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Cereal processing generates around 12.9% of all food waste globally. Wheat bran, wheat germ, rice bran, rice germ, corn germ, corn bran, barley bran, and brewery spent grain are just a few examples of wastes that may be exploited to recover bioactive compounds. As a result, a long-term strategy for developing novel food products and ingredients is encouraged. High-value compounds like proteins, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, ferulic acid, and other phenols, tocopherols, or β-glucans are found in cereal by-products. This review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the bioactive compounds recovered from cereal by-products, emphasizing their functional values and potential human health benefits.

The human gut microbiota is considered as a crucial mediator between diet and gut homeostasis and body weight. The unique polyphenolic profile of sorghum bran may promote gastrointestinal health by modulating the microbiota. This study evaluated gut microbiota and modulation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by sorghum bran polyphenols in in vitro batch fermentation derived from normal weight (NW, n = 11) and overweight/obese (OO, n = 11) subjects’ fecal samples. Six separate treatments were applied on each batch fermentation: negative control (NC), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), black sorghum bran extract (BSE), sumac sorghum bran extract (SSE), FOS + BSE, or FOS + SSE; and samples were collected before and after 24 h. No significant differences in total and individual SCFA production were observed between NW and OO subjects. Differential responses to treatment according to weight class were observed in both phyla and genera. Sorghum bran polyphenols worked with FOS to enhance Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and independently stimulated Roseburia and Prevotella (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that sorghum bran polyphenols have differential effects on gut health and may positively impact gut ecology, with responses varying depending on weight class.

The objective of the current study is to investigate the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) on hepatic fibrosis as a characteristic response to persistent liver injuries. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the negative control group, thioacetamide (TAA) group (thioacetamide 100 mg/kg thrice weekly for two successive weeks, ip), RBO 0.2 and 0.4 groups (RBO 0.2mL and 0.4 mL/rat/day, po ) and standard group (silymarin 100 mg/kg/day, po ) for two weeks after TAA injection. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. Liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, liver fibrosis markers were assessed. The obtained results showed that RBO reduced TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suppressed the extracellular matrix formation. Compared to the positive control group, RBO dramatically reduced total bilirubin, AST, and ALT blood levels. Furthermore, RBO reduced MDA and increased GSH contents in the liver. Simultaneously RBO downregulated the NF-κβ signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the expression of some inflammatory mediators, including Cox-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. RBO attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing the biological effects of TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I, hydroxyproline, CTGF, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RBO reduced liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and modulating the interplay among the TGF-β1 and FAK signal transduction. The greater dosage of 0.4 mL/kg has a more substantial impact. Hence, this investigation presents RBO as a promising antifibrotic agent in the TAA model through inhibition of TGF-β1 /FAK/α-SMA.

•Virgin rice bran oil (VRBO) protects against hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by Nγω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in rats.•VRBO is associated with endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and suppression of angiotensin-converting enzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and nuclear factor-κB pathways.•The combination of VRBO and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is more effective than either single treatment.•VRBO may be used for prevention or as an adjunctive therapy of hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction associated with reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability plays an important role in development of hypertension. Consumption of a diet rich in antioxidants appears to lower the risk for hypertension. Virgin rice bran oil (VRBO) possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. However, to our knowledge, the antihypertensive effect of VRBO has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the antihypertensive effect of VRBO in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats and its underlying mechanisms. Hypertension was induced in rats by administration of L-NAME, after which VRBO, lisinopril (Lis), or VRBO + Lis was administered. Studies were then conducted on the hemodynamics of vascular responses to vasoactive substances, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), plasma nitrate/nitrite, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. L-NAME administration induced hemodynamic changes including elevation of blood pressure, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. Reduction in plasma nitrate/nitrite, overproduction of vascular superoxide, and increases in plasma ACE, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α were observed in L-NAME hypertensive rats. The changes were associated with a marked decrease in endothelial NO synthase expression, increased expression of gp91phoxand vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and activation of nuclear factor-κB in aortic tissues. Administration of either VRBO or Lis significantly mitigated all of these deleterious effects. The combination of VRBO and Lis was more effective than either treatment alone. The antihypertensive effect of VRBO may be mediated by restoration of hemodynamics, increased NO bioavailability, and alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation. VRBO has an additive effect on antihypertensive medication. [Display omitted]

