Exploring Bioactivities, Cytotoxicity, and Anti-Acne Potential of Malaysian Colored Rice (Oryza sativa L. Cv. MRQ 98)

Colored rice has been reported to contain bioactive compounds. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of Oryza sativa L. Cv. MRQ 98 methanolic (M) and acetone (A) extracts, cultivated exclusively in Skuduk-Chupak, Sarawak, Malaysia. HPLC analysis identified several phenolic acids in both free and bound fraction forms. The DPPH assay showed strong antioxidant activities, with maximal scavenging observed at 10 mg/mL. Anti-inflammatory activity showed more than 50% protection with extract concentrations lower than 2.5 mg/mL. In contrast, antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis was weak, with IC₅₀ exceeding 10 mg/mL. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed more than 90% cell viability at 0.3125-0.625 mg/mL concentrations, decreasing to 77% viability at higher doses. In conclusion, Oryza sativa L. Cv. MRQ 98 extracts exhibited good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and were nontoxic; hence, their potential use for antiacne applications can further be explored.