Therapeutic Uses of Rice Bran and Its Components

Rice bran is the cuticle existing between the rice and husk of the paddy and consists of embryo and endosperm of the seeds of Oryza sativa, family Graminae. It is obtained as a byproduct in rice mill during polishing of rice obtained after dehusking of paddy. Rice bran contains about 15% of fixed oil and is obtained by solvent extraction method. It contains oleic acid, linolenic acid as unsaturated fatty acid and palmitic acid, stearic acid as saturated fatty acid. The minor components of the rice bran i.e. gamma oryzanol, phytosterols and other phytosterol conjugates are examined to have antioxidant property against the free radicals. It is believed that rice bran serves as an important functional food that has cholesterol lowering properties, cardiovascular health benefits and anti-tumor activity. The oryzanol component acts as a protective agent against UV light induced lipid peroxidation and hence can be used as a potent sunscreen agent. The ferulic acid and its esters present in gamma oryzanol stimulate hair growth and prevent skin ageing. INTRODUCTION: Rice bran is the cuticle existing between the rice and husk of the paddy and consists of embryo and endosperm of the seeds of Oryza sativa, family Graminae. It is obtained as a byproduct in rice mill during polishing of rice obtained after dehusking of paddy. Rice bran contains about 15% of fixed oil and is obtained by solvent extraction method 1 . Rice bran’s oil and unsaponifiable lipid content is high compared with other grains. Unrefined rice bran oil contains about 20% saturated, 40% monounsaturated and 40% polyunsaturated fatty acids and contains tocotrienols, gamma oryzanol and beta sitosterol. QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.2(5).229-33 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpjournal.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.2(5).299-33 Rice bran oil contains large concentrations of several compounds that could potentially prevent chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and cancer. It is noted that rice bran contains high levels of both tocopherols and tocotrienols which comprise vitamin E and act as antioxidants in the body. Oryzanols components are complex compounds that can act as an antioxidant, improving solubility in cell membranes and potentially lowering cholesterol 2. Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice. It is notable for its high smoke point and its mild flavors that make it suitable for high temperature cooking methods such as stir frying and deep frying. It is popularly used cooking oil. A natural component of rice bran oil lowers cholesterol and an ongoing research shows its potential as an anticancer and anti infection agent in humans. Long term use of tocotrienols might reduce overall cancer risk according to published