# Rice Bran (Oryza sativa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rice-bran
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ancient Grains
**Also Known As:** rice polish, rice mill feed, defatted rice bran, stabilized rice bran, rice outer bran, RB, nuka (Japanese), rice husk bran

## Overview

Rice bran contains γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and tocotrienols that provide antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effects through [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) inhibition and HMG-CoA reductase modulation. Laboratory studies demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antidiabetic properties, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties from γ-oryzanol and tocopherols/tocotrienols (preclinical evidence only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in laboratory studies (no human trials provided)
• Hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) potential shown in preclinical research
• Antidiabetic properties suggested by preliminary studies (human clinical data absent)
• Anticancer activity of rice bran peptides observed in non-human studies

## Mechanism of Action

γ-oryzanol inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity, reducing cholesterol synthesis while enhancing bile acid excretion. Tocopherols and tocotrienols scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation through electron donation to [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Anti-inflammatory effects occur via suppression of NF-κB signaling and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for rice bran benefits relies primarily on preclinical laboratory studies and animal models. No large-scale human clinical trials have been provided to validate the observed [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), or cholesterol-lowering effects. Animal studies suggest potential for [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) regulation and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) protection, but human efficacy data remains insufficient. More randomized controlled trials are needed to establish therapeutic dosages and clinical significance.

## Nutritional Profile

Rice bran is a nutrient-dense byproduct of rice milling, comprising approximately 8-12% of the whole grain weight. Macronutrient composition per 100g: protein 13-15g (containing all essential amino acids, notably lysine, arginine, and glutamic acid; bioavailability moderate at ~70-75% due to presence of phytates and trypsin inhibitors); total fat 15-23g (dominated by unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid ~38%, linoleic acid ~35%, palmitic acid ~22%); total carbohydrates 34-52g; dietary fiber 22-28g (comprising both insoluble fiber ~21g as cellulose and hemicellulose, and soluble fiber ~2-3g as [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and pectin fractions). Moisture content approximately 6-8%. Caloric density approximately 316 kcal/100g. Key micronutrients: Thiamine (B1) 2.0-2.75 mg/100g; Niacin (B3) 29-34 mg/100g; Pyridoxine (B6) 4.0-4.9 mg/100g; Pantothenic acid (B5) 7.0 mg/100g; Riboflavin (B2) 0.18-0.25 mg/100g; Folate 63 µg/100g; Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) 70-130 mg/100g total — alpha-tocopherol ~18 mg, gamma-tocotrienol ~25 mg, alpha-tocotrienol ~12 mg. Minerals: Magnesium 781-850 mg/100g; Phosphorus 1677-1800 mg/100g (bioavailability reduced ~50% due to phytate binding); Iron 18-20 mg/100g (non-heme form; bioavailability ~5-12% due to phytic acid chelation); Zinc 6-8 mg/100g (similarly phytate-limited, ~15-25% bioavailability); Potassium 1485-1600 mg/100g; Manganese 14-18 mg/100g; Calcium 57-60 mg/100g. Primary bioactive compounds: gamma-oryzanol complex 1.0-3.0 g/100g (mixture of ferulic acid esters of phytosterols including cycloartenol ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanol ferulate, and campesterol ferulate — this fraction is the most pharmacologically studied); Phytosterols total 250-450 mg/100g (beta-sitosterol dominant at ~150 mg, campesterol ~50 mg, stigmasterol ~30 mg); IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate/phytic acid) 4.0-8.0 g/100g (acts as both an antinutrient reducing mineral bioavailability and a potential bioactive [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)); Ferulic acid (free form) 300-500 mg/100g; Arabinoxylan polysaccharides 15-20 g/100g ([prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) potential); Coenzyme Q10 trace amounts ~0.5-1.0 mg/100g; Squalene 120-200 mg/100g. Bioavailability considerations: Overall nutrient extraction from rice bran is significantly impaired by its high phytic acid content (4-8 g/100g), which chelates divalent minerals; fermentation or enzyme treatment (phytase application) can improve mineral bioavailability by 30-60%. The lipid fraction, including gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols, requires co-ingestion with dietary fat for optimal absorption. Rice bran oil extraction concentrates the lipophilic bioactives at approximately 10-fold higher concentrations than whole bran. Rapid rancidity post-milling (due to active lipase enzymes) necessitates stabilization (heat treatment) for commercial use, which may reduce some heat-labile B vitamins by 10-20% but is essential for shelf stability.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for rice bran forms (extract, powder, standardized) are specified in the available research. While extraction studies target compounds like γ-oryzanol and phenolics, therapeutic doses have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rice bran is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food ingredient with no significant adverse effects reported in healthy individuals. Potential interactions with cholesterol-lowering medications may occur due to additive effects on lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Individuals with rice allergies should avoid rice bran supplements. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical studies.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier explicitly states that search results lack specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs on rice bran. While preclinical data highlight various therapeutic properties, no human study designs, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes are provided in the available sources.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The available research does not describe historical or traditional medicinal uses of rice bran in systems like Ayurveda or TCM. Modern applications focus primarily on food, feed, and oil extraction rather than traditional ethnomedicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, green tea extract, curcumin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is γ-oryzanol in rice bran

γ-oryzanol is a mixture of ferulic acid esters found in rice bran oil, comprising 1-2% of the oil content. It acts as a natural cholesterol-lowering compound by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity.

### How much rice bran should I take daily

No standardized dosage exists for rice bran supplements due to limited human clinical trials. Traditional dietary consumption ranges from 10-30 grams daily, but therapeutic dosing requires further research to establish safety and efficacy.

### Does rice bran lower cholesterol in humans

While preclinical studies show cholesterol-lowering effects through γ-oryzanol activity, human clinical evidence is insufficient. Animal studies demonstrate 10-25% reductions in total cholesterol, but controlled human trials are needed for validation.

### Can rice bran help with diabetes

Laboratory studies suggest rice bran may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity through fiber content and bioactive compounds. However, human clinical trials demonstrating antidiabetic effects in diabetic patients are lacking.

### Is rice bran oil better than rice bran powder

Rice bran oil contains concentrated γ-oryzanol and vitamin E compounds but lacks the fiber content found in rice bran powder. Oil provides higher bioactive compound density, while powder offers additional dietary fiber benefits for digestive health.

### Does rice bran interact with blood pressure or cholesterol medications?

Rice bran may potentiate the effects of statin medications and antihypertensive drugs due to its hypocholesterolemic and bioactive compound content, though human interaction studies are lacking. Individuals taking prescription medications for cholesterol or blood pressure should consult their healthcare provider before adding rice bran supplements, as combined effects could theoretically increase efficacy or adverse outcomes. Current evidence is primarily from preclinical research, so medical supervision is recommended.

### Is rice bran safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Safety data for rice bran supplementation in pregnant and breastfeeding women is insufficient, and no rigorous clinical trials have evaluated its use in these populations. Whole rice bran as a food ingredient is generally recognized as safe, but concentrated supplements lack adequate safety documentation for pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using rice bran supplements.

### What is the difference between rice bran extract and whole rice bran powder?

Rice bran extracts are concentrated formulations isolating specific bioactive compounds like γ-oryzanol and tocopherols, while whole rice bran powder contains the complete nutrient profile including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Extracts typically deliver higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds per dose but may lack synergistic effects present in the whole food matrix. Bioavailability and efficacy differences between forms have not been directly compared in human clinical trials.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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