Antipruritic Effect of Black Colored Rice

Antiscratching behavioral effects of the water extract of two black colored rice (BCR) varieties [Oryza sativa L. cv. Heugjinjubyeo (HJ) and Josaengheugchalbyeo (JH)], major pigment of which is cyanindin 3-glucoside, were investigated. Orally administered BCRs' extracts exhibited potent inhibitory activity against scratching behaviors which were induced by compound 48/80 and histamine. The inhibitory effect of Josaengheugchalbyeo in vivo and in vitro were more potent than those of Heugjinjubyeo. These finding suggest that black colored rice, especially Josaengheugchalbyeo, may inhibit scratching behaviors and anaphylaxis reaction by stabilizing membrane.