Generality
Gamma oryzanol is a mixture of esterified sterols, ferulic acid and triterpene alcohols.
Its name derives from the rice plant ( Oryza sativa ), from which it is extracted. It is obtained, in particular, from rice bran oil, but it is also present in other products, such as corn, barley, wholemeal flour, olives and various types of fruit.
Also used in cosmetics as a natural sun filter, gamma oryzanol is used daily in oriental medicine as a tonic-invigorating, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective agent.
Despite the many uses made in traditional medicine, currently, only gamma anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypolipidemizing properties are scientifically attributed to the gamma oryzanol.
Indications
Why is gamma orizanol used? What is it for?
Gamma oryzanol has entered the world of nutritional integration for several years now, but it has not yet been possible to fully explain its potential biological role.
Currently, gamma oryzanol is mainly used as:
- Antioxidant agent;
- Anti-inflammatory agent;
- Cholesterol lowering agent;
- Gastro-protector agent.
The most famous anabolic and neuroendocrine activities of the gamma oryzanol would not yet be supported by scientific evidence worthy of note.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefit has gamma radial shown during the studies?
Although most of the studies currently published on gamma oryzanol are experimental, interesting peculiarities of this molecule would begin to emerge.
Gamma oryzanol and inflammation
The anti-inflammatory activity of gamma oryzanol would seem to be attributable to the ability to inhibit the expression of some genes, such as NF-KB, which are protagonists of the phlogistic response.
Experimental data would show the usefulness of gamma oryzanol in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases, induced by harmful agents.
Great efficacy would be observed with respect to gastric pathologies, such as gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Gamma oryzanol and oxidative stress
Gamma oryzanol would prove to be effective in counteracting the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals.
The antioxidant activity, mediated by the direct action of scavanger, would have determined, in different experimental models, an appreciable reduction of some markers of oxidative damage.
Protection from the lipoperoxidation process would make gamma oryzanol an excellent ally in the fight against neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases
Gamma oryzanol and lipid metabolism
Numerous experimental studies, but also some human studies, would demonstrate the usefulness of gamma oryzanol, and phytosterols more generally, in ensuring an appreciable reduction in blood LDL cholesterol concentrations.
This activity would seem mostly due to the ability of gamma oryzanol to inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and to modulate the normal entero-hepatic circulation of the lipid at the same time.
Gamma oryzanol and unproven potential
According to some authors, gamma oryzanol could carry out an endocrinological activity, altering the normal production of sex hormones.
This activity, potentially useful both in the sports field, in order to improve body composition, and in the clinical setting, however, would not be confirmed.
The same goes for the neuroendocrine activity enhancements, not confirmed by statistically relevant studies.
Doses and method of use
How to use gamma oryzanol
On the market, it is possible to find capsules, tablets or liquid supplements of gamma oryzanol.
In most cases, the suggested gamma orizanol dosage is 30 - 300 mg daily.
In the latter case, therefore, a teaspoon of rice oil would bring about 50 mg of gamma oryzanol.
Side effects
The use of gamma oryzanol, at the suggested dosages, has generally proved to be safe and free of side effects.
Only rarely was the appearance of gastro-enteric reactions of little clinical importance observed.
Contraindications
When should gamma oryzanol not be used?
The intake of gamma oryzanol is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient and in the rare cases of genetic syndromes such as sitosterolemia.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of the gamma orizonalo?
The noteworthy drug interactions currently refer to two different classes of active ingredients, such as Ezetimibe and lipid-lowering agents.
In the first case, the simultaneous intake of Ezetemibe and gamma oryzanol could compromise the intestinal absorption of gamma oryzanol and fistosterol in general, reducing its biological efficacy.
In the second case, however, the simultaneous intake of lipid-lowering drugs or supplements and gamma oryzanol could induce an unpredictable reduction in blood lipid concentrations.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking gamma oryzanol?
The absence of studies concerning the safety profile of gamma oryzanol during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period discourages its use during these circumstances.
Careful medical supervision, before and during the intake of gamma oryzanol, should instead be required in the case of simultaneous presence of pathologies.
