Dark Purple Luem Pua rice extract reduces disease severity in rat models of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of an aqueous extract of unpolished dark purple glutinous Thai rice, variety Luem pua (LP), in two rat models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Polyphenolic compounds content were determined by HPLC methods and antioxidant activities by DPPH and FRAP assays of the LP extract. The effect of the LP extract at 5 g/kg/day were evaluated in two rat models of IBD that included acetic acid and indomethacin induced IBD. On each day of treatment, changes of body weight, stool consistency and stool blood were scored and expressed as disease activity index (DAI). At the end of the experiments, the animals were euthanized. Colon length and spleen weight were determined, and the degree of inflammation of the colon was scored. Results: Rats in both models of IBD (acetic acid- and indomethacin-induced IBD), exhibited significant increases in DAI, macroscopic inflammation scores and spleen weights, while the lengths of colon were decreased. Pretreatment with LP extract attenuated the disease severity in both models as seen by the reverse of all observed altered parameters. Conclusion: These data suggest that LP extract might be beneficial in preventing and/or treating IBD. Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Dark purple glutinous rice Var. Luem Pua, Acetic acid, Indomethacin