Ingredient Spotlight: Gamma Oryzanol

Gamma Oryzanol: What it is, what it does & how it works...

Gamma oryzanol is a mixture of antioxidant compounds that occurs naturally in rice bran oil. Gamma oryzanol is believed to support healthy muscle tone and performance, which has made rice bran oil a popular supplement among athletes and animal breeders. Gamma oryzanol contains antioxidants, which are known to remove damaging free radicals, to protect body cells and tissues. Gamma oryzanol was first extracted from rice bran oil in Japan in 1953, and rice bran oil has since gained a reputation as a very healthy seed oil.*

The science behind the supplement

Gamma oryzanol is a collection of ferulated sterols, which the body can metabolize to provide circulating ferulic acid. These ferulic acid esters are thought to have support healthy hormone function, resulting in anabolic effects on healthy muscle growth and normal recovery from fatigue. Studies have indicated that gamma oryzanol also activates the higher center of the endocrine system and the automic nervous system, helping to promote healthy balance in both systems.

Gamma oryzanol shown to be effective in scientific study

The antioxidant activities of gamma-oryzanol from rice bran were investigated in a study¹ published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. The study found that gamma oryzanol "exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the inhibition of cholesterol oxidation." Gamma oryzanol components of rice bran oil were also shown to have greater antioxidant properties than vitamin E.

¹Antioxidant activity of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and gamma-oryzanol components from rice bran against cholesterol oxidation accelerated by 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Xu Z1, Hua N, Godber JS. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Apr;49(4):2077-81.

Springtime uses the highest quality gamma oryzanol -- fully tested for potency, purity, and safety. Below you will find more information on Springtime products containing gamma oryzanol: