# Rice Bran Oil (Oryza sativa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rice-bran-oil
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Seed Oils
**Also Known As:** RBO, Rice Bran Extract Oil, Oryza sativa bran oil, Rice Hull Oil, Stabilized Rice Bran Oil, Chawal Ka Tel, Kome Nuka Abura

## Overview

Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer bran layer of Oryza sativa and is rich in gamma-oryzanol, a ferulic acid ester of phytosterols that inhibits cholesterol absorption and reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Its unique lipid profile, combining monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s like tocotrienols and tocopherols, drives its [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 6.91 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 12.65 mg/dL (meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, strong evidence)
• Improves heart function in coronary artery disease patients, increasing left ventricular ejection fraction (RCT with 37 men, moderate evidence)
• Lowers [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers including TNF-α and hs-CRP in cardiovascular patients (multiple RCTs, moderate evidence)
• Improves [insulin resistance](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) markers (METS-IR, TyG-BMI) in metabolic syndrome (RCT with 50 adults, moderate evidence)
• Reduces [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by lowering MDA and increasing total antioxidant capacity (clinical trials, moderate evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Gamma-oryzanol, the primary bioactive in rice bran oil, inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption by competing with dietary cholesterol at bile acid micelles and suppresses hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, reducing endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Tocotrienols, particularly delta- and gamma-tocotrienols, suppress NF-κB signaling pathways, downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Additionally, the high content of phytosterols structurally displaces cholesterol from lipid micelles in the gut, further reducing systemic LDL concentrations.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that rice bran oil consumption significantly reduces [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 6.91 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 12.65 mg/dL, representing strong and consistent evidence across diverse populations. A smaller RCT involving 37 men with coronary artery disease found measurable improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, suggesting cardioprotective effects beyond lipid modulation, though the modest sample size warrants cautious interpretation. Evidence for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, including reductions in CRP and other inflammatory markers, is emerging but primarily from short-term trials with limited follow-up periods. Overall, the cardiovascular lipid-lowering evidence is robust, while benefits for inflammation and cardiac function require larger, longer-duration trials to confirm.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of refined rice bran oil: Energy ~884 kcal; Total fat ~100 g (saturated fatty acids ~20 g, predominantly palmitic acid ~16–18 g and stearic acid ~2–3 g; monounsaturated fatty acids ~39–42 g, predominantly oleic acid C18:1 ~38–42 g; polyunsaturated fatty acids ~33–37 g, predominantly linoleic acid C18:2 ~33–36 g and α-linolenic acid C18:3 ~1–1.5 g). Zero protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Vitamin E complex: total tocopherols ~32–50 mg/100 g (α-tocopherol ~12–20 mg, γ-tocopherol ~3–8 mg, δ-tocopherol ~1–3 mg) plus tocotrienols ~15–25 mg/100 g (γ-tocotrienol ~8–14 mg, α-tocotrienol ~3–6 mg, δ-tocotrienol ~2–5 mg); tocotrienols are notable as rice bran oil is one of the richest dietary sources, with bioavailability enhanced by the lipid matrix though generally lower systemic absorption than tocopherols. γ-Oryzanol (a unique mixture of ferulic acid esters of triterpene alcohols and plant sterols, including cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, and campesteryl ferulate): ~1,000–2,500 mg/100 g in crude oil, ~200–800 mg/100 g in refined oil; γ-oryzanol is lipophilic with moderate oral bioavailability (~5–10% estimated absorption), though ferulic acid released during [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) is more readily absorbed. Phytosterols: total ~1,000–1,800 mg/100 g (β-sitosterol ~500–800 mg, campesterol ~200–400 mg, stigmasterol ~150–300 mg); phytosterol absorption is generally low (~2–5%) but sufficient to competitively inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption. Squalene: ~200–400 mg/100 g, a triterpene intermediate in cholesterol synthesis with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties, bioavailability ~60–85% due to lipophilic absorption. Policosanols (long-chain aliphatic alcohols, mainly octacosanol): ~50–200 mg/100 g in crude oil, reduced in refined forms. Ferulic acid (both free and esterified within γ-oryzanol): contributes to overall antioxidant capacity; free ferulic acid bioavailability is relatively high (~20–25% absorption). Contains trace phospholipids (~1–3% in crude, largely removed during refining) including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): ~25–30 µg/100 g. Negligible amounts of minerals. Smoke point of refined rice bran oil is ~232°C (450°F), making it suitable for high-heat cooking with relatively good oxidative stability due to the balanced fatty acid composition and endogenous antioxidants. The uniquely high γ-oryzanol content, combined with the tocotrienol-rich vitamin E profile and abundant phytosterols, distinguishes rice bran oil from other seed oils and accounts for its demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bioactivities. The fatty acid ratio of approximately 1:1.5:1 (SFA:MUFA:PUFA) is considered favorable for [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is approximately 25–35:1, which is relatively high.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies used 30 grams per day of crude rice bran oil (not extract or powder) added to standard diets for 8 weeks. No data exists on standardized extracts or powder forms. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rice bran oil is generally well tolerated in food and supplemental doses, with gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or loose stools reported infrequently at high intake levels. Because of its cholesterol-lowering properties via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, concurrent use with statin medications may produce additive lipid-lowering effects, and patients on statins should inform their physician before supplementing. Rice bran oil may slow bowel transit due to its fiber-associated bran components if consumed as whole rice bran extract, which is a consideration for individuals with [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel conditions. Insufficient data exist to establish safety during pregnancy and lactation at supplemental doses, so culinary use is considered safe while high-dose supplementation should be avoided without medical guidance.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a 2016 meta-analysis (PMID: 27311126) of 11 RCTs showing significant cholesterol reduction, and multiple recent RCTs in coronary artery disease patients (PMID: 33881115, 34742318) and metabolic syndrome (PMID: 39198792) demonstrating [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and metabolic benefits. Studies consistently used 30g/day of crude rice bran oil for 8 weeks with no reported adverse effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine uses are described in the available clinical research. Current studies focus exclusively on modern dietary interventions for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and metabolic health.

