.::. BAR Chronicle .::. A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

BAR promotes nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals derived from food crops
by Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

Consider these the “in thing” for health and wellness, the nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals derived from food crops are here to stay.

This was revealed by Dr. Evelyn B. Rodriguez of the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) who has been researching on specific crops for this purpose.

Presented during the opening ceremony of the 19th National Research Symposium (NRS) at the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals could help enhance beauty and wellness.

In her presentation, Dr. Rodriguez defined nutraceuticals as food substances or a part of a food that provides medical or health benefits including the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Meanwhile, cosmeceuticals are intended to enhance beauty because these are ingredients present in fruits (exfoliate and improve circulation), chamomile flower (anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterials and calms irritated skin), green tea and vegetables (anti-oxidant), tamarind (immunostimulation), coconut (moisturize, repairs rough and dry skin, heals wound).

To support these claims, one of the studies conducted by Dr. Rodriguez showed that rice bran and rice bran oil are among the most important sources of functional components of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Although rice bran has been propagated worldwide, this is underutilized and poorly used for human consumption.

Rice bran and rice bran oil contain Υ-Oryzanol which is claimed to prevent bone loss, serves as antioxidant, and promotes skin capillary circulation. It also contains phytic acid, Myo-Inositol which has anti-cancer, antioxidant, properties for blood regulation and stimulation, regeneration of the liver cell, and management of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Furthermore, yellow flower from squash is said to be rich in lutein.

Lutein is a substance that helps maintain good eyesight and functions to filter high energy blue light which lowers the risk for cataract development and prevent muscular degeneration, the principal cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly, she added.