Effects of parboiling and fluidized bed drying on the physicochemical properties of germinated brown rice

Changes in physicochemical properties of germinated brown rice (GBR) and parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) dried in a fluidized bed dryer at 110–150 °C were investigated. Results indicated that parboiling altered the properties of GBR owing to starch gelatinisation. The moisture content, yellowness, peak viscosity and hardness of PGBR increased, but internal fissured kernel, cooking time, water absorption and total solids loss decreased when compared to GBR. γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in GBR was 23.31 mg per 100 g and was reduced to 17.91 mg per 100 g in PGBR. The drying times required to reduce the moisture content of GBR and PGBR to 16% d.b. were 4.01–7.65 min and 5.11–9.50 min, respectively. Final moisture content, which is optimum to prevent internal fissures of dried GBR and PGBR, was 27–29% and 25–28% d.b., respectively. The same trend was observed in the physicochemical properties of GBR and PGBR when increasing drying temperature and time.     

Structural and chemical analysis of resistant starch effected by pre-treatments,cooking methods,reheating and storage condition in parboiled germinated brown rice (Oryza sativa)

Resistant starch (RS) content could be altered by the processing method, including pre-treatment, cooking method and storage conditions. This study determined the influence of RS formation in white rice (WR), brown rice (BR) and parboiled germinated brown rice (PGBR) as affected by various pre-treatment and processing conditions. This is the first report to chemically and structurally analyse WR, BR and PGBR of the same rice variety using X-ray diffraction, DSC and SEM. The results showed that the PGBR prepared by a non-soaking process cooked with steaming and stored cold contained RS content (92.1 mg/g, wet basis) followed by BR processed by soaking, steamed and then stored cold (91.8 mg/g, wet basis). The formation of RS3 as not affected by the parboiling and germination process compared to WR and BR. Reheating reduced resistant starch content by changing the RS structure conformation from crystalline to amorphous under higher temperatures. Moreover, the scanning electron microscope revealed that WR, BR and PGBR of the same rice variety show similar starch granule and microstructure patterns but slightly different in thermal conductivity value.     

Effects of parboiling and infrared radiation drying on the quality of germinated brown rice

This research investigated the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and microstructure of brown rice (BR) and non-parboiled and parboiled germinated brown rice (GBR and PGBR). The GBR and PGBR were treated by sun, hot-air oven, or infrared irradiation (IR) drying. The results showed that IR drying enhanced the bioactive compounds of non-parboiled GBR, including γ-aminobutyric acid, α-tocopherol, and total phenolic compounds, while γ-oryzanol and antioxidant activity were comparable to BR. Meanwhile, IR drying significantly improved the head rice yield (HRY) of PGBR while reducing fissured grains. Parboiling also affected the color values of rice grains, suggesting the diffusion of husk color into endosperm and the formation of brown polymers by the Maillard reaction. In addition, IR drying altered the internal structure of rice grains, resulting in abundant intercellular voids. Specifically, the IR-dried non-parboiled GBR significantly enhanced essential bioactive compounds and improved HRY while maintaining the color of standard BR.     

Reduction in flatulence factors in mung beans (Vigna radiata) using low‐dose γ‐irradiation

Mungbeans (Vigna radiata), control and γ‐irradiated at insect disinfestation dose levels (0.25 and 0.75 kGy) were germinated (0–6 days) and the qualitative and quantitative changes in soluble carbohydrates were studied in detail. The key flatulence‐producing raffinose family oligosaccharides in mungbeans were degraded in the irradiated samples at the onset of the germination (0–2 days) compared to the control where it occurred much later (>4 days). However, the reducing sugars, mainly glucose, fructose and galactose, which are metabolised easily, were enhanced in the irradiated samples. At low dose (0.25 kGy), irradiation had no effect on germination and sprout length, indicating that irradiated beans are suitable for use as sprouted beans. These observations clearly indicate that γ‐irradiation at insect disinfestation dose levels improved the digestibility and nutritional quality of mung beans by reducing the content of oligosaccharides responsible for intestinal gas production. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Hypocholesterolemic Action of Fermented Brown Rice Supplement in Cholesterol-Fed Rats: Cholesterol-lowering Action of Fermented Brown Rice

