Application of rice bran in preparation of food or health care product with functions of relaxing bowels and promoting intestinal peristalsis

Abstract

The invention discloses application of rice bran in preparation of food or health care products with functions of relaxing bowels and promoting intestinal peristalsis, and relates to the field of functional food. According to the application, the combination of active components of unsaturated fatty acid-phenolic acid-amino acid derivatives in the rice bran is defined through systematic component analysis, richer material basis explanation is provided for the bowel relaxing effect of the rice bran, the effective concentration range and the optimal concentration of the rice bran are quantified, and a direct experimental basis is provided for product dosage design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to functional food technology, specifically to the application of rice bran in the preparation of foods or health products that have the functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Background Technology

[0002] Constipation is a prevalent digestive health problem worldwide, characterized by difficulty in defecation, hard stools, and reduced bowel movements. It severely impacts quality of life, and long-term constipation can trigger a chain of health risks, including intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders. With the fast pace of modern life, insufficient dietary fiber intake, and sedentary lifestyles, the number of people suffering from constipation is increasing, leading to a growing demand from consumers for natural, safe, and effective laxative foods or health supplements.

[0003] Rice bran, a byproduct of rice processing, is widely available and inexpensive, making it a natural resource with great development potential. However, current technologies have not clearly identified the core effective components and synergistic mechanisms of rice bran for promoting bowel movements, lack precise quantitative data on effective concentrations, and have not developed targeted processing techniques to improve the utilization rate of active ingredients. As a result, rice bran cannot be transformed into a functional product for promoting bowel movements with definite efficacy and strong stability.

[0004] Further analysis reveals that existing technologies only broadly attribute the intestinal regulatory effect of rice bran to dietary fiber, failing to identify the key component combination that truly dominates its laxative effect through precise detection technology, and further failing to reveal the synergistic relationship between different components. This results in a vague efficacy mechanism and a lack of clear material basis for the product's effects. At the same time, existing studies have not used standardized biological models to quantitatively verify the laxative effect of rice bran, making it impossible to determine the effective concentration and effective dose range. Consequently, product dosage design lacks a basis, and the stability and repeatability of efficacy are poor.

[0005] Based on the above situation, there is an urgent need to develop a technical solution that clearly defines the core mechanism of rice bran in promoting bowel movements and quantifies its effective concentration, so as to transform natural rice bran into food or health products that are effective, standardized, and can promote bowel movements and intestinal motility, in order to meet market demand. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an application of rice bran in the preparation of food or health products with functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Through a standardized efficacy model, the laxative effect of rice bran is precisely quantified, and the material basis of the synergistic effect of multiple components is revealed, so as to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides the application of rice bran in the preparation of food or health products that have the functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements.

[0009] Rice bran exerts a mechanical stimulation on intestinal peristalsis through the cellulose it contains.

[0010] Furthermore, the rice bran contains a synergistic combination of active ingredients, including an unsaturated fatty acid component that provides lubrication, a phenolic acid component that provides anti-inflammatory effects, and an amino acid derivative component that provides neuromodulation.

[0011] Furthermore, the effective concentration of rice bran in the application is 20 μg / mL to 100 μg / mL, determined based on an aluminum sulfate-induced zebrafish constipation model.

[0012] Furthermore, the effective concentration is from 80 μg / mL to 100 μg / mL.

[0013] Furthermore, the unsaturated fatty acid component includes at least linoleic acid and oleic acid; the phenolic acid component includes at least ferulic acid; and the amino acid derivative component includes at least γ-aminobutyric acid.

[0014] Furthermore, in the rice bran, the sum of the peak areas of linoleic acid and oleic acid accounts for no less than 35% of the total area of ​​identifiable lipid-related peaks in the total ion chromatogram of the rice bran oil analyzed by UHPLC-OE-MS.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides a composition having the functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements, comprising an effective amount of rice bran as defined above.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an application of rice bran in the preparation of food or health products with the functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Through systematic component analysis, the combination of active ingredients of unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic acids and amino acid derivatives in rice bran has been clarified, providing a richer material basis for its function of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. The effective concentration range and preferred concentration have also been quantified, providing direct experimental basis for product dosage design. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 The total ion chromatogram of rice bran oil in negative ion mode provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 The total ion chromatogram of rice bran oil in positive ion mode provided in this embodiment of the invention is shown in UHPLC-OE-MS.

