Investigating Effects of Rice Bran on Obesity, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Physical Performance: A Narrative Mini-review

Context: Regular physical activity reduces oxidative stress by increasing the capacity of antioxidant defense, reducing pro-inflammatory mediators, and increasing anti-inflammatory mediators in healthy and obese conditions with chronic diseases. The role of physical activities in oxidative stress, and inflammation is dual and depends on the mood, intensity, and duration of the activity.  Evidence acquisition: One session of long-term and intense exercises can produce free radicals more than the capacity of antioxidant defense and cause oxidative stress. Medicinal plants also have anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties due to their phytochemical compounds.  Results: Rice bran contains nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and gamma oryzanol. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects. The examination of studies with human and animal subjects show that rice bran, gamma oryzanol, and anthocyanins improve endurance and resistance performance. Evidence shows that rice bran improves endurance performance by reducing lactate accumulation, and increasing muscle glycogen content, increasing free fatty acids turnover, and increasing muscle oxidative capacity and antioxidant enzymes.  Conclusion: Anthocyanins improve physical performance by affecting blood flow, metabolic pathways, and muscle fatigue. Accordingly, rice bran can improve physical performance as an ergogenic factor and promote health development by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. However, there is a need for more studies regarding the effect of rice bran on physical performance and health.

Keywords:

Rice bran , Gamma oryzanol , Physical performance , Oxidative stress , Inflammation