What Is Gamma Oryzanol?

Gamma oryzanol is a multipurpose medicine used to treat the symptoms of conditions from menopause to obesity. It has had relatively good clinical trials, and has also been shown to be relatively safe.

Composition

• This chemical is comprised of ferulic acid, esters of sterol and triterpene alcohols. It is a naturally occurring chemical in plant cells, in which it functions as an antioxidant. It is also known as rice bran oil. Compounds similar to gamma oryzanol can be found in many common food items.

History

• Gamma oryzanol was first isolated and processed to medicinal form in the 1950s. Its first use was reported by the Japanese in 1962. In the 1970s and 1980s, gamma oryzanol was found to be a reliable treatment for menopause and elevated cholesterol levels, respectively.

Treatment of Menopause Using Gamma Oryzanol

• Gamma oryzanol effectively treats some symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. It has not yet been determined how or why gamma oryzanol is effective in treating these symptoms. However, researchers hypothesize that the mechanism may include the increased secretion of endorphins caused by gamma oryzanol.

Treatment of High Cholesterol Using Gamma Oryzanol

• Gamma oryzanol has been shown to prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract. This has the effect of preventing one's cholesterol from elevating and even reducing one's cholesterol level.

Use of Gamma Oryzanol in Exercise

• This medicine, when used therapeutically, has occasionally been reported (outside of clinical trials) to increase muscle growth. Many of these reports attribute this to an increase of testosterone and growth hormone caused by gamma oryzanol. Unfortunately, clinical trials have shown that this is a falsification, and that gamma oryzanol has no real effect on athletic performance.

Therapeutic Use

• Gamma oryzanol is commonly taking therapeutically because it is an antioxidant and can have positive effects on people going through menopause or a few other ailments. When taken therapeutically, the recommended daily dose is 500mg; however, that varies depending on the purpose and the age or weight of the individual.