Radicals derived from exogenous and endogenous sources are considered to be the
principal cause of genetic damage. Exogenous and endogenous radicals participate in the
reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which leads to damages in the DNA, RNA,
proteins and lipids. However, dietary compounds, mainly from pigmented rice, are an
essential source of antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. This study seeks to
determine the antioxidant properties and cytoprotective effect of two Thai pigmented rice
extracts namely the glutinous black rice (native name: Neaw dum moa37) and red rice
(native name: Hom gradung-nga57) on H2O2-induced damage in HT-29 cells. The
bioactive compound contents, as well as antioxidant activities of both rice extracts, were
investigated. The protective effect of rice extracts on H2O2-induced damage was executed
following the co-incubation method. HT-29 cells were exposed to H2O2 and different rice
extract concentrations for 3 h and an MTT assay was used to measure the viability of the
cell. The ROS level was determined using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA). The result showed that glutinous black rice extract contained significantly higher
contents of all analysed antioxidants and activities than red rice extract. Glutinous black
rice showed a higher cytotoxic effect compared to red rice. At the non-toxic concentration
of both rice extracts, the HT-29 cells were guarded against the H2O2 induced oxidative
stress. Besides, the intracellular ROS accumulation result from H2O2 exposure was
significantly reduced in the presence of rice extracts for both glutinous black rice and red
rice compared to control. Hence, this study has demonstrated the potential properties of
both pigmented rice extracts in alleviating H2O2-mediated damage in HT-29 cells.