Overview

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.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • 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.

Possibly Ineffective for

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.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Rice Bran overview.

Dosing

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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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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