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<p>Pigmented cereals such as black rice, purple wheat, blue and black maize, red corn, and red sorghum have emerged as promising contributors to nutrition-sensitive food systems because their bran tissues are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids that support cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health. These pigments are synthesized through phenylpropanoid and carotenoid pathways and regulated by transcriptional complexes such as MYB–bHLH–WD40 (MBW), which are further influenced by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Multi-omics approaches, encompassing genomics, QTL mapping, GWAS, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and phenomics, have identified structural genes like <i>CHS</i>, <i>DFR</i>, and <i>ANS</i>, as well as transporters and chelation-related genes, that link pigmentation with micronutrient density. Genome-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas systems, base editing, and prime editing are now being applied to fine-tune these pathways, though challenges such as polyploidy and off-target effects remain. Bioavailability of phytonutrients is strongly constrained by interactions with fiber, protein, and starch, but processing methods provide effective interventions: fermentation and enzymatic pretreatment release bound phenolics, extrusion improves accessibility despite pigment losses, and encapsulation or nano-delivery systems, including zein, maltodextrin, and liposome carriers, stabilize anthocyanins and enhance intestinal uptake. Pigmented cereals are also being positioned in biofortification and fortification programs for iron, zinc, provitamin A, and B vitamins, though inconsistencies in quantification and labeling continue to limit regulatory approval and consumer confidence. Key translational challenges include pigment instability, raw material variability, processing costs, and regulatory heterogeneity. Addressing these requires an integrated strategy that combines omics-driven breeding, precision genome editing, process engineering, and sustainable agronomic practices to advance pigmented cereals as scalable, nutrient-rich functional foods.</p>

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Chromatic grains: Revolutionizing nutrition with pigmented cereals and fortified foods

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月1日

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  • Shoeb Ahmed,
  • Jitendra Kumar,
  • Nitin Garg,
  • Vijay Gahlaut

摘要

Pigmented cereals such as black rice, purple wheat, blue and black maize, red corn, and red sorghum have emerged as promising contributors to nutrition-sensitive food systems because their bran tissues are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids that support cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health. These pigments are synthesized through phenylpropanoid and carotenoid pathways and regulated by transcriptional complexes such as MYB–bHLH–WD40 (MBW), which are further influenced by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Multi-omics approaches, encompassing genomics, QTL mapping, GWAS, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and phenomics, have identified structural genes like CHS, DFR, and ANS, as well as transporters and chelation-related genes, that link pigmentation with micronutrient density. Genome-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas systems, base editing, and prime editing are now being applied to fine-tune these pathways, though challenges such as polyploidy and off-target effects remain. Bioavailability of phytonutrients is strongly constrained by interactions with fiber, protein, and starch, but processing methods provide effective interventions: fermentation and enzymatic pretreatment release bound phenolics, extrusion improves accessibility despite pigment losses, and encapsulation or nano-delivery systems, including zein, maltodextrin, and liposome carriers, stabilize anthocyanins and enhance intestinal uptake. Pigmented cereals are also being positioned in biofortification and fortification programs for iron, zinc, provitamin A, and B vitamins, though inconsistencies in quantification and labeling continue to limit regulatory approval and consumer confidence. Key translational challenges include pigment instability, raw material variability, processing costs, and regulatory heterogeneity. Addressing these requires an integrated strategy that combines omics-driven breeding, precision genome editing, process engineering, and sustainable agronomic practices to advance pigmented cereals as scalable, nutrient-rich functional foods.