**6. Conclusion**

in humans by as much as 30% [58, 59]. Phytic acid extracted from rice bran has anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, wherein apoptotic activity was evaluated by expression analysis of apoptosis‐regulatory genes (i.e., p53, Bcl‐2, Bax, Caspase‐ 3 and ‐9) [60]. Similarly, δ‐tocotrienol (δ‐T3) is reportedly useful as an anticancer agent against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD‐1) cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. *In vivo*, oral administration of rice bran tocotrienol (mainly γ‐T3; 10 mg/mouse/day) signifi‐ cantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice [61]. Tumor cells produce reactive oxygen species, which damage cellular integrity. Cycloartenyl ferulate, a major component of γ‐oryzanol, successfully inhibits proliferation in the colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 cell line because of

Rice bran itself has health benefits, while rice bran oil and isolated active components have immune stimulatory effects. Rice bran that is rich in phytosterols, γ‐oryzanol and compounds with antioxidant properties may modulate the immune system. In addition, rice bran has several generalized health‐promoting characteristics. For example, rice bran supplementation enhances gut health by encouraging the growth and colonization of *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and it provides effective protection against human rotavirus diarrhea in pigs by modulating

Long‐term supplementation has a positive impact on survival, cognition and brain mitochon‐ drial function, which may delay Alzheimer's disease [64]. Rice bran supplements can also be used as ergogenic supplements by body builders and athletes [65] and they may mitigate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, as well as bone loss in older women who suffer from osteoporosis [66]. Rice bran can be regarded as a source of plant‐derived active com‐ pounds and as an alternative to expensive vitamin sources from animals. For instance, different colored rice bran has micronutrients, including a rich reserve of β‐carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A [67]. **Table 2** describes the role of various bioactive components of rice

months

0.3% crystalized oryzanol

γ‐Oryzanol Human health growth 500 mg/day ↑ Muscular strength (bench press

**Table 2.** Summary of bioactive components and their prospective effect on generalized health aspects.

**Health aspects Dose Effect Ref**

10% ↑ Intestinal IFN‐γ and total IgA levels

↑ Mitochondrial proteins [64]

↑ Estrogen, Bone mineral [66]

and squat) and vertical jump power

[63]

[65]

its antioxidant activity [62].

gut permeability [63].

bran for general health.

Rice bran HRV induced diarrhea

γ‐Oryzanol Postmenoposal osteoporosis in rats

prevention in gnotobiotic pigs

HRV, human rota virus; IFN‐γ, interferon gamma; IgA, immunoglobulin A.

γ‐Oryzanol Brain aging in NMRI mice 4 g/kg diet for 6

**Rice bran component**

**5.4. General health‐promoting aspects**

298 Superfood and Functional Food - An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization

Previously, rice bran was only used in animal feed or discarded as waste. However, now it is treated as a potential source for the preparation of nutraceuticals. In this review, the therapeutic role of rice bran itself and of its bioactive and novel components has been described briefly from different clinical points of view. We noted that rice bran has various health benefits in terms of disease prevention and that it can be used to treat humans and experimental animals with no side effects. Owing to its significant nutritive and therapeutic value, rice bran may enhance well‐being and health, as well as reduce the risk of disease, providing health benefits and improving quality of life. Thus, rice bran can be considered a super food and/or functional food. However, the true potential of functional bran could be developed using new biotech‐ nological methods.

In conclusion, there is a strong demand for the enrichment of functional bran components in different diet‐based approaches that mitigate lifestyle‐related disorders. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged to consider rice bran as a major source of bioactive components for the developments of super foods.
