigated the therapeutic effects of an antioxidant (anthocyanin from riceberry rice) combined with prebiotics (dietary fibre from rice bran and Jerusalem artichoke) on glucose control, lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiorespiratory fitness in T2DM patients. Methods: A total of 60 T2DM patients were randomly assigned to receive antioxidant/prebiotic (supplement group, SG) or maltodextrin (control group, CG), (two capsules (350 mg)/meal after three meals and before bedtime, 2.8 g/day), for 60 days. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after 60 days intervention to assess blood metabolic variables (glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles, renal and liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation). Nutrition status, anthropometry, body composition (DEXA) and cardiorespiratory fitness were also measured. Results: Analysis of co-variance showed superior effects on T2DM’s glucose and lipid profiles in the SG compared with the CG including reduced fasting blood glucose (p = 0.01 within-group effects, p = 0.03 interaction effects), reduced glycated haemoglobin (p = 0.004 within-group effects, p = 0.002 interaction), and reduced low density lipoprotein (p = 0.006 within-group effects, p = 0.02 interaction effects). No significant change was found within the CG for any of these parameters. Kidney function’s glomerular filtration rate was also improved in the SG (p = 0.01 within-group effects), but not in the placebo CG. Intermediatory biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiorespiratory fitness were not significantly affected in either group with no interaction effects. No adverse effects were detected following the 60-day supplementation intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a combined anthocyanin-fibre may be promoted as an adjacent therapy in patients with T2DM, but the intermediary mechanisms of action require further research. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in oxidative stress and cellular damage, underscoring the importance of identifying potent antioxidants. This research focuses on the antioxidant capabilities of Riceberry™-derived peptides and their protective effects against oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in L929 cells. By simulating human digestion, Riceberry™ protein hydrolysate was generated, from which antioxidant peptides were isolated using OFFGEL electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS. Notably, an octapeptide (VPAGVAHW) from the hydrolysate demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, particularly against oxidative stress induced by iodoacetic acid (IAA) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ER stress caused by tunicamycin (TM) in L929 cells. This peptide’s effectiveness was evident in its dose-dependent ability to enhance cell viability and mitigate stress effects, although its efficiency varied with the stress inducer. Our study suggests that Riceberry™-derived peptides could serve as a promising natural antioxidant with potential benefits for health promotion and applications in the food industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Full article

Pigmented rice varieties are abundant in phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds are modified in the gastrointestinal tract. After in vitro simulated digestion, changes in antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins) in purple rice brans (Hom Nil and Riceberry) were compared with undigested crude extracts. The digestion method was conducted following the INFOGEST protocol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assays. The bioaccessibility index (BI) was calculated from the ratio of digested to undigested soluble phenolic content. Overall results showed that the in vitro simulated digested rice brans had lower antioxidant activity and lower total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. However, the concentration of sinapic acid was stable, while other phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, ρ-coumaric, and ferulic acids) degraded after the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. The BI of sinapic, gallic, vanillic, and ferulic acids remained stable, and the BI of quercetin was resistant to digestion. Conversely, anthocyanins degraded during the intestinal phase. In conclusion, selective phenolic compounds are lost along the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that controlled food delivery is of further interest. Full article

Overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has generated bacterial resistance and altered the ecology. Aquacultural disease control requires an environmentally sustainable approach. Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as bioimmunostimulants have not been extensively explored in aquaculture. This study investigated EPS produced from 5% w/v riceberry broken rice as a carbon source and 1% w/v soybean meal as a nitrogen source by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 from milk kefir grain for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant activities and resistance to pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The FTIR spectrum of EPS confirmed the characteristic bonds of polysaccharides, while the HPLC chromatogram of EPS displayed only the glucose monomer subunit, indicating its homopolysaccharide feature. This EPS (20 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH scavenging activity of 65.50 ± 0.31%, an FRAP value of 2.07 ± 0.04 mg FeSO₄/g DW, and antimicrobial activity (14.17 ± 0.76 mm inhibition zone diameter) against S. agalactiae EW1 using the agar disc diffusion method. Five groups of Nile tilapia were fed diets (T1 (Control) = 0.0, T2 = 0.1, T3 = 0.2, T4 = 1.0, and T5 = 2.0 g EPS/kg diet) for 90 days. Results showed that EPS did not affect growth performances or body composition, but EPS (T4 + T5) significantly stimulated neutrophil levels and serum lysozyme activity. EPS (T5) significantly induced myeloperoxidase activity, catalase activity, and liver superoxide dismutase activity. EPS (T5) also significantly increased the survival of fish at 80.00 ± 5.77% at 14 days post-challenge with S. agalactiae EW1 compared to the control (T1) at 53.33 ± 10.00%. This study presents an efficient method for utilizing agro-industrial biowaste as a prospective source of value-added EPS via a microbial factory to produce a bio-circular green economy model that preserves a healthy environment while also promoting sustainable aquaculture. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal ratio of a mixture of Thai riceberry rice flour, Job’s tears flour, and black sesame seeds in developing a healthy cereal granola bar. Based on the experimental mixture design of 10 formulations of a granola bar, the mixture ratio of riceberry rice flour, Job’s tears flour, and black sesame seeds affected the quality of the cereal granola bar in terms of its physicochemical and sensory properties, and the differences were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The main ingredients of the granola bar formulation that was well accepted were riceberry rice flour (5%), Job’s tears flour (35%), and black sesame seeds (5%). The peak viscosity of riceberry rice flour and Job’s tears flour, as measured by the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), was 943.67 ± 49.60 cP and 1329.00 ± 10.71 cP, respectively. This product showed the highest overall liking score of 7.27 ± 0.64 with a water activity of 0.53 and a moisture content of 11.54%. These results suggest that the prepared local cereal granola bar can be a promising food product with nutritional value and antioxidant content. The addition of Job’s tears flour and riceberry rice flour improved the texture of the granola bars. Full article

The environment is the main factor affecting variations in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in rice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of grain yield, phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of six rice genotypes. Six rice genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at three locations in Trat, Bangkok and Sakon Nakhon provinces in July–October 2019. Data on grain yield, yield components, total phenolic content, ferulic acid and antioxidant capacity were recorded. Grain yield was highest for crops grown in Bangkok, whereas antioxidant activity was highest for crops grown in Bangkok and Sakon Nakhon. Hom Nang Nual 1 and Mali Nil Boran had the highest grain yield. Riceberry had the highest grain yield in Trat; it also had high levels of total phenolic compounds, ferulic acid and antioxidant activity. Mali Nil Boran, Mali Nil Surin and Riceberry had the most stable total phenolic content, ferulic acid and antioxidant activity, respectively. Information on the levels and variability of phytochemicals in rice enables the selection of genotypes with high and stabile phytochemicals for production and rice breeding. Full article

Ultraviolet type B (UVB) radiation plays an important role in hyperpigmentation disorder, which induces cellular oxidative stress and causes abnormal melanin production and secretion. The stress condition plays an essential role in actin polymerization relating to F-actin rearrangement and forms dendrite to send melanin pigment to the uppermost layer of the skin. Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites that mainly synthesize under stress conditions to protect plants from harmful environments and have been reported as effective agents in anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenesis. However, the influence of phenolic compounds on F-actin rearrangement-associated dendrite formation has not been studied so far. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the enhancing phytophenolic targets in riceberry rice (Oryza sativa L.) germination and UVB radiation (RR-GR) to suppress melanogenesis relating to F-rearrangement. As a result, the RR-GR had the potential to enhance phenolic acids such as protocatechuic and vanillic acid, which have been proven to possess anti-oxidant activity and anti-tyrosinase properties. Riceberry rice’s modification showed the potential to reduce cellular oxidative stress and suppress B16F10 melanogenesis relating to F-actin rearrangement that is associated with dendrite formation. Full article

