Colored Corn: An Up-Date on Metabolites Extraction, Health Implication, and Potential Use

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Colored corn varieties possess unique pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids.
• These pigments contribute to the visual appeal and potential health benefits of corn.
• Understanding these compounds is crucial for leveraging their properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in extracting and characterizing secondary metabolites from colored corn.
• To discuss stabilization techniques for these extracts.
• To summarize the diverse health applications of pigmented corn extracts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on colored corn.
• Analysis of extraction and chemical characterization methods for plant secondary metabolites.
• Compilation of data on stabilization approaches and applications.
• Synthesis of findings from in vitro and in vivo studies on health effects.

Main Results:

• Detailed summary of extraction and chemical profiles of anthocyanins and carotenoids in various corn parts.
• Overview of effective methods for stabilizing these valuable compounds.
• Comprehensive list of food and non-food applications.
• Consolidated evidence of health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects.

Conclusions:

• Colored corn is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant health implications.
• Effective extraction, characterization, and stabilization are key to utilizing these compounds.
• Further research supports the use of pigmented corn extracts in functional foods and nutraceuticals.