[0020] Figure 3 A representative image of fluorescent markers in the intestines of zebrafish provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown:

[0023] Example 1:

[0024] This invention provides chemical composition analysis and identification of characteristic active combinations of rice bran oil.

[0025] Sample pretreatment

[0026] First, obtain commercially available rice bran or rice bran raw material obtained from fresh processing of rice. Process the rice bran using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, specifically as follows: Using a supercritical extraction apparatus, weigh 1 kg of rice bran powder and extract Rice Bran Oil (RBO). Then centrifuge and freeze, protecting from light.

[0027] Instruments and Analytical Methods

[0028] Analysis was performed using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-orbit trap high-resolution mass spectrometry system. The chromatographic section was equipped with a C18 reversed-phase column, and the mass spectrometry section was equipped with an electrospray ionization source.

[0029] During analysis, both positive and negative ion modes were used for scanning. The mobile phase of liquid chromatography consisted of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile, and a gradient elution program was used to separate the different components in the sample. Mass spectrometry was run in full scan mode with a resolution of 120,000 to ensure accurate mass determination and differentiation of complex components.

[0030] Operation steps and analysis process

[0031] The prepared rice bran oil sample was brought to room temperature, and an appropriate amount (10 mg) was accurately weighed, diluted with methanol and vortexed to mix evenly. After being filtered through a 0.22-micron microporous membrane, it was placed in a sample vial for testing.

[0032] Place the sample vial into the autosampler. Set the chromatographic and mass spectrometric parameters and start the analysis program.

[0033] The system first operates in negative ion mode, achieving the following: Figure 1 The total ion chromatogram is shown below. Subsequently, the polarity was changed, and the circuit was run in positive ion mode to obtain the following results: Figure 2 The total ion flow chromatogram is shown.

[0034] After analysis, the obtained high-resolution mass spectrometry data were processed using specialized software (such as Compound Discoverer). By comparing with standard mass spectrometry databases (such as mzCloud, HMDB, etc.) and combining secondary mass spectrometry fragment information, the components of each chromatographic peak in the chromatogram were identified.

[0035] result:

[0036] The total ion chromatogram obtained from the analysis is as follows: Figure 1 (Negative ion mode) and Figure 2 As shown in (positive ion mode), rice bran oil contains an extremely rich array of chemical components. Through database comparison and secondary mass spectrometry analysis, more than 150 compounds were identified.

[0037] This invention focuses on key categories closely related to gut health and bowel function, and has screened and identified the following core substances that constitute their characteristic combinations:

[0038] Unsaturated fatty acid components:

[0039] In negative ion mode detection, linoleic acid and oleic acid exhibited exceptionally high signal responses (peak areas), reaching 533,686,411.6 and 199,399,249.2, respectively, significantly higher than other fatty acids (such as palmitic acid at 107,446,063.6). Calculations showed that the combined peak areas of linoleic acid and oleic acid accounted for approximately 38% of the total peak area of ​​all clearly identifiable lipid-related components. Furthermore, γ-linolenic acid and other fatty acids were also detected.

[0040] Phenolic acid components:

[0041] In the negative ion mode, trans-Ferulic acid and its isomer, isoferulic acid, were clearly identified (both with peak areas of 6,264,665,718). Ferulic acid is a characteristic phenolic acid found in cereal bran and has recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

[0042] Amino acid derivative components:

[0043] In positive ion mode analysis, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was clearly identified (peak area 8,787,291.079). GABA is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central and enteric nervous systems, and its presence in rice bran oil was clearly detected.

[0044] Conclusion: The rice bran used in this invention is a natural complex functional system with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) as the core physical lubricant, and is also rich in anti-inflammatory phenolic acids such as ferulic acid and neuroactive small molecules such as γ-aminobutyric acid.

[0045] Example 2:

[0046] This embodiment provides a quantitative evaluation of the laxative effect based on a standard zebrafish model.