Fermented rice products have been implicated in vascular injury and atherosclerosis in recent animal and human studies. In the current study, whether consumption of differently processed brown rice diets may change the cholesterol metabolism was evaluated in male Spraque Dawley (SD) rats after 28 d of treatment with diets containing 1% cholesterol. The experimental diets include corn starch alone as control diet (CO) or a diet containing a 50% substitute of CO; uncooked brown rice (UB), cooked brown rice (CB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), brown rice mixed with LAB (BLAB), and fermented‐brown rice by LAB (FB), respectively. Among them, FB group elicited significantly lower levels of plasma and hepatic triglycerides, plasma total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) by 33% to 50%, whereas higher levels of HDL‐C were elicited by 227% compared with the CO group (P < 0.05). These amelioration action on lipid profile in FB group appeared to correspondent to the higher excretions of fecal weight, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and bile acid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sensory properties such as flavor liking, taste liking, and overall acceptability of the diet were significantly improved by the addition of fermented brown rice. Conclusively, fermented‐brown rice may have a potent cholesterol‐lowering benefits with sensory quality improvement of the diet.     

The impact of germination on the characteristics of brown rice flour and starch

BACKGROUND: In recent years, germinated brown rice as a functional food has received great attention with its improved sensory and nutritional properties. Particularly of interest are the high levels of γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) which can be obtained during germination. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the effect of germination on the physicochemical properties of brown rice. RESULT: Germination altered the chemical composition of brown rice, resulting in an increase in reducing sugar and ash content, and a reduction in amylose. Solubility, paste viscosity, transition temperatures (T_o, T_p and T_c) and percentage of retrogradation (%Retrogradation) were decreased, while swelling power and turbidity were significantly increased. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that starch granules from germinated brown rice became smaller and less homogeneous. Moreover, germination shortened the chain length of amylopectin and amylose molecules. CONCLUSION: This investigation provides information on changes in the characteristics of rice flour and rice starch during germination, leading to a better understanding on the chemistry of brown rice germination. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of the Polysaccharide from the Sporophyll of Brown Alga Undaria Pinnatifida on Serum Lipid Profile and Fat Tissue Accumulation in Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet

We investigated the effects of the polysaccharide from the sporophyll of a selected brown alga Undaria pinnatifida on serum lipid profile, fat tissue accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time in rats fed a high‐fat diet. The algal polysaccharide (AP) was prepared by the treatment of multiple cellulase‐producing fungi Trichoderma reesei and obtained from the sporophyll with a yield of 38.7% (dry basis). The AP was mostly composed of alginate and fucoidan (up to 89%) in a ratio of 3.75:1. The AP was added to the high‐fat diet in concentrations of 0.6% and 1.7% and was given to male Sprague–Dawley rats (5‐wk‐old) for 5 wk. The 1.7% AP addition notably reduced body weight gain and fat tissue accumulation, and it improved the serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. The effects were associated with increased feces weight and shortened gastrointestinal transit time. In addition, the lipid peroxidation of the liver was decreased in both groups.     

Effects of germination time on the structural,physicochemical and functional properties of brown rice

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a gluten-free food raw material. Its tissue structure, physicochemical properties and functional properties depend on the germination time. In this study, rapid viscosity analyses, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction et al were used to analyse the structural, physicochemical and functional changes in brown rice (BR) during germination. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total phenolic compound, glutathione (GSH) and amino acid contents increased during germination. GBR exhibited the highest GSH (22.70 mg per 100 g) and amino acid (8.02 mg per 100 g) contents at 24 h and the highest GABA content (253.35 mg per 100 g) at 36 h. Furthermore, BR germinated for 36 h showed greater enthalpy (ΔH) than ungerminated BR. Although GBR showed less crystallinity than ungerminated BR, germination did not change the crystalline structure type of starch (A-type). These results inform choices of the appropriate applications of GBR to promote its utilisation in the food industry.     

