Therapeutic properties of rice constituents and derivatives (Oryza sativa L.): A review update

• We made an updated survey of scientific evidence about rice therapeutic properties.
• Main applications concern major diseases, viz. cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
• Rice products are widely used as skin care ingredients.
• γ-Oryzanol is the most investigated rice constituent.
• Pharmacologically relevant compounds could be extracted from wasted rice byproducts.

Rice is used in traditional medicines as a remedy against inflammation, gastrointestinal ailments, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and skin diseases. Experimental and clinical evidence indicate that brown rice and bran oil reduce hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular risk, rice bran is anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory, the monacolin-rich red yeast rice regulates hypercholesterolemia, and the GABA-rich germinated brown rice has chemopreventive effects. The rice constituent γ-oryzanol has been intensively investigated for cholesterol regulation and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities. Bran derivatives and other products are used for dermatologic and cosmetic applications. Pharmacologically relevant compounds could be extracted from rice byproducts, providing an economic boost to rice farming and processing.