Novel Physiological Functions of Rice Protein

(Young Investigator Award of JSNFS (2016) )

Abstract

Rice is a staple food and has importance as a protein source as well as a major energy source in Japan. However, data about the physiological functions of rice protein remain limited, despite its importance. We have therefore investigated the various physiological functions of rice protein. First, we conducted an in vivo digestion test of rice endosperm protein to clarify the digestibility of rice prolamin. Our in vivo experiments showed that the digestibility of rice prolamin is decreased by cooking but is improved by alkali extraction. Furthermore, our investigation of alkali-extracted rice endosperm protein (AE-REP) revealed that it reduces plasma total cholesterol, hepatic total cholesterol, and hepatic triglycerides, as well as ameliorating diabetic nephropathy in diabetic model rats.