Effects of cultivar and culture conditions on γ‐aminobutyric acid accumulation in germinated fava beans (Vicia faba L.)

BACKGROUND: High levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulate in plant tissues under various stresses. GABA accumulation is also influenced by cultivar. This aim of this study was to select the most promising cultivar of fava bean for GABA accumulation and to optimise the culture conditions for GABA production in germinated fava beans by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD). RESULTS: GABA content and glutamate decarboxylase activity in germinated seeds of cultivar S2 were significantly higher than those in other cultivars (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (r = −0.765, P < 0.05) between germination percentage and 1000‐kernel weight was observed. There was a linear relationship between GABA content and sprout length (R² = 0.816). The regression model fitted to the experimental data of CCD was valid in predicting GABA production in germinated fava beans. Temperature and pH value of the culture solution had significant effects on GABA content in germinated fava beans. Under optimal culture conditions (33.6 °C, pH 3.19 and an air flow rate of 1.19 L min⁻¹), GABA content reached up to 2.41 g kg⁻¹ dry weight, about 48 times that in raw seeds. CONCLUSION: Germinated fava bean is a good resource of GABA‐rich food. Both cultivar and culture conditions have significant effects on GABA production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Response surface optimisation of germination conditions to improve the accumulation of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity in quinoa

Germination has been proposed as an economic approach to improve the content of bioactive compounds in pseudocereals. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the impact of germination conditions on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of quinoa. The use of desirability methodology showed that the optimum conditions to maximise the content of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity in sprouted quinoa were 20 °C for 42 h. Sprouts produced under these conditions exhibited increases of 80% and 30% in TPC and antioxidant activity, respectively, compared to un‐germinated seeds, and contained high γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. The nonsignificant lack‐of‐fit and high determination coefficients obtained confirmed the suitability of the predictive models developed for TPC and antioxidant activity, whilst the one obtained for GABA was not significant (R² < 0.75) within the conditions studied. Sprouting under optimum conditions enhanced the content of both flavonoid and nonflavonoid compounds, being the increase in flavonoids more pronounced. Kaempferol‐O‐dirhamnosyl‐galactopyranose and quercetin‐O‐glucuronide were the compounds that experienced the most noticeable increase in quinoa after germination. In conclusion, this study provides useful information on the optimum germination conditions to improve the levels of health‐promoting compounds in quinoa.     

Preferential extractability of γ‐oryzanol from dried soapstock using different solvents

BACKGROUND: γ‐Oryzanol from rice bran has lately gained potential importance because of its proven health benefits. Thus the extractability of γ‐oryzanol from the soapstock of crude rice bran oil is important from the perspective of future large‐scale production, which would give value addition to this by‐product obtained from the rice bran oil industry. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extraction of γ‐oryzanol from the drum‐dried soapstock of rice bran oil using various solvents. RESULTS: It was found that γ‐oryzanol could be extracted most effectively using ethyl acetate, followed by dichloromethane and ethyl methyl ketone. All components of γ‐oryzanol have an alcohol group in the ferulate portion giving rise to relatively high polarity, thereby increasing the extraction in more polar solvents efficiently. Ethyl acetate showed maximum extractability of γ‐oryzanol by the Soxhlet method. To quantify γ‐oryzanol, reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) was used for fingerprinting the γ‐oryzanol analogues with respect to standard γ‐oryzanol. CONCLUSION: A new RP‐HPLC method for determining the individual components of γ‐oryzanol has been reported that can be used for performing an online characterisation of γ‐oryzanol analogues by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Germination and Extrusion on Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Qualities of Extrudates and Tortilla from Wheat