Pathological neovascularization in the eye is a leading cause of blindness in all age groups from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in children to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly. Inhibiting neovascularization via antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs has been used for the effective treatment. However, anti-VEGF therapies may cause development of chorioretinal atrophy as they affect a physiological amount of VEGF essential for retinal homeostasis. Furthermore, anti-VEGF therapies are still ineffective in some cases, especially in patients with AMD. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a strong regulator of VEGF induction under hypoxic and other stress conditions. Our previous reports have indicated that HIF is associated with pathological retinal neovascularization in murine models of ROP and AMD, and HIF inhibition suppresses neovascularization by reducing an abnormal increase in VEGF expression. Along with this, we attempted to find novel effective HIF inhibitors from natural foods of our daily lives. Food ingredients were screened for prospective HIF inhibitors in ocular cell lines of 661W and ARPE-19, and a murine AMD model was utilized for examining suppressive effects of the ingredients on retinal neovascularization. As a result, rice bran and its component, vitamin B6 showed inhibitory effects on HIF activation and suppressed VEGF mRNA induction under a CoCl2-induced pseudo-hypoxic condition. Dietary supplement of these significantly suppressed retinal neovascularization in the AMD model. These data suggest that rice bran could have promising therapeutic values in the management of pathological ocular neovascularization.

This study was conducted to determine whether differences in fiber fermentation in fiber-rich feed ingredients exist and to assess relationship between fiber fermentation and concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in pig. Castrated males (barrows) were allotted randomly to six diets formulated with different amounts of wheat bran (WB), corn bran (CB), sugar beet pulp (SBP), oat bran (OB), soybean hulls (SH) or rice bran (RB). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) for OB and SH diets was greater (P < 0.05) than for the other diets. The fermentation of total dietary fiber (TDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) in the hindgut were greater (P < 0.05) for SBP and SH diets than for WB, CB, OB and RB diets. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) values of all fiber components in SBP, SH and OB diets were greater (P < 0.05) than for WB, CB and RB diets. The concentration of VFA in feces was positively correlated with the ATTD of IDF and cellulose, and ATTD of IDF is the best factor for predicting fecal VFA concentration. Overall, dietary fiber source affected fermentable characteristics of fiber components in the different digestive segments of pig intestine.

Mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FMB1), are common contaminants in cereal-based foods. Instances of contamination are predicted to increase due to the current challenges induced by climate change. Despite the health benefits of whole grains, the presence of mycotoxins in bran remains a concern. Nonetheless, previous research indicates that wheat bran can adsorb mutagens. Therefore, this study investigated the capacity of maize, wheat, and oat brans to adsorb AFB1 and FMB1 under varying in vitro conditions, including pH, binding time, temperature, particle size, and the amount of bran utilized. Maize bran demonstrated a high AFB1 adsorption capacity (>78%) compared to wheat and oat brans. However, FMB1 was not adsorbed by the brans, possibly due to its hydrophilic nature. Lower temperature (≤25 °C) enhanced AFB1 adsorption efficacy in wheat and oat bran, while for maize bran, the highest adsorption occurred at 37 °C. A linear model following Henry’s law best explained AFB1 adsorption by the brans. Further studies identified the pericarp layer of bran as the primary site of AFB1 adsorption, with the initial liquid volume being a critical factor. The study concludes that bran could potentially act as an effective bioadsorbent. Further research is essential to confirm the adsorption efficacy and the bioavailability of AFB1 through in vivo experiments.

