Antioxidant Properties and Geroprotective Potential of Wheat Bran Extracts with Increased Content of Anthocyanins

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a focus on breeding wheat with high anthocyanin levels in order to improve food quality and human health. The objective of this study was to examine the antioxidant and geroprotective properties of wheat bran extracts using both in vitro and in vivo research methods. Two wheat lines were used: one with uncolored pericarp (anthocyanin-free) and another with colored pericarp (anthocyanin-containing). These lines differed in a specific region of chromosome 2A containing the Pp3/TaMyc1 gene, which regulates anthocyanin production. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of cyanidin glucoside and cyanidin arabinoside in the anthocyanin-containing wheat bran extract (+AWBE), while no anthocyanins were found in the anthocyanin-free wheat bran extract (−AWBE). The +AWBE showed higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and membrane protective activity (AAPH oxidative hemolysis model) compared to the −AWBE. Both extracts extended the lifespan of female Drosophila, indicating geroprotective properties. This study demonstrates that wheat bran extracts with high anthocyanin levels have antioxidant and geroprotective effects. However, other secondary metabolites in wheat bran can also contribute to its antioxidant and geroprotective potential.

Antitumor Effects of an Anthocyanin-Rich Grain Diet in a Mouse Model of Lewis Lung Carcinoma

“…The anthocyanin levels in both the whole-grain and bran extracts were higher in the colored line compared to the non-colored line [ 28 ]; the content of anthocyanins in the Gr_HCA was as high as 140 mM/g [ 26 ]. High-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry of the wheat extracts revealed that the anthocyanin-enriched grain contains two major substances, cyanidin glucoside and cyanidin arabinoside, as well as several minor anthocyanins, while no anthocyanins were found in the bran extracts of the control grain [ 16 ].…”

“…However, the information on the health-promoting effects of wheat anthocyanins is very scant [ 15 ]. Recently, higher radical scavenging and membrane protective activities of wheat bran extract with a high level of anthocyanins have been found using mouse tissue homogenates (brain and testes) and suspension of murine erythrocytes [ 16 ]. Using mouse models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, the neuroprotective activity of wheat anthocyanins has been demonstrated [ 17 ].…”