Iron (Fe) deficiency in humans caused by inadequate dietary intake is a global nutritional problem. The field experiments in this paper were conducted in the same paddy field over two consecutive years during the dry seasons of 2017 and 2018. The aims of the experiments were to evaluate the effects of iron application methods (soil or foliar alone and a combination of soil + foliar) on the Fe content in brown rice grain and to compare the grain yields of three rice cultivars, namely Chinat1 (poor Fe grain concentration), Riceberry and Tubtim Chumpae (rich Fe grain concentration). The results show that all iron application methods significantly increase the iron content of brown rice grains in comparison with non-iron application in two cropping years. The iron application to the soil combined with foliar gave the highest iron content in the brown rice grain. However, the responses to the iron application methods were different among rice cultivars. The highest grain iron contents of Chainat1 and Riceberry were shown in the combination of soil and foliar application, whereas Tubtim Chumpae had the highest grain iron content in the foliar application alone. The differences in grain yield were affected by the rice cultivar, but not by iron application methods. The Chainat1 produced the highest grain yield. In addition, Chainat1 had the strongest correlation between brown rice grain iron content and grain yield for both cropping years. Full article

Riceberry has recently been acknowledged for its beneficial pharmacological effects. Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) exhibited anti-proliferation activity in various cancer cell lines. However, animal studies of RBBO on anti-carcinogenicity and its molecular inhibitory mechanism have been limited. This study purposed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of RBBO on the carcinogen-induced liver and colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. Rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and further orally administered with RBBO equivalent to 100 mg/kg body weight of γ-oryzanol 5 days/week for 10 weeks. RBBO administration suppressed preneoplastic lesions including hepatic glutathione S-transferase placental form positive foci and colorectal aberrant crypt foci. Accordingly, RBBO induced hepatocellular and colorectal cell apoptosis and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, RBBO effectively promoted the alteration of gut microbiota in DEN- and DMH-induced rats, as has been shown in the elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. This outcome was consistent with an increase in butyrate in the feces of carcinogen-induced rats. The increase in butyrate reflects the chemopreventive properties of RBBO through the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory properties and cell apoptosis induction in preneoplastic cells. This would indicate that RBBO containing γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, and tocols holds significant potential in the prevention of cancer. Full article

This study highlights the dynamics of phenolic acids, antioxidation, and 4-vinylguaiacol in beer produced with dark purple rice malt, also known as Riceberry rice malt, as an adjunct and base malt. Riceberry rice malt substituted barley malt at 40% (w/w), 60% (w/w), 80% (w/w), and 100% (w/w) with 100% (w/w) barley malt as the control. Two types of ale beer were produced with two yeasts, designated as POF⁻ and POF⁺. The wort produced with the Riceberry rice malt had higher anthocyanin and vanillic acids relative to all barley malt wort. Fermentation and beer maturation reduced phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in all treatment. Nevertheless, beer produced from 40% (w/w)–80% (w/w) Riceberry rice malt maintained higher p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity in beers with lower 4-vinylguaiacol relative to all barley malt beer, which also had higher ferulic acid and sinapic acid contents. The beers made from POF⁺ yeast contained more 4-vinylguaiacol contents than those found in beers made from POF⁻ yeasts. This study suggests that Riceberry rice malt or POF⁻ yeast are suitable raw materials for phenolic acid off-flavour reduction and the stabilisation of antioxidant activity in beer. Full article

Riceberry rice bran is the part of rice that has been scrubbed out during the coloring process. There are various health benefits to be gained from foods with a high protein content. This work aimed to study the effect of hydrolyzed riceberry rice bran extracts on colon cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. The MTT assay result showed that our extract has lower cytotoxicity effects on normal cells (PCS-201-010, IC₅₀ = 6745 µg/mL) compared to colon cancer cell lines and has a greater effect on metastatic cancer cell lines (SW-620, IC₅₀ = 5468 µg/mL) than non-metastatic cancer cell lines (HT-29, IC₅₀ = 6054 µg/mL). The apoptotic inductive effects of HRBE on SW-620 were observed after 72 h at a maximum rate of 76% and at maximum concentration. According to the result of the cell senescence analysis after 24 h of HRBE treatment, the percentage of HT-29 (86%) expressing SA-β-gal was much higher than that of SW-620 (32%). Consequently, the decrease in the cell population in the S and M/G2 phases indicated cell cycle arrest in HT-29 cells after being treated with HRBE. Focusing on the peptide fraction size of HRBE, the largest (>50 kDa) fraction showed the highest anticancer activity compared to other fractions. In conclusion, the hydrolyzed riceberry rice bran extract induced the apoptosis process in the metastatic cancer cells and induced the senescence process in the non-metastatic cancer cells. This observed information will be useful and applicable for medical research and colon cancer treatment in the future. Full article

