Oryzanol (inci)

Gamma-oryzanol is a mixture of phytosterols (including triterpenes, camesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol) which have formed an ester compound with ferulic acid. Gamma-Oryzanol occurs in the lipid fraction of rice bran and in rice germ oil. Thus, the ester mixture is mainly extracted from rice (Oryza sativa). In small amounts it is also found in corn and barley germ buds.

Gamma-oryzanol (in doses of 0.2-2.5 %) often also acts as an antioxidant (Juliano C et al. 2005) in combination with alpha-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate. Furthermore, Gamma-Oryzanol shows a distinct UVA and UVB absorption capacity. Darüberhianus has an antiphlogistic effect and inhibits mast cell degranulation (Oka T et al. 2010).

Nutritionally, γ-Oryzanol, comparable to other plant sterols, is considered a cholesterol-lowering dietary supplement.

Gamma-Oryzanol is suitable as an oxidation stabilizing and UV-absorbing component in emulsions and as an additional antistatic additive in hair care.

1. Ismail M et al (2010) Gamma-oryzanol rich fraction regulates the expression of antioxidant and oxidative stress related genes in stressed rat's liver. Nutr Metab (London) 7:23.
2. Juliano C et al (2005) Antioxidant activity of gamma-oryzanol: Mechanism of action and its effect on oxidative stability of pharmaceutical oils. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 299: 146-154
3. Klongpityapong P et al (2013) Antioxidant effects of gamma-oryzanol on human prostate cancer cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 14:5421-5425.
4. Manosroi A et al (2011) Antioxidant activities and skin hydration effects of rice bran bioactive compounds entrapped in niosomes. J Nanosci Nanotechnology 11:2269-2277.
5. Oka T et al (2010) Cycloartenyl ferulates, a component of rice bran oil-derived gamma-oryzanol, attenuates mast cell degranulation. Phytomedicins 17:152-156.
6. Ueda H et al (1976) The effect of topically applied gamma-oryzanol on sebaceous glands. J Dermatol 3:19-24.
7. Xu Z et al (1999) Purification and identification of components of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil. J Agric Food Chem 47:2724-2728.