Germinated IR-64 brown rice improves hyperglycemia in diabetic rats

Brown rice (BR) has been recognized as a promising agent for attenuating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the in vivo effects of germinated brown rice (GBR) varieties, specifically IR-64, on diabetic conditions remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of IR-64 GBR in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced Wistar rats over a 24-day experimental period.

Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, T2DM, BR, or GBR. The T2DM, BR, and GBR groups were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (45 mg/kg) or NA (110 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The control group received a standard AIN93M diet, whereas the BR and GBR groups were fed AIN93M diets supplemented with BR and GBR, respectively, adjusted for total calories and fiber content. The study lasted over a 24 days.

Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the GBR group than those in in the T2DM group. Furthermore, the GBR group demonstrated increased insulin secretion and improved pancreatic β-cell structure.

These findings suggest that IR-64 GBR has the potential to mitigate the risk of T2DM through its antidiabetic properties, highlighting its beneficial effects in managing diabetes.