Effects of stabilized rice bran, its soluble and fiber fractions on blood glucose levels and serum lipid parameters in humans with diabetes mellitus Types I and II.

Stabilized rice bran (SRB), a source of complex carbohydrates, tocols, gamma-oryzanols, and polyphenols, was treated with carbohydrases and heat to yield two fractions, rice bran water solubles (RBWS), and rice bran fiber concentrates (RBFC). Stabilized rice bran and its fractions were fed for 60 days to insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM = Type I and NIDDM = Type II) subjects to determine possible effects on serum hemoglobin, carbohydrate and lipid parameters. The Type I subjects (n = 22, 26, and 20) fed Stabilized rice bran, rice bran water solubles, and rice bran fiber concentrates plus AHA Step-1 diet reduced glycosylated hemoglobin 1%, 11%, and 10%, respectively.

Dose-dependent suppression of serum cholesterol by tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF25) of rice bran in hypercholesterolemic humans.

Tocotrienols are effective in lowering serum total and LDL-cholesterol levels by inhibiting the hepatic enzymic activity of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzymeA (HMG-CoA) reductase through the post-transcriptional mechanism. alpha-Tocopherol, however, has an opposite effect (induces) on this enzyme activity. Since tocotrienols are also converted to tocopherols in vivo, it is necessary not to exceed a certain dose, as this would be counter-productive.