Detection of oryzanol in rice bran oil
Introduction
Oryzanol is a mixture of beneficial substances found in rice bran oil, which is extracted from the brown rice kernel. It's particularly concentrated in the germ and bran layers, which are typically removed during white rice processing
Oryzanol has been investigated for a variety of health benefits, including:
Lowering cholesterol: Some studies suggest that oryzanol may help minimize total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol
Menopausal symptoms: Oryzanol has traditionally been used in Japan to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, but research on its effectiveness has been mixed
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/9/1305
Products made from rice bran oil are available under several labels, and each one has a different amount of Oryzanol. Let's examine a few well-known brands and their corresponding Oryzanol contents in more detail.
|
Brand |
Oryzanol Content |
|
Gagan |
13.58% |
|
Porna |
13.35% |
|
Patanjali |
14.03% |
|
Ricela |
13.35% |
|
Freedom |
13.58% |
|
Rizolo |
12.60% |
|
Fortune |
13.20% |
|
Dhara |
11.85% |
|
Emami |
10.28% |
Oryzanol Properties
|
Properties |
Description |
|
Antioxidant |
Oryzanol's ferulic acid component neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from damage. |
|
Potential Cholesterol-decreasing |
Studies suggest it may inhibit cholesterol absorption and rises excretion. |
|
Other Benefits |
Research explores its effects on athletic performance, menopause symptoms, and skin health |
Importance of detection of oryzanol
There are several reasons why testing oryzanol is important:
|
Aspect |
Description |
|
Ensuring Product Quality and Consistency |
Accurate labeling, quality control |
|
Regulatory Compliance |
Meeting Minimum Reporting Levels (MRLs) |
|
Consumer Health Benefits |
Targeted health claims, consumer safety |
|
Research and Development |
Understanding oryzanol behavior, developing new applications |
Standards and Regulations of oryzanol
|
Regulatory Body |
Standard/Regulation |
Details |
Source |
|
FSSAI (India) |
Standards for Rice Bran Oil |
Mandates minimum oryzanol content: * 0.2% for blends ≥ 20% physically refined rice bran oil * Increases with higher rice bran oil content |
FSSAI/Gazette_Notification_Cotton_Seed_Rice_Bran_Oil_04_07_2016.pdf |
|
EU |
Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) |
Defines "novel foods": * Not consumed in EU before May 15, 1997 * Applies to new production processes, breeding techniques, or genome editing * Oryzanol might be considered novel depending on source/processing |
Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 |
|
US FDA |
FDA GRAS Notice |
GRAS notice for γ-oryzanol: * Safe for human consumption * Applies to γ-oryzanol, may not cover all forms/sources * Doesn't establish minimum oryzanol content in rice bran oil |
FDA GRAS Notice |
Detection
|
Step |
Technique |
Description |
Considerations |
|
Identification |
HPLC with UV detection |
Separates oryzanol components. UV detector identifies them based on unique light absorption patterns at specific wavelengths (often 328nm). Presence of oryzanol peaks confirms its existence. |
- Confirms oryzanol presence. - Well-established technique. |
|
Identification |
GC-MS |
Separates oryzanol components using gas chromatography. Mass spectrometer generates a fingerprint-like pattern for each component, allowing identification based on oryzanol's fragmentation pattern. |
- Highly specific identification. - Can differentiate between oryzanol components. |
|
Quantification |
HPLC with calibration standards |
Calibrates the HPLC system using known oryzanol concentrations. Sample is run through HPLC, and detector response for oryzanol components is compared to the calibration curve to calculate oryzanol concentration in the sample. |
- Widely used and established method. |
|
Quantification (Alternative) |
NMR |
Relies on the specific signal from the ferulic acid group in oryzanol within the NMR spectrum. Offers a quicker method for quantifying oryzanol, particularly in refined rice bran oil. |
- Faster than HPLC for some samples. |
Mandatory and optional analyses for oryzanol
Mandatory Parameters:
- Identification: This confirms the presence of oryzanol using techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
- Quantification: This determines the exact amount of oryzanol present, typically through HPLC with calibration standards. Minimum Reporting Levels (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies might apply.
Optional Parameters:
- Purity: This assesses the presence of potential impurities or contaminants using advanced chromatographic techniques like LC-MS/MS.
- Stereoisomeric composition: Oryzanol exists in different stereoisomers with varying bioactivities. Advanced chromatographic methods can separate and quantify these isomers.
- Stability: This evaluates oryzanol's degradation under different storage conditions to ensure product quality and shelf life.
- Bioavailability: This measures the amount of oryzanol absorbed and utilized by the body, crucial for understanding its potential health effects.
Eurofins role in testing oryzanol
Eurofins plays a significant role in testing oryzanol content in various products, particularly rice bran oil. Here's a breakdown of their services:
Analytical Expertise:
Eurofins boasts a global network of laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for analyzing oryzanol. They likely utilize techniques like HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, as mentioned previously.
Comprehensive Testing Packages:
They offer testing packages that cater to various needs. These packages might encompass:
- Identification: Confirming the presence of oryzanol in the sample.
- Quantification: Determining the exact amount of oryzanol present.
- Analysis of specific components: Measuring the levels of individual components within the oryzanol mixture.
Regulatory Support:
- Eurofins stays updated on global and regional regulations concerning oryzanol testing in food products.
- They can offer guidance on relevant Minimum Reporting Levels (MRLs), appropriate analytical methods, and documentation requirements to ensure compliance.
- Their regulatory experts can assist clients in navigating the complexities of compliance with oryzanol regulations.
Additional Services (Potential):
Eurofins might also offer services like:
- Method development: Tailoring analytical methods to specific sample types or client requirements.
- Oryzanol stability testing: Evaluating how oryzanol content changes under different storage conditions.
- Consulting: Providing expert advice on interpreting test results and their implications for product development or quality control.
Overall, Eurofins can be a valuable partner for companies or individuals who need reliable and comprehensive testing services for oryzanol content in their products.
References
- https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-oryzanol-market
- FSSAI/Gazette_Notification_Cotton_Seed_Rice_Bran_Oil_04_07_2016.pdf
- https://www.fda.gov/media/124884/download
- Endo Y, Aso Y. Determination of γ-Oryzanol in Refined Rice Bran Oil by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2019;65(Supplement):S72-S74. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.65.S72. PMID: 31619651.
- Faustino M, Veiga M, Sousa P, Costa EM, Silva S, Pintado M. Agro-Food Byproducts as a New Source of Natural Food Additives. PMID: 30889812; PMCID: PMC6471601.
