In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of extract comprising ceramides from de-oiled rice bran

De-oiled rice bran is a byproduct of rice processing industries and rich in lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers. Although rich in nutrients, it is unfit for human consumption and used as animal feed. This study was conducted to explore the therapeutic value of rice bran ceramides. Methanolic extract of de-oiled rice bran (RBE) was obtained by hot soxhlet extraction method and evaluated for presence of ceramide. Further, the rice bran ceramide extract (RBE) was subjected to column chromatography and the presence of ceramide ascertained by spectroscopic studies. Cytotoxic effect of RBE was tested on THP-1 and HaCaT cells. The tested concentrations of RBE (100 and 200 mu g/mL) dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-, IFN-, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-5) in THP-1 cells. RBE enhanced skin-barrier function (involucrin and filaggrin) in HaCaT cells, up-regulated aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) expression, and inhibited hyaluronidase activity in HaCaT cells. Thus, RBE exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and skin protective benefits in vitro. Practical applicationsDe-oiled rice bran is cheap, easily procurable, rich in phytonutrients, and possess therapeutic value. In the current study, extract comprising ceramides from de-oiled rice bran (RBE) showed significant anti-inflammatory and skin protective effects on THP-1 and HaCaT cells, respectively. The results of the present investigation highlights the promising use of rice bran ceramides as potential anti-inflammatory and skin protective ingredient in nutritional and skin-care formulations or products.