Gamma-oryzanol is a mixture of ferulic acid esters found in rice bran oil, popular in Japan (where it's an approved pharmaceutical for hyperlipidemia and menopause) but relatively unknown in Western supplement markets. Our research shows it has moderate evidence for cholesterol reduction (LDL down 10-15% at 300mg/day) and menopausal hot flash reduction (85% of women reported improvement). However, the early 1990s claims about testosterone-boosting and bodybuilding were definitively debunked — a 1997 RCT found ZERO effect on hormones or body composition. It's primarily relevant as a gentle lipid-lowering agent and menopause support.
Gamma-oryzanol is a mixture of ferulate esters of sterols and triterpene alcohols. The lipid-lowering mechanism involves: (1) ferulic acid inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase (mild statin-like effect); (2) reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption by inhibiting cholesterol esterase; (3) upregulating hepatic LDL receptor expression, increasing LDL clearance. For menopause, it modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis — specifically reducing LH surges that trigger hot flashes — without direct estrogenic activity (not a phytoestrogen). It also has gastric mucosal protective effects via increased prostaglandin E2 synthesis.
No critical interactions identified.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.