γ-Oryzanol is a mixture of
lipids derived from rice (Oryza sativa).[1] γ-Oryzanol occurs mainly in the fat fraction of
rice bran and
rice bran oil.
Originally thought to be a single chemical compound,[2] it is now known to be a mixture of
ferulic acidesters of
phytosterols and
triterpenoids, particularly cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, and campesteryl ferulate,[3] which together account for 80% of γ-oryzanol.[4]
Composition
Major constituents of γ-oryzanol
Name(s)
Chemical structure
Molecular formula
CAS number
• Cycloartenyl ferulate • Oryzanol A
C40H58O4
21238-33-5
• 24-Methylenecycloartanyl ferulate • Oryzanol C
C41H60O4
469-36-3
• Campesteryl ferulate
C38H56O4
20972-07-0
Minor constituents include Δ7-stigmastenyl ferulate, stigmasteryl ferulate, Δ7-campestenyl ferulate, Δ7-sitostenyl ferulate, sitosteryl ferulate, compestanyl ferulate, and sitostanyl ferulate.[3]
Uses
γ-Oryzanol has been used in Japan for menopausal symptoms, mild anxiety, stomach upset, and high cholesterol.[5] It is still approved in China for this use.[6] However, there is no meaningful evidence supporting its
efficacy for these purposes.[5]
In the United States, it is sold as a sports supplement, but existing research does not support the belief that it has any
ergogenic or testosterone-raising effects.[7]
References
^R. M. Saunders (1985). "Rice bran: Composition and potential food uses". Food Reviews International. 1 (3): 465–495.
doi:
10.1080/87559128509540780.
^Kaimal, T. B. N. (1999). "γ-Oryzanol from ricebran oil". J Oil Technol Assoc India. 31: 83–93.
^
abZhimin Xu and J. Samuel Godber (1999). "Purification and Identification of Components of γ-Oryzanol in Rice Bran Oil". J. Agric. Food Chem. 47 (7): 2724–2728.
doi:
10.1021/jf981175j.
PMID10552553.
^Xu Zhimin, Godber J S & Xu Z. "Antioxidant activities of major components of gamma-oryzanol from rice bran using a linolenic acid model". J Am Oil Chem Soc. 78 (2001): 465–469.