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.