Title:Role of Calabrian Black Rice in Metabolic Syndrome: In vitro Evaluation of Oryza sativa L. Indica Biological Properties
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Mariarosa Ruffo, Ortensia Ilaria Parisi, Luca Scrivano, Donatella Restuccia, Fabio Amone, Maria Stefania Sinicropi, Rocco Malivindi, Giovanni Aiello and Francesco Puoci*
Affiliation:Macrofarm s.r.l., c/o Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Macrofarm s.r.l., c/o Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Macrofarm s.r.l., c/o Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Macrofarm s.r.l., c/o Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Macrofarm s.r.l., c/o Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS)
Keywords:Calabrian black rice extract, metabolic syndrome, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, α-glucosidase, α-
amylase, anti-hypertensive activity, hypolipidemic effect.
Abstract:Background: Metabolic Syndrome is becoming more common and it is characterized
by an excess intake of energy, readily available carbohydrates and fats that result in postprandial
hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome, a diet characterized
by functional food, high fiber intake and low glycemic index is recommended.
Objective: The aim of this research was to study, in vitro, the beneficial and biological properties
of black rice cultivated in Sibari plain, a particular area of the region of Calabria, and verify if the
climatic conditions of this area influence the composition of this pigmented rice.
Method: The antioxidant activity was investigated by performing the DPPH radical scavenging
assay, while the free phenolic content of CBR extract was measured by Folin Ciocalteu's assay
and the obtained results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent/mg of extract. In order to
establish the anti-inflammatory effect of CBR extract, its reactivity towards nitric oxide (NO) was
evaluated, while, its anti-hypertensive activity was studied by determining the ACE activity inhibition.
Results: CBR extract also suppresses pancreatic lipase activity with an IC50 value of 34.3 µg/ml
and it decreases cellular lipid accumulation by about 60%. Finally, its hypoglycemic effect was
evaluated by measuring the inhibiting activity towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes.
Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate that this kind of black rice owns different beneficial
properties, which make it a functional food that could improve metabolic disorders of MS.
