Gamma Oryzanol
Gamma Oryzanol or Gamma-Gamma Oryzanol is a white to white-yellowish, crystalline and odourless powder. It consists of phytosterols esterified with ferulic acid (organic compound from the group of phenolic acids) and is obtained from rice germ oil. Gamma oryzanol is an active ingredient that is only found in rice, and can, among other things, reduce cholesterol and blood fat levels and protect the cardiovascular system. It also stimulates the metabolism for muscle formation, prevents fatigue and has a digestive effect. But gamma oryzanol also has an extremely positive effect on our skin.
The unique power of the rice plant
The rice plant, Oryza sativa, comes from the large family of sweet grasses. It is still mainly cultivated in Asia. Rice bran, which is known to be very rich in fat, consists of the pericarp, the seed coat, the aleurone layer and the germ of the rice grain. Since these components contain more than 30 percent lipids that are sensitive to oxidation, they are usually removed. The result is the well-known polished rice that we use in the kitchen. The ferulic acid esters have the task of protecting the plant from oxidation caused by light and heat.
Gamma oryzanol was first isolated from bran oil in 1954. In subsequent investigations and studies, it was identified as a phytosterol mixture. Nutritionally, gamma oryzanol is considered a cholesterol-lowering dietary agent.
However, the substance also has a very pronounced, natural UVA and UVB absorption capacity. It is therefore virtually predestined for use in natural cosmetic sun protection products, as it can effectively and sensibly supplement physical sun protection filters. However, this secondary protection cannot be summarised in a specific light protection factor, but is based on the reduction of light-induced degenerative damage to collagen and elastic fibres. Many well-known cosmetic companies use gamma oryzanol in sun care and special products especially for mature skin. Especially in combination with tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate, the substance acts as an antioxidant. According to studies, ferulic acid can inhibit the formation of oxygen radicals that are produced during oxidative stress. This also reduces the pro-inflammatory effect of various messenger substances.
Ideal for natural skin care
Gamma oryzanol is ideally suited as an oxidation-stabilising or UV-absorbing component in various emulsions and also as a highly effective antistatic additive in hair care. The substance is able to inhibit the oxidation of emulsion lipids in the same way as the skin’s own lipids and thus stabilise emulsions.
The stimulating effect of gamma oryzanol on the sebaceous glands, combined with the barrier-strengthening effect, focuses the use of the substance primarily on the care of mature, dry, and low-fat skin. In combination with the light-protective effect, it repeatedly proves to be an ideal active ingredient against premature light-induced skin ageing. Depending on the dosage, it tends to achieve a very rich, pleasant, and enveloping skin feeling. Another advantage: in emulsions, it even has a consistency-giving effect due to its unusually high melting point.
Gamma oryzanol is not only used in sun care preparations and light-exposed products as well as in hair care lotions, but also in nourishing lip cosmetics.
In Japan, gamma oryzanol has been used as a medicine for about 40 years due to its excellent antioxidant effect: for example, as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent or muscle stimulator.
Fact Sheet Gamma Oryzanol
INCI: Oryzanol
CAS number: 11042-64-1
Dosage: 0.2 to 2.5 percent
Effect: Antioxidant, UV light-absorbing, anti-inflammatory, barrier-protecting
Melting point: 135 to 154 degrees Celsius
Processing: can be melted very well with oxidation-stable oils at about 100 degrees Celsius in the fatty phase.
Solubility: very soluble in chloroform and ethyl methyl ketone, but only slightly soluble in polar liquids such as water.
Conclusion: Gamma oryzanol
Gamma oryzanol, an ingredient of rice germ oil that was already discovered and researched in the early 1950s, can be optimally used as a natural antioxidant based on its high ferulic acid content. In addition, the substance is ideal as an effective light protection filter substance of natural origin. The substance is perfect for use on mature dry skin as well as in sun protection formulations, as it not only shows effective efficacy, but also creates a pleasant skin feeling and is very well absorbed by the skin. Side effects are practically unknown to date. From hair care products to sun milk based on natural cosmetics to products for lip care, Gamma Oryzanol can be used in an immensely versatile way.
This active ingredient is ideally suited for the production of your cosmetics. Together with Cosmacon you will develop your product, so that it will certainly be a successful start to building your own brand.
Literature:
Rice Bran Oil: A Versatile Source for Edible and Industrial Applications.
Pal YP, Pratap AP.J Oleo Sci. 2017;66(6):551-556
Rice Bran Oil: A Versatile Source for Edible and Industrial Applications.
Pal YP, Pratap AP.J Oleo Sci. 2017;66(6):551-556
Choi JS, Jeon MH, Moon WS, Moon JN, Cheon EJ, Kim JW, Jung SK, Ji YH, Son SW, Kim MR.Biol Pharm Bull. 2014;37(1):44-53