Gamma-oryzanol
Gamma-oryzanol (esters of ferulic acid) is a growth-promoting substance in
grains
and is isolated from rice bran oil. The Japanese have been using it as a medicine since
1962. Initially used in the treatment of minor
anxiety, it later became approved in the
treatment of menopause (1970) and elevated
cholesterol and triglyceride levels (1986).
Each year the Japanese process approximately 150,00 tons of rice bran to generate 7,500 tons of gamma-oryzanol.
Ferulic acid compounds are widely distributed in nature, and ferulic acid esters are
present in rice, wheat, barley, oats,
tomatoes,
asparagus,
olives, berries, peas,
vegetables, citrus fruits, and many other foods. It is in the bran portion of grains, which
means whole-grain products contain significantly higher levels than processed
grains like white rice and white flour. The concentration of ferulic acid is ten times
higher in whole-wheat flour than in white flour (500 micrograms per gram versus 50 micrograms per gram).
Gamma-oryzanol and ferulic acid are important antioxidants within plant cells.
Both substances have exerted significant antioxidant effects in experimental
models. Because of gamma-oryzanol's potent antioxidant effects, it may be a possible
aid in preventing the damaging effects of radiation exposure and/or chemotherapy
-anticancer effects have been noted in several animal studies.
Gamma-oryzanol appears to act on the hypothalamus and
pituitary gland. Many
bodybuilders believe that gamma-oryzanol increases growth hormone secretion. Studies in animals show gamma-oryzanol inhibits the secretion of growth
hormone. Other pituitary and hypothalamic hormones that appear to be inhibited
by gamma-oryzanol include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, and
leutinizing hormone. The overall significance of these effects has not been fully
determined. It is interesting to note that gamma-oryzanol produces these effects on these
control hormones yet does not appear to alter the level of the hormones they control.
For example, while gamma-oryzanol (300 milligrams per day) lowered elevated TSH
levels in hypothyroid patients, it did not affect thyroid hormone levels.
Gamma-oryzanol and ferulic acid have also displayed mild anti-inflammatory effects and
anti-anxiety effects in animal models.
Uses
Gamma-oryzanol is used primarily in the treatment of menopause, elevated
cholesterol levels, and various gastrointestinal complaints. Bodybuilders also
use it.
- Menopause
- Gamma-oryzanol was first shown to be effective in menopausal symptoms,
including hot flashes, in the early 1960s. Subsequent studies have further
documented its effectiveness in menopause. Its primary action is to reduce the secretion of leutinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary and promote endorphin release by the hypothalamus.
- Elevated Cholesterol Levels
- Several studies indicate gamma-oryzanol is quite effective in lowering
blood
cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, 300 milligrams was given
to 67 subjects with elevated cholesterol and/ or triglyceride levels. After 4 weeks, cholesterol levels
declined by 8 to 12 percent, and the mean triglyceride level dropped from an average
of 222 milligrams per deciliter to 190 milligrams per deciliter. Mild elevations in HDL were also reported.
Gamma-oryzanol's cholesterol-lowering action appears to involve a combination
of effects. It increases the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, increases bile acid
excretion, and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol.
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Clinical studies conducted in Japan demonstrate gamma-oryzanol is effective in the
treatment of a broad range of gastrointestinal disorders, including
peptic ulcers,
gastritis, the
irritable bowel syndrome, and nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints.
Over 23 clinical studies have been conducted with gamma-oryzanol in the treatment
of these conditions. Its mechanism of action is apparently normalization of nervous
system control of digestive secretions.
- Bodybuilding
- A number of small, poorly controlled studies found gamma-oryzanol increases lean
body mass, increases strength, improves recovery from workouts, and reduces body
fat and post exercise soreness. These studies spurred researchers to conduct studies
under better controls to substantiate these effects of gamma-oryzanol. Two
double-blind, well-controlled studies upheld the results from the previous studies.
In the first double-blind study, weight lifters took either 30 milligrams of ferulic
acid esters or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Body weight increased significantly for
supplemented subjects (1.9 kilograms) but not for the placebo subjects. Strength as
measured by one repetition of a shoulder press, chest press, and leg press increased
in the supplemented group compared to the control group.
In the other double-blind study, stress hormone levels in the
blood were measured
before and after strenuous exercise in six well-trained male endurance runners when
given either ferulic acid esters (50 milligrams daily) or a placebo. When taking the ferulic acid, the subjects demonstrated significant increases in beta endorphin levels,
which indicates that gamma-oryzanol appears to act on the hypothalamus. This
effect is supported by animal research showing an effect on the hypothalamus.
Gamma-oryzanol is an extremely safe natural substance. No significant side effects
have ever been produced in experimental and clinical studies. Animal studies have shown it to be very safe.
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