Gamma oryzanol

Gamma-oryzanol 🌾 is a phytochemical present in large amounts in rice bran. It is a mixture of phytosteryl ferulates containing ferulic acid esters of phytosterols (sterols and triterpene alcohols). In gamma-oryzanol, there are at least 10 characterized phytosteryl ferulates. Among these, the major components accounting for approximately 80% are cycloartenyl, 24-methylenecycloartanyl, campesteryl, and sitosteryl ferulates. Gamma-oryzanol was demonstrated to be safe for consumption, it can cross the BBB in intact form and is highly distributed in the brain. Numerous studies reported health-beneficial properties of gamma-oryzanol including anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant effects making it an excellent candidate as an anti-aging compound. Despite the demonstrated properties, no data are currently available on the effects of this compound on intestinal bacteria and, consequently, on the functionality of probiotic strains and on the gut-brain axis 🧠.