It is believed to increase testosterone levels, the release of endorphins, and the growth of lean muscle tissue.¹ Because gamma oryzanol is not an essential nutrient, there is no deficiency level associated with it. However, its addition to the diet does appear beneficial to athletes and others who are physically active.

Natural Sources: Barley oil, corn oil, rice bran.

Useful in treatment of:
Menopausal symptoms, however the studies available in English provide are equivocal. The most commonly cited Japanese study was very small and did not have a control group.²

Elevated cholesterol, although evidence for it’s benefit in humans is primarily derived from animal data.^3,4

Enhancing athletic performance Very preliminary evidence suggests that gamma oryzanol may increase endorphin release and increase testosterone levels, and thus aid muscle development.^5,6

Recommended Dosage: 300 mg daily.

Contraidications: No known contraindications exist.

References:
¹Rosenbloom C, Millard-Stafford M, Lathrop J. Contemporary ergogenic aids used by strength/power athletes. J Am Diet Assoc 1992;92(10):1264–1265.
²Murase Y and Iishima H. Clinical studies of oral administration of gamma-oryzanol on climacteric complaints and its syndrome. Obstet Gynecol Prac 12: 147–149, 1963.
³Rong N, Ausman LM, and Nicolosi RJ. Oryzanol decreases cholesterol absorption and aortic fatty streaks in hamsters. Lipids 32: 303–309, 1997.
⁴Sasaki J, Takada Y, Handa K, et al. Effects of gamma-oryzanol on serum lipids and apolipoproteins in dyslipidemic schizophrenics receiving major tranquilizers. Clin Ther 12: 263–268, 1990.
⁵Bonner B, Warren B, and Bucci L. Influence of ferulate supplementation on postexercise stress hormone levels after repeated exercise stress. J Appl Sports Sci Res 4: 110, 1990.
⁶Bucci LR, Blackman G, Defoyd W, et al. Effect of ferulate on strength and body composition of weightlifters. J Appl Sports Sci Res 4: 110, 1990.