[0047] This embodiment utilizes a standardized biological model to objectively and quantitatively verify the laxative effect of rice bran with characteristic chemical combinations described in Example 1, and to determine its dose-response relationship.

[0048] Experimental System and Principle

[0049] This embodiment uses an aluminum sulfate-induced constipation model in juvenile zebrafish. Zebrafish, as a model organism, exhibits highly conserved intestinal development and physiological functions compared to mammals, and their small size and transparent bodies facilitate observation. Group standards such as "T / ZHCA501-2020 Zebrafish Detection Method for Intestinal Lubrication and Laxative Function in Health Foods" have provided normative guidelines for the application of this model. The model uses Nile Red fluorescent dye to label intestinal contents, and the defecation status is indirectly evaluated by quantifying the intestinal fluorescence retention intensity.

[0050] Experimental Materials and Preparation

[0051] Experimental animals: Wild-type AB strain zebrafish, housed in a standard recirculating aquaculture system. Healthy juveniles, 7 days after hatching, were used in the experiment.

[0052] Test samples: The rice bran raw material (or the extract prepared therefrom) described in Example 1 was prepared into stock solutions of different concentrations using aquaculture water.

[0053] Main reagents: aluminum sulfate (used to induce constipation), Nile red fluorescent dye, tricaine (used for anesthesia).

[0054] Experimental steps

[0055] This experiment must be performed in the following order:

[0056] Adaptation feeding and grouping: Seven-day-old zebrafish juveniles of similar body size were randomly selected and, after a period of acclimatization feeding in a six-hole plate, were randomly divided into 6 groups, with 20-30 fish in each group. These groups were: normal control group, model control group, low-dose rice bran group, low-medium-dose rice bran group, medium-high-dose rice bran group, and high-dose rice bran group.

[0057] Constipation model induction: Except for the normal control group, all other groups of juvenile fish were transferred to aquaculture water containing aluminum sulfate at a final concentration of 10 micrograms per milliliter and continuously exposed for 5 hours.

[0058] Fluorescent dye labeling: After aluminum sulfate treatment, all juvenile fish (including the normal control group) were transferred to aquaculture water containing Nile Red dye at a final concentration of 20 nanograms per milliliter and cultured in the dark for 12 hours to allow the dye to be ingested and accumulated in the intestines.

[0059] Drug intervention: After fluorescent labeling, juvenile fish in the model control group and each rice bran dosage group were transferred to either culture water containing only the model group or culture water containing the corresponding concentration of rice bran test solution. The final concentrations of the rice bran test solution were set to 20, 40, 80, and 100 μg / mL, respectively. The normal control group was kept in clean culture water throughout. All groups continued treatment for 12 hours.

[0060] Sample processing and image acquisition: After processing, an appropriate amount of tricaine solution was added to each well to anesthetize the juvenile fish. The juvenile fish were then transferred to agarose wells, and fluorescent images of the intestinal region of each juvenile fish were captured under a fluorescence stereomicroscope using the same exposure parameters.

[0061] Quantitative data analysis: Using ImageJ or similar image analysis software, the intestinal region of each fish was delineated, and its average fluorescence intensity value (grayscale value, AU) was measured. All data were collected.

[0062] Data Processing and Results

[0063] The measured mean fluorescence intensity data of each group's intestines were entered into statistical software and expressed as "mean ± standard deviation". One-way ANOVA was used to test for differences between groups. If significant differences were found, Dunnett's t-test was used to further compare the model group with each treatment group pairwise.

[0064] An example experimental result is shown in the table below:

[0065] Group Rice bran treatment concentration (μg / mL) Mean fluorescence intensity of the gut (Mean±SD, AU) normal control group 0 312.37±14.07 Model control group 0 581.16±27.02 Rice bran group 20 510.39±12.01 Rice bran group 40 437.89±14.31 Rice bran group 80 420.01±8.42 Rice bran group 100 366.33±6.82

[0066] According to the data in the table above, within the concentration range of 20 to 100 micrograms per milliliter, the intestinal fluorescence intensity, which characterizes the degree of constipation, shows a decreasing trend with increasing rice bran concentration.

