Rice Bran as Nutrient-Dense Food in Gut Health and Beyond

Abstract

Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and a by-product of milling rice kernels, possessing high nutritional and therapeutic value. It is abundant in dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and various antioxidant molecules. The health-promoting effects of rice bran and its biomolecules have been documented in several studies. In this review, we evaluated the different nutritive and health-promoting effects of rice bran, particularly its impact on gut health and other chronic conditions associated with gut health. The biomolecules present in rice bran and their potential therapeutic effects were also summarized. This paper recapitulated the potential therapeutic and preventive efficacy of rice bran against various ailments, along with their mechanisms of action. Rice bran is an important source of nutritive substances. In addition to their nutritive value, rice bran is rich in diverse biomolecules such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolics, γ-oryzanol, phytosterols and derivatives, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The dietary fibers in rice bran play a key role in modulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and maintaining gut health. Rice bran and its components have been found to exhibit therapeutic benefits against inflammation, diabetes, cancer, liver disorders, cardiac issues, and neurological disorders through various mechanisms. Different clinical investigations have also confirmed the potential beneficial effects of rice bran and rice bran oil in various metabolic and cardiac disease conditions. Modulating gut microbiota is an important mechanism of the beneficial effects exerted by rice bran. This comprehensive review underscores the nutritional and therapeutic value of rice bran, emphasizing its potential for wider adoption to address nutrient deficiencies and improve human health.