Introduction to Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound

The role of non-starch polysaccharides of cereals in health and nutrition has stimulated a wide range of research activities. Arabinoxylans are the major non-starch polysaccharide constituents of cereals, and they are predominantly found in the outer layers of the grain. They are composed of backbone chains of α-(1-4)-linked D-xylopyranosyl residues to which α-L-arabinofuranose units are linked as side chains. Rice bran has been identified as an underutilized source of dietary fiber, and there is a great potential to produce modified/unmodified arabinoxylans as a nutraceutical. The available studies have shown the health beneficial effects of rice bran arabinoxylans such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antiproliferative properties. This introductory book chapter summarizes the available information on rice bran, rice bran dietary fiber, and its relationship to rice bran arabinoxylans and rice bran arabinoxylan structure.