Dietary rice bran (RB) has shown capacity to influence metabolism by modulation of gut microbiota in individuals at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), which warranted attention for delineating mechanisms for bidirectional influences and crossâfeeding between the host and RBâmodified gut microbiota to reduce CRC. Accordingly, in the present study, fermented rice bran (FRB, fermented with a RB responsive microbe Bifidobacterium longum), and nonâfermented RB were fed as 10% w/w (diet) to gut microbiotaâintactspf or germâfree micegf to investigate comparative efficacy against inflammationâassociated azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)âinduced CRC. Results indicated both microbiotaâdependent and independent mechanisms for RB meditated protective efficacy against CRC that was associated with reduced neoplastic lesion size and localâmucosal/systemic inflammation, and restoration of colonic epithelial integrity. Enrichment of beneficial commensals (such as, Clostridiales, Blautia, Roseburia), phenolic metabolites (benzoate and catechol metabolism), and dietary components (ferulic acidâ4 sulfate, trigonelline, and salicylate) were correlated with antiâCRC efficacy. Germâfree studies revealed genderâspecific physiological variables could differentially impact CRC growth and progression. In the germâfree females, the RB dietary treatment showed a âŒ72% reduction in the incidence of colonic epithelial erosion when compared to the âŒ40% reduction in FRBâfed micegf. Ex vivo fermentation of RB did not parallel the localizedâprotective benefits of gut microbial metabolism by RB in damaged colonic tissues. Findings from this study suggest potential needs for safety considerations of fermented fiber rich foods as dietary strategies against severe inflammationâassociated colon tumorigenesis (particularly with severe damage to the colonic epithelium).