Bioactive Phytochemicals from Corn (Zea mays) Germ Oil Processing By-products

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most relevant and cultivated cereals. During the processing of corn, especially in obtaining edible oil, large quantities of by-products are generated, called corn germ oil processing by-products. In this sense, this chapter provides an overview of the main components, including phytochemical components found in corn germ oil processing by-products, to provide information and increase utilization, especially in food products. Corn oil processing by-product has a crude protein around 10.6 g 100 g−1 mainly with methionine, lysine, and tryptophan amino acids, the crude fiber of 4.6 g 100 g−1, and lipids of 1.34 g 100 g−1 primarily with linoleic and palmitic fatty acids. In addition, these by-products are a source of phenolic and carotenoid compounds that are responsible for their antioxidant activity. Thus, the synergistic action of these compounds seems to confer the biological activity of this by-product in the human body.