Introduction

Gamma oryzanol is a compound that comes from rice bran oil. It has been used to boost athletic and cognitive performance. It can be taken as a pill. It can also be taken by eating or cooking with rice bran oil.

Dosages

50 milligrams 3 to 4 times daily

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

  • Dementia —may improve symptoms of agitation and irritability when used with standard treatmentA1

Not Enough Data to Assess

  • High blood pressure B1
  • High cholesterol C1
  • Muscle strength D1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take gamma oryzanol for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

A. Dementia

A1. Fuji M, Butler JP, et al. Gamma-oryzanol for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Psychogeriatrics. 2018;18(2):151-152.

B. High blood pressure

B1. Devarajan S, Singh R, et al. A blend of sesame oil and rice bran oil lowers blood pressure and improves the lipid profile in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients. J Clin Lipidol. 2016 Mar-Apr;10(2):339-349.

C. High Cholesterol

C1. Devarajan S, Singh R, et al. A blend of sesame oil and rice bran oil lowers blood pressure and improves the lipid profile in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients. J Clin Lipidol. 2016 Mar-Apr;10(2):339-349.

D. Muscle Strength

D1. Eslami S, Esa NM, et al. Effects of gamma oryzanol supplementation on anthropometric measurements & muscular strength in healthy males following chronic resistance training. Indian J Med Res. 2014;139(6):857-863.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC