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Cadmium (Cd) contamination in food is a problem endangering human health. Cd detoxication is an interesting topic particularly using food which provides no side effects. Ricegrass juice is a squeezed juice from young rice leaves which is introduced as a functional drink rich in polyphenol components. Se-enrichment into ricegrass is initiated to provide extra advantages of their functional properties. The protective role of ricegrass juice (RG) and Se-enriched ricegrass juice (Se-RG) against Cd toxicity during pre-, co- and post-treatment on HEK293 kidney cells were investigated. Results confirmed that RG and Se-RG had very low toxicity for kidney cells. Both extracts showed a protective role during pre-treatment and co-treatment against Cd toxicity by exerting a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the percentage of DNA damage in tail and tail length of the comets over the Cd-treated cells. However, the Se-RG indicated additional benefits in all properties over RG. High Se content in Se-RG resulted in more protective effects of the regular ricegrass juice. In summary, this study provides clear evidence that Se-enriched ricegrass juice has potential to be developed as a functional food to protect the human body from Cd contamination via the reduction of oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Here, the effects of consuming polyphenol-rich olive products, including olive leaves, their crude extract, and extra virgin olive oil, on aspects of the metabolic syndrome are reviewed. We have sought to summarize the available scientific evidence from dietary intervention trials demonstrating a role for these phytochemicals in ameliorating aberrant glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids, and we discuss the potential mechanisms underpinning these observations. Searches for relevant literature published in English were conducted via PubMed and Science Direct. Based on published dietary intervention studies, there is convincing evidence to show that olive polyphenols, independently of olive lipids, reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome, in particular by improving blood sugar and blood pressure control, and in reducing low density lipoprotein oxidation. There is more limited evidence to suggest that the consumption of olive polyphenols or related products can reduce body weight and visceral fat or impede weight gain, and similarly there are some limited data suggesting improved lipid profiles. There is some mechanistic data to support observations made in human volunteers, but further work is needed in this area. The consumption of olive polyphenols within the context of a healthy pattern of food intake may, in part, explain the reduced risk of metabolic disease associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Background: Pigmented rice varieties are gaining interest due to their superior nutritional and phenolic properties compared to white rice varieties. With the rising risk of diabetes, cereals with higher protein contents should be consumed with rice. Adlay is one of the underutilized crops with higher protein contents and other functional properties. The germination process is one of the easy and innovative techniques for improving functional properties in seeds. In this study, two pigmented rice varieties and adlay seeds were soaked (24 h) and germinated for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. The physicochemical properties, polyphenolic profiles, and the antioxidant activities of these samples were evaluated. Results: Purple rice (PR) demonstrated the highest values for polyphenolic contents, with 9 compounds detected for antioxidant activities. There were 6 compounds detected for red rice (RR). The adlay seeds had the least concentrations of phenolic compounds, with 6 compounds and higher nutritional properties identified. New compounds were synthesized. Among the rice samples, 24 h soaking (S 24 ) gave the best results for phenolic and antioxidant properties, with 24 h germination in adlay seeds. 48 h germination yielded better results for the nutritional values in all the samples. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates how the process of soaking is a cheap and less time-consuming process of improving bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in pigmented rice varieties and adlay seeds. Keywords: polyphenols; antioxidant; pigmented rice; adlay; germination.