Oryzanol analysis

Introduction

Oryzanol, a natural antioxidant found in rice bran oils, is recognized for its ability to lower the absorption and accumulation of LDL and VLDL (considered bad) serum cholesterol. Additionally, it plays a role in reducing hypertension, enhancing bone-mineral density, promoting liver function, and providing relief from gastrointestinal distress. In the evaluation of various brands, it was observed that the oryzanol content exceeded the minimum requirement, ranging from 1.17 percent to 1.67 percent in all tested brands.

Various brands offer rice bran oil products, each boasting its own unique percentage of Oryzanol content. Let's take a closer look at some prominent brands and their respective Oryzanol concentrations.

Sources

Rice bran oil: The richest source, containing 1-2% oryzanol.

Wheat bran and germ

Some fruits and vegetables (in lower amounts)

Oryzanol Properties, Availability, and Current Understanding

Importance of analysis of oryzanol

There are several reasons why testing oryzanol is important:

Standards and Regulations of oryzanol  

FSSAI (India):

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specific standards for rice bran oil. It mandates a minimum oryzanol content of 0.2% for blends containing at least 20% physically refined rice bran oil, with an increment for higher rice bran oil content.

FSSAI/Gazette_Notification_Cotton_Seed_Rice_Bran_Oil_04_07_2016.pdf

EU:

The EU Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) defines novel foods as those that were not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the EU before May 15, 1997, and includes foods derived from new production processes, new breeding techniques, or genome editing. If oryzanol is to be used in a new food product, the manufacturer must submit a novel food application to EFSA, which will assess the safety of the product. If the application is approved, the product can be marketed in the EU under the supervision of the European Commission

USFDA:

FDA GRAS Notice: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice for γ-oryzanol, stating that it is not intended for use in products under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's jurisdiction

https://www.fda.gov/media/124884/download

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 is a global leader in analytical testing services, and they play a significant role in testing oryzanol in food products. Here's how they contribute:

Analytical Expertise:

• Eurofins has a vast network of laboratories worldwide equipped with advanced instrumentation and expertise in analyzing oryzanol using various methods like HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS.
• They offer comprehensive testing packages covering mandatory and optional parameters like identification, quantification, purity, stereoisomeric composition, and stability.
• Their team of experienced scientists can design customized testing solutions based on specific needs and regulatory requirements.

Quality and Accreditation:

• Eurofins laboratories are accredited to international standards like ISO 17025, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and traceability of their testing results.
• They participate in proficiency testing programs and use certified reference materials to guarantee data quality.
• Their quality management systems adhere to strict guidelines, providing confidence in the integrity of their analyses.

Regulatory Support:

• Eurofins stays updated on global and regional regulations concerning oryzanol testing in food products.
• They offer guidance on relevant MRLs, analytical methods, and documentation requirements.
• Their regulatory experts can assist clients in navigating complex compliance issues and ensuring their products meet necessary standards.

References

1. https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/file-uploads/ctocpas/RiceBranOIl.pdf
2. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-oryzanol-market
3. FSSAI/Gazette_Notification_Cotton_Seed_Rice_Bran_Oil_04_07_2016.pdf
4. https://www.fda.gov/media/124884/download
5. 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.
6. Faustino M, Veiga M, Sousa P, Costa EM, Silva S, Pintado M. Agro-Food Byproducts as a New Source of Natural Food Additives. Molecules. 2019 Mar 18;24(6):1056. doi: 10.3390/molecules24061056. PMID: 30889812; PMCID: PMC6471601.

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