Wheat is the most common grain in the temperate region. Modifying its constituent through food processing improves its functionality and nutrient access. In this study, the combined effect of germination and extrusion on physicochemical properties and nutritional qualities of extrudates and tortilla from wheat was evaluated. Results showed that germination significantly increased (P <0.05) the γ‐aminobutyric acid content in germinated whole wheat (GW) and extruded germinated whole wheat (EGW) as compared to the control of whole wheat (WW). Germination also significantly increased the protein content, reducing sugar and total soluble sugar content in GW, while extrusion had much increasing impact on reducing sugar content in extruded samples. Specific mechanical energy during extrusion was reduced as feed moisture content increased from 20 to 30%. Higher extruder screw speed (350 rpm) led to better expansion ratio at low moisture content (20%) as compared to low screw speed (200 rpm). Extrusion significantly increased the starch digestibility but decreased the protein digestibility in extrudates. Tortilla made from 100% WW had about the same physical characteristics, namely color and rollability, with tortilla made from 85% WW with 15% GW, 85% WW with 15% extruded whole wheat (EW), and 85% WW with 15% EGW. Tortilla made from 85% WW with 15% GW showed the largest diameter, thinnest thickness and least extensibility. A 15% extruded germinated wheat (350 rpm) addition in 85% WW showed significant increase of γ‐aminobutyric acid content in tortilla compared to the control (100% WW).     

富氢水发芽糙米加工工艺及其品质研究

本研究利用富氢水（HRW）加工发芽糙米,以富氢水浓度、发芽温度和浸泡时间为主要影响因素,以发芽势、发芽率和总黄酮含量为考核指标,在利用单因素和响应面试验建立和优化发芽工艺条件的基础上,进一步分析富氢水对糙米米糠超微结构及部分热物性参数的影响。结果表明,富氢水加工发芽糙米的最佳工艺条件为:浸泡时间13 h、发芽温度29 ℃、富氢水浓度1.5 mg/L,在此条件下糙米发芽势为67%、发芽率为84%、总黄酮含量为186.5 mg/100 g,极显著（P<0.01）高于普通纯水发芽糙米的发芽势（46%）、发芽率（70%）及总黄酮含量（130.3 mg/100 g）;此外,与普通纯水处理相比,富氢水发芽糙米米糠结构更疏松;发芽糙米糊化热焓值显著（P<0.05）低于未发芽糙米及普通纯水发芽糙米。表明利用富氢水加工发芽糙米可有效提高发芽效率、改善糙米功能活性及糊化特性,具有较好的转化应用价值。     

Physico‐chemical characteristics of non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated yams cultivars (Dioscorea rotundata,Dioscorea alata) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam)

Physico‐chemical (pasting) properties of non‐irradiated (fresh) and γ‐irradiated yam cultivars and sweet potato were determined using Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Generally, pasting characteristics of the commodities decreased significantly with increased γ‐irradiation dose. Non‐irradiated sweet potato showed significantly higher peak (45.79), trough (35.25), breakdown (10.54), final (75.21) and setback (39.96) viscosities (in RVU) than γ‐irradiated samples. Also, peak time (6.97 min) and pasting temperature (50.18 RVU) significantly reduced with increased γ‐irradiation dose of tubers. The pasting properties of non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated sweet potato showed similar but clearer trend compared with yam flours. Also, non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata showed significantly higher values of each of the pasting characteristics than values noted in sweet potato. Aside from the TDr 03/00196, peak time did not vary significantly with γ‐irradiation dose.     

Gamma/alpha‐zein hydrolysates as oral delivery vehicles: Enhanced physicochemical stability and in vitro bioaccessibility of curcumin

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of the γ‐zein hydrolysate (γ‐ZH) as a new delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive molecules such as curcumin (Cur). γ‐ZH‐Cur complexes (γ‐ZH‐Cur) with a particle size of 50–60 nm were successfully formed via the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Compared to α‐ZH, the complexation of Cur in γ‐ZH showed a better improvement in the water solubility and physicochemical stability of Cur and showed sustained release and greater potential for absorption of Cur. The differences in the loading capability, the physicochemical storage and the bioaccessibility of Cur between γ‐ZH and α‐ZH may be associated with the differences in the amino acid composition and typical sequence of peptides. These results indicate that γ‐ZH has a better ability to serve as a novel delivery for the hydrophobic bioactive molecules compared to α‐ZH.     