[0067] This embodiment clearly shows that the rice bran began to show a statistically significant improvement effect at a concentration of 20 micrograms per milliliter (P<0.05), exhibited a concentration-dependent improvement trend in the range of 20 to 100 micrograms per milliliter, and achieved a better level of improvement effect in the concentration range of 80 to 100 micrograms per milliliter.

[0068] Example 3:

[0069] This embodiment provides the preparation of a laxative solid beverage containing characteristic rice bran.

[0070] This embodiment prepares a solid beverage. Its formulation, by weight percentage, contains the following components:

[0071] Rice bran powder: 50%. This powder is obtained by drying and ultra-fine grinding the rice bran raw material described in Example 1 (or the rice bran after dewaxing in Example 3) to pass through a 100-mesh sieve.

[0072] Resistant dextrin: 30%. As a water-soluble dietary fiber, it can be used as a filler and carrier, and can also work synergistically with rice bran fiber to improve reconstitution properties.

[0073] Erythritol: 15%. As a sweetener, it provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar.

[0074] Citric acid: 2%. Used as an acidulant to adjust product flavor and provide some stability.

[0075] Natural citrus flavoring: 1%. Used to improve product flavor.

[0076] Sucralose: 0.1%. As a high-intensity sweetener, it is combined with erythritol to optimize the sweetness profile.

[0077] Preparation process flow:

[0078] Raw material pretreatment and weighing: Accurately weigh the rice bran powder, resistant dextrin, erythritol, citric acid, natural citrus flavoring, and sucralose according to the above formula proportions. Ensure that all raw materials meet food-grade standards.

[0079] Dry powder mixing: Add the weighed rice bran powder, resistant dextrin, and erythritol into a three-dimensional motion mixer. Set the mixer speed to 20 revolutions per minute and the mixing time to 30 minutes to ensure that all dry powder components are thoroughly and evenly mixed.

[0080] Adhesive preparation: Weigh out citric acid, natural citrus flavor and sucralose, dissolve them together in an appropriate amount (5% of the total dry powder weight) of purified water, stir until completely dissolved to form a homogeneous adhesive liquid.

[0081] Wet granulation: Transfer the uniformly mixed dry powder material into a wet granulator. While stirring, spray the prepared adhesive liquid evenly onto the dry powder in an atomized form using a spray gun. Continue stirring until the material forms a moderately moist soft mass.

[0082] Drying and Granulation: The wet granules are transferred to a fluidized bed dryer and dried at an inlet air temperature of 50 degrees Celsius until the moisture content of the granules drops below 5%. The dried granules are then granulated using a granulator to obtain solid beverage granules with uniform particle size.

[0083] Packaging and dispensing: The granules are automatically dispensed into 5-gram bags and sealed in aluminum foil bags for storage in a cool, dry place.

[0084] Consumers can take 1 to 2 packets of this product daily, dissolved in about 200 ml of warm water, as a convenient way to consume the functional rice bran.

[0085] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The application of rice bran in the preparation of food or health products with functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements.

2. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rice bran contains a synergistic combination of active ingredients, including unsaturated fatty acid components that provide lubrication, phenolic acid components that provide anti-inflammatory effects, and amino acid derivative components that provide neuromodulation.

3. The application according to claim 2, characterized in that, The effective concentration of rice bran in the application was determined to be 20 μg / mL to 100 μg / mL based on an aluminum sulfate-induced zebrafish constipation model.

4. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The effective concentration is 80 μg / mL to 100 μg / mL.

5. The application according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unsaturated fatty acid component includes at least linoleic acid and oleic acid; the phenolic acid component includes at least ferulic acid; and the amino acid derivative component includes at least γ-aminobutyric acid.

6. The application according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the rice bran, the sum of the peak areas of linoleic acid and oleic acid accounts for no less than 35% of the total area of ​​identifiable lipid-related peaks in the total ion chromatogram of the rice bran oil analyzed by UHPLC-OE-MS.

7. A composition having the functions of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements, characterized in that, It includes an effective amount of rice bran as defined in any one of claims 1-6.

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