Background : The inhibition of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) growth andaggregation can prevent the kidney stone formation. Black-purple rice (Oryzasativa), including Riceberry rice, contains high amount of antioxidantsubstances, such as anthocyanin, gamma - oryzanol and alpha-tocophorol.A previous study revealed that the high antioxidant content substances canprevent the formation of CaOx crystal.Objective : To prove the high antioxidant activity of unpolished Riceberry rice extractcan inhibit the growth and aggregation of CaOx crystal, especially COM.Methods : Unpolished Riceberry rice (UBR) grain was extracted by ethanol.The monomeric anthocyanin content of the extract was assessed by pHdifferential method. The total phenolic compound was determined by FollinCiocalteu reagent assay. The antioxidant activity assays were carried outby 1,1 diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity assay andferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The extracts were then incubatedwith the CaOx crystal, the number and the aggregation of CaOx crystalwere then counted.Results : The results revealed that UBR extract contained high amount ofanthocyanin content and possessed antioxidant activities. The co-incubationof the extracts and CaOx crystal could inhibit the growth of COM withdose-dependent pattern. Moreover, the aggregation of the CaOx crystalwas significant reduced in the incubation with higher concentration of UBRextract.Conclusion : This study indicated that UBR extract performed antioxidant activity, andcould inhibit calcium oxalate crystal growth and aggregation. These resultsshowed the high therapeutic potential of the UBR extract on the formationof kidney stone.

Extrusion is a method for preparing ready-to-use rice powders that can help reduce cooking time. This study aimed to investigate the effects of extrusion on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant, and anti-calcium oxalate crystal formation activities of rice powder from eight brown rice varieties. The results showed that all eight rice samples had moisture contents of 6.55–7.32% and aw values of 0.43–0.49. Glutinous rice has a higher water absorption index and swelling power than non-glutinous rice. The analysis of the aroma values using PCA and k-means revealed that the samples could be divided into two major groups based on their rice aroma, group 1 (RD43, Hom Mali 105, and Hom Mali Daeng) and group 2 (Khiaw Ngoo, Riceberry, Luem Pua, RD6, and Kum Lanna). RD43, Hom Mali 105, and Hom Mali Daeng had high peak viscosities (102–126 cP) and high breakdown values (51–83 cP), indicating high swelling. Riceberry had low peak viscosity values (27 cP) but high setback viscosity values (26 cP), indicating a strong tendency to retrogradation. In terms of bioactivity, Colored rice varieties contain high levels of total monomeric anthocyanins and phenolic compounds and exhibit strong antioxidant activity. Colored rice and colored glutinous rice exhibited a high percentage inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation (40.03–58.71%). This study highlights the importance of extrusion processing methods in preserving the nutritional benefits of different brown rice powders, which can be used in the food industry to enhance the nutritional value of rice products.

The application of natural bioactive compounds in cosmeceutical products, particularly as skin-lightening agents, has received increasing interest. Caulerpa racemosa, a green macroalga of the Chlorophyta division, contains beneficial nutrients that are applicable as food and cosmeceutical ingredients. This study investigated the in vitro effect of the ethanolic extract of C. racemosa (CR) on regulation of melanogenic-related signaling and gene expression in SK-MEL-5 human melanoma-derived cells. Identification of bioactive components revealed that catechin, rutin, and quercetin as flavonoid contents were found in CR extract, analyzed using HPLC. The expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling molecules, and melanogenic-related molecules were analyzed via Western blotting and qPCR. The CR extract treatment applied to SK-MEL-5 cells decreased the MITF protein expression level, which correlated with increased pERK expression, and no cytotoxic effect was observed. The subsequent treatment reduced the expression of melanogenesis-related genes (TYR, TYRP1, MC1R, and DCT) that were downstream targets of MITF. This study provides preliminary evidence that CR extract may modulate melanogenesis-related signaling. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects remain to be identified, as the extract contains a complex mixture of phytochemicals. Further fractionation studies are needed to pinpoint the active constituents. The variability of extract composition due to seasonal and geographical factors should be considered for future standardization.