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis of Elemental Distribution in Raw and Germinated Brown Rice Varieties

In this study, the mineral composition of germinated brown rice, brown rice, and white rice was evaluated. Brown rice grain was processed through a combination of chemical pretreatment and low oxygen treatment, after which germination was confirmed through imaging under a microscope. Using energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Mg, Al, and Cl were found to be slightly higher in germinated brown rice than in brown rice and white rice. These variations in the mineral content of germinated brown rice were attributed to the joint effect of the germination process and the prior soaking. The inability of energy dispersive X-ray to detect other minerals suggested that it was not sensitive and, hence, it was not suitable for studying elemental distribution in rice grains, or maybe the elements were not present in the rice grains studied.     

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON MAJOR NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF RICE WITH A GIANT EMBRYO AND A NORMAL EMBRYO

Two subspecies of rice, Oryza sativa ssp. indica rice mutant II‐ge1 and O. sativa ssp. japonica rice mutant XS‐ge1, were characterized by an enlarged embryo compared to their wild types. Significant increases in crude lipid content; crude protein content; vitamin B1 (V_B1); vitamin B2; vitamin E (V_E); essential amino acids such as arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and methionine and mineral elements such as Ca, Fe, Mg, K, P and Zn were detected in rice with a giant embryo (ge). The nutrients in the brown rice changed drastically after pre‐germination. The dramatic nutrient enrichments were observed in the pre‐germinated brown rice with a ge. The six major enhanced nutrients were γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA), lysine, Mg, V_B1, V_E and Ca, and the amounts were 7.3 and 4.7 times enriched for GABA, 3.4 and 3.0 times for lysine, 2.9 and 2.7 times for Mg, 2.8 and 2.5 times for V_B1, 2.5 and 2.2 times for V_E and 2.1 and 1.8 times for Ca, respectively, relative to those in the brown rice with a normal embryo. The results suggest that a ge can be used as a phenotypic marker for food processors to select rice enriched with certain nutritional components, and that the application of giant‐embryo rice would help develop cultivars with an improved nutritional content.     

Acid Diffusion into Rice Boluses is Influenced by Rice Type,Variety, and Presence of α‐Amylase

Breakdown of rice during gastric digestion may be influenced by rice structure, presence of salivary α‐amylase, and hydrolysis by gastric acid. During mastication, saliva is mixed with rice, allowing α‐amylase to begin starch hydrolysis. This hydrolysis may continue in the gastric environment depending on the rate at which gastric acid penetrates into the rice bolus. The objective of this study was to determine the acid uptake into rice boluses with and without α‐amylase in saliva. Two types each of brown and white rice (medium and long grain), were formed into a cylindrical‐shaped bolus. Each bolus was sealed on all sides except one to allow one‐dimensional mass transfer, and incubated by immersion in simulated gastric juice at 37 °C under static conditions. Acidity of the boluses was measured by titration after 1 to 96 h of incubation. Effective diffusivity of the gastric juice through the bolus was estimated using MATLAB. Average acidity values ranged from 0.04 mg HCl/g dry matter (medium grain white rice, no incubation) to 10.01 mg HCl/g dry matter (long‐grain brown rice, 72 h incubation). The rice type, presence of α‐amylase, and incubation time all significantly influenced rice bolus acidity (P < 0.001). Effective diffusivity of gastric juice into the bolus was greater in brown rice than in white rice. These results indicate that starch hydrolysis by α‐amylase may continue in the stomach before the gastric acid penetrates the rice bolus, and the rate of acid uptake will depend on the type of rice consumed.     

The Histochemical Location of Arabinosidase and Xylosidase in Germinating Wheat Grains

α‐L‐Arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) and β‐D‐xylanopyranosidase (EC 3.2.1.37) activities were detected in the endosperms of germinated, dried and sanded wheat grains using the fluorescence of 4‐methylumbelliferone released from appropriate synthetic substrates. The enzymes were not detected in ungerminated grains. Activities were first detected adjacent to the scutellum and advanced into the endosperm with increasing germination time, in some grains being slightly more advanced next to the aleurone layer. They were not detected in other tissues by this technique although analysis of extracts of the other tissues showed that they were present in greater amounts in the embryo and in the aleurone layer. The problems of interpretation caused by these findings are discussed.