Rice bran comes from the outer layer of rice (Oryza sativa). Rice bran oil is popular as a "healthy oil" in Japan, Asia, and particularly India.
Rice bran oil contains substances that might decrease how much cholesterol the body absorbs. Rice bran might also decrease calcium absorption, which might help prevent certain types of kidney stones from forming.
People use rice bran for high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, athletic performance, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Don't confuse rice bran with rice bran arabinoxylan compound, or other forms of bran such as oat bran and wheat bran.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Taking rice bran or rice bran oil by mouth daily seems to somewhat reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. It's not clear if it affects other types of cholesterol.
- Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Eating dietary fiber, such as rice bran, doesn't seem to reduce the risk of colon or rectal cancer.
There is interest in using rice bran for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Rice bran is commonly consumed in foods. Rice bran and rice bran oil have been used safely in doses up to 30 grams daily for up to 5 years. Increasing the amount of bran in the diet can cause side effects such as gas and stomach discomfort during the first few weeks.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rice bran is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Rice bran is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Children: Rice bran is possibly safe when used appropriately. It has been used in food for infants for up to 6 months with no side effects.
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions: Don't use rice bran if you have a digestive tract problem such as ulcers or other stomach disorders. The fiber in rice bran could block your digestive tract.
It is not known if Rice Bran interacts with any medicines. Before taking Rice Bran, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Rice bran has most often been used by adults in doses of 1-20 grams by mouth daily for up to 5 years. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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