Impact of γ-oryzanol rich–brown rice extract on body weight, cholesterol profile, and histopathology of adipose, liver, and kidney tissue in hypercholesterolemic rats

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Ja’far Umar, Turhadi Turhadi, Titin Andri Wihastuti, Muhamad Fahmi, Fatchiyah Fatchiyah

2025 CYTA - Journal of Food Vol. 23 Issue 1 Article Cited by 0 Quartile

Abstract

We previously confirmed that the Indonesian brown rice varieties Black Madras (BM) and Universitas Brawijaya (UB) contain γ-oryzanol. This study evaluated the effects of their extracts on body weight, lipid profile, and tissue integrity in hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty-eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and hypercholesterolemic groups, with subgroups receiving either no treatment, standard γ-oryzanol, BM, and UB extracts at two different doses (50 or 100 mg/kg BW) for 28 days. Treatment with UB or BM extracts improved histological structures in adipose, liver, and kidney tissues, while the UB extract also reduced weight gain and enhanced lipid profiles by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and increasing HDL. Among the interventions, UB extract at the lower dose showed the most consistent protective effects. These results highlight the potential of Indonesian brown rice as a natural source of γ-oryzanol with therapeutic benefits against metabolic and tissue dysfunctions related to hypercholesterolemia. © 2025 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Affiliations

Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Research Center of Smart Molecule of Natural Genetic Resource, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia