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Gamma-oryzanol

Gamma-oryzanol is an oryzayl alcohol ester of ferulic acid having an antioxidant action. It is known that gamma-oryzanol is effective against climacteric melancholia and the butyric ester of riboflavin is also effective in preventing arteriosclerosis. Gamma-oryzanol is a mixture of ferulic acid esters of mainly the phytosterols campesterol, beta-sitosterol, 24-methyl-cycloartenol and cycloartenol. Gamma oryzanol is an important biological anti-oxidant present in rice bran oil in significant quantities. Antioxidant in stabilized rice bran derivatives include, but are not limited to, gamma-oryzanol, beta-carotene, several known flavanoids, phytosterols, lipoic acid, and ferulic acid. Some of these compounds are present in high concentration, much more than in any of the known natural sources. It is believed that antioxidants particularly tocols, play a crucial role in significantly correcting certain metabolic disorders singularly or synergistically. Important effects resulting from .gamma.-oryzanol intake include decreasing plasma cholesterol, decreasing platelet aggregation, decreasing hepatitic cholesterol biosynthesis, increasing fecal bile acid excretion and decreasing cholesterol absorption. Gamma-oryzanol has also been used in treatments for nerve imbalance and menopause disorders. The beneficial physiological effects of oryzanol intake are well documented. The hypocholesterolemic activity of rice bran oil has been shown due to it constituent oryzanols and to other components of unsaponifiable matter. Lipid peroxidation has been shown to be prevented in the retina by gamma oryzanol due to its anti-oxidant property. Oryzanol emulsions are used as antioxidants and preservatives for cosmetics and foods and such emulsions are also effective in preventing colour changes. Topical application of an ointment which contains gamma-oryzanol stimulates the blood flow in the peripheral veins.

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