## Synergistic Combinations

Omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, plant sterols, vitamin E, garlic extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does rice bran oil lower cholesterol?

According to a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials, rice bran oil reduces LDL cholesterol by approximately 6.91 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 12.65 mg/dL. These reductions are primarily attributed to gamma-oryzanol and phytosterols inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and suppressing hepatic cholesterol synthesis via HMG-CoA reductase.

### What is gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil and what does it do?

Gamma-oryzanol is a mixture of ferulic acid esters bound to phytosterols and triterpene alcohols, comprising roughly 1–2% of crude rice bran oil. It lowers cholesterol by blocking intestinal absorption at the micelle level and has antioxidant properties that reduce lipid peroxidation, making it the primary bioactive compound responsible for rice bran oil's cardiovascular benefits.

### Is rice bran oil good for heart disease?

Clinical evidence suggests rice bran oil benefits heart health through multiple pathways, including lowering LDL and total cholesterol and improving left ventricular ejection fraction in coronary artery disease patients as shown in a small RCT of 37 men. Its tocotrienols also suppress NF-κB-driven inflammation, which is a key driver of atherosclerosis, though larger trials are needed to confirm long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

### What is the recommended dose of rice bran oil per day?

Clinical trials demonstrating cholesterol-lowering effects have typically used 25–30 grams per day of rice bran oil as a dietary fat replacement, roughly equivalent to 2–3 tablespoons. No standardized supplemental dosage has been established by regulatory bodies, and most benefits observed in studies come from replacing less healthy cooking oils with rice bran oil rather than adding it on top of existing fat intake.

### Does rice bran oil have more vitamin E than other cooking oils?

Rice bran oil contains a notably diverse vitamin E profile, including both tocopherols and tocotrienols, with tocotrienols comprising a significant portion—up to 70 mg per 100 g in some analyses. Unlike most common cooking oils such as sunflower or olive oil, which are predominantly tocopherol-rich, rice bran oil's tocotrienol content provides superior antioxidant activity and additional anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB pathway suppression.

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

Rice bran oil may have additive effects when combined with statin medications or blood pressure drugs, potentially increasing their therapeutic action. While this synergy may be beneficial for some patients, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before supplementing, as dosage adjustments of medications may be necessary. No major contraindications have been reported in clinical studies, but monitoring is recommended.

### Is rice bran oil safe for pregnant women or children?

There is limited clinical data on rice bran oil supplementation specifically during pregnancy or in children, so it is not routinely recommended for these populations without medical guidance. Rice bran oil in food form is generally recognized as safe, but concentrated supplements should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation until more safety data is available. Parents should consult a pediatrician before giving rice bran oil supplements to children.

### What is the difference between rice bran oil and rice bran extract supplements?

Rice bran oil is the lipid-rich extract containing naturally occurring compounds like gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols, while rice bran extract may be a concentrated powder or capsule form that can vary in potency. Oil forms typically provide better absorption of fat-soluble compounds like vitamin E and have been used in most clinical trials showing cardiovascular benefits. Extract forms may offer higher concentrations of specific compounds but lack the comprehensive nutrient profile of the full oil.

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