Gluten-free products have been developed due to increasing consumer demand. The improvement of the sensory quality and nutritional value of these products may support functional food development and provide health benefits. The purpose of this study was to develop a gluten-free waffle formulation with Riceberry rice flour by replacing the sucrose with maltitol and palm sugar powder. Evaluations of the sensory acceptability of these products and the blood glucose levels of healthy volunteers after consuming Riceberry and wheat flour waffles were carried out. The glycemic responses of the volunteers to the Riceberry and wheat flour waffles at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min were monitored. In addition, the glycemic index of the products was calculated. The finding revealed that replacing sugar with 50% (w/w of total sugar) palm sugar powder and 50% maltitol was the most acceptable formulation that received the highest acceptability scores in terms of overall acceptability and texture. The blood glucose levels of both Riceberry waffle and wheat flour were not significantly different. The glycemic index of Riceberry waffle and wheat flour waffle were 94.73 ± 7.60 and 91.96 ± 6.93, respectively. Therefore, Riceberry waffle could be used as an alternative gluten-free product for celiac patients, but not for diabetic patients. Full article

Solid-based residues (SBRs) left from harvesting the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps mushrooms are a challenge to sustainability. Therefore, in this study, the SBRs from the cultivation of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) via solid-state fermentation (SSF) were employed to prepare crude extracts, with the aim of considering their possible use in cosmetics. The SBRs obtained from cultivation with solid media containing defatted rice bran mixed with barley, white rice, Riceberry rice, and wheat were named SBR-B, SBR-R, SBR-Rb, and SRB-W, respectively. They were extracted with solvents of differing polarity and then evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total carbohydrate content (TCC). In addition, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities, photoprotection, and cytotoxicity were also assessed. The results revealed that the total bioactive contents and biological capacities of crude SBR extracts were significantly influenced by the types of SBR and extraction solvent (p < 0.05). The SBR-B extracted with hot water exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (66.62 ± 2.10, 212.00 ± 3.43, and 101.62 ± 4.42 mg TEAC/g extract) when assayed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, respectively, whereas tyrosinase inhibitory activity (51.13 ± 1.11 mg KAE/g extract) with 90.43 ± 1.96% inhibition at 1 mg/mL was excellently achieved by SBR-Rb extracted by 50% (v/v) ethanol. Correlations between bioactive contents in the crude extracts and their biological activities were mostly proven at a strong level (p < 0.01). The capability of the crude extracts to absorb UV over the range of 290–330 nm disclosed their potential roles as natural UV absorbers and boosters. Cytotoxicity analysis using fibroblast cell lines tested with hot water and 50% (v/v) ethanolic SBR extracts demonstrated safe use within a concentration range of 0.001–10 mg/mL. Interestingly, their fibroblast proliferative capacity, indicating anti-aging properties, was highly promoted. The chemical composition analyzed via LC–MS/MS techniques showed that seven phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified in the crude SBR extracts. Furthermore, the other compounds present included nucleosides, nucleobases, amino acids, sugars, phospholipids, alkaloids, organic acids, vitamins, and peptides. Therefore, it is emphasized that SBRs from C. militaris can be a prospective source for preparing crude extracts employed in cosmetics. Lastly, they could be further utilized as multifunctional ingredients in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Full article

Redox-active iron generates reactive oxygen species that can cause oxidative organ dysfunction. Thus, the anti-oxidative systems in the body and certain dietary antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, are needed to control oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology in the preparation of Riceberry™ rice flour (PRBF) on iron-induced oxidative stress in mice. PRBF using plasma technology was rich in anthocyanins, mainly cyanidine-3-glucoside and peonidine-3-glucoside. PRBF (5 mg AE/mg) lowered WBC numbers in iron dextran (FeDex)-loaded mice and served as evidence of the reversal of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, plasma total antioxidant capacity, and plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the loading mice. Consequently, the PRBF treatment was observed to be more effective than NAC treatment. PRBF would be a powerful supplementary and therapeutic antioxidant product that is understood to be more potent than NAC in ameliorating the effects of iron-induced oxidative stress. Full article