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

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.