The effect of successively replacing (10%, 20%, and 30%) wheat flour with dietary fiber (DF) from wheat, oat, barley, and maize or cereal bran (CB) from wheat, oat, and rice on cake batter, final cake quality parameters, as well as on product shelf-life was studied. Batter viscosity (control, 2.96; wheat fiber 30%, 20.21; rice bran 10%, 0.47 Pa s n ), cake-specific volume (control, 2.27; wheat fiber 20%, 2.83; rice bran 30%, 1.94 cm 3 /g), porosity (control, 0.75; wheat fiber 30%, 0.81; rice bran 30%, 0.69), and crumb moisture content (control, 20.07%,; wheat fiber 30%, 26.45%; oat bran 30%, 13.89%) increased significantly ( P  < 0.05) with DF addition but decreased with CB addition. Addition of DF resulted in softer crumb texture (Control, 4.20 N; wheat fiber 20%, 3.19 N), while CB addition increased crumb firmness (rice bran 30%, 10.84 N), respectively. Minor differences were observed in the crumb and crust color of the DF cakes with respect to the control. Addition of CB decreased the L values of crumb color significantly and the decrease increased with increased level of CB incorporation. DF addition led to cakes with greater acceptance by panelists than CB addition, similar to the control. DF cakes stored in polyethylene bags at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity for 6 days showed delayed moisture loss and lower firmness compared to CB cakes. The optimal level of incorporation based both on the objective and sensory characteristics results was found 20% for DF and 10% for CB, respectively. Concluding, by incorporating DF or CB properly, cakes with improved nutritional value can be manufactured.

In this study, the different colored wheat brans were analyzed and compared for phenolic content (PC), phenolic compositions, and the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) with methods based on the ability to eliminate radicals of 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH), and anthocyanin compositions. This study also aims to characterize the bioactive components of wheat grain genotypes as well as to test the protective and rescuer effects of their extracts on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. PCs in the bound insoluble fraction of red wheat bran, blue wheat bran, and purple wheat bran were determined as 369.60, 446.95, and 486.79 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g wheat bran, respectively, while strong relationships were detected between PC and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) results. HPLC anal-ysis of phenolic extracts demonstrated that ferulic acid was determined as the dominant phenolic acid in the bound fractions of red, purple, and blue wheats. In the free fractions, p-coumaric acid (11.55 µg/100 g wheat bran) was the dominant phenolic acid for red wheat bran, whereas ellagic acid (14.72 and 11.55 µg/100 g wheat bran) was the highest phenolic acid for purple and blue wheat brans, respectively. In bound fractions, ferulic acid was the highest phenolic acid for red (988.39 µg/100 g wheat bran), purple (1948.76 µg/100 g wheat bran), and blue (2263.96 µg/100 g wheat bran) wheat brans. On the other hand, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was the predominant anthocyanin in free extracts of purple and blue wheat brans. In line with the antioxidant activities and phenolic acid concentrations, the blue wheat bran extracts increased CRC cell viability nonsignificantly in HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines, whereas purple wheat bran extract had a significantly higher (P = 0.0361) rescuer effect compared to vehicle control under 50 µM H2O2 concentration. In conclusion, the in vitro data here show that blue and purple wheat brans are posing a novel means to increase the defense of cells against oxidative stress and cell death.

Gryllus madagascarensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) is a cricket species that shows promise to mitigate food insecurity and malnutrition. But whether this species will accept low- to no-cost weeds and agro by-products as feed, and how these feeds affect its performance, remains unknown. This study assessed the acceptability of 66 weed species and agro by-products (derived from a single plant species) by adult G . madagascarensis and compared the results to a reference feed (chicken feed). We further examined how the 11 top acceptable single plant products affected growth parameters of G . madagascarensis . The parameters assessed included development, survivorship, body mass and body length and reproductive fitness of the crickets on each of these diets. Finally, the costs of the 11 top accepted single plant products were compared. Our results demonstrated that the cricket accepted all 66 single plant products at varying degrees. Tropical white morning glory ( Ipomoea alba ), cassava tops ( Manhot esculentum ), taro leaves ( Colocasia esculenta ), cowpea bran ( Vigna unguiculata ), American hog-peanut ( Afroamphica africana ), gallant soldier ( Galinsoga parviflora ), wheat bran ( Triticum aestivum ), glycine ( Neonotonia wightii ), silver leaf Desmodium ( Desmodium uncinatum ), maize bran ( Zea mays ) and rice bran ( Oryza sativa ) were the most accepted. The analysed nutrient content varied across the top 11 accepted single plant products and the reference feed. The shortest development and highest survival rate were recorded with gallant soldier and cowpea bran powders. Wet body mass and body length were highly impacted by various single plant products tested compared to the reference feed. Reproductive parameters were significantly briefer on tropical white morning glory compared to other feeds and the reference diet. Single plant products cost two- to four-fold less than reference feed. The findings are valuable for developing blended diets that balance performance, cost and availability for household and commercial production of crickets as a “green” technology for producing edible sources of protein.