Rice Bran Nanoparticles Show Strong Anti-Cancer Effect: Study

Preliminary research suggests that rice bran nanoparticles could provide a safe, effective, and affordable cancer treatment in the future.

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A new study, published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, indicated that rice bran-derived nanoparticles (rbNPs) showed promise of having excellent anti-cancer activity in mice. Additionally, unlike many cancer medications, rbNPs were not toxic to noncancerous cells.

While the researchers described the anti-cancer effect as “strong,” clinical trials are necessary to determine if they have a similar benefit in humans.

Promising Findings

Rice bran is a by-product of the rice-milling process. Although most of it is discarded during manufacturing, it contains nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids. It is also a source of compounds with anti-cancer properties, such as gamma-oryzanol, gamma-tocotrienol, and tricin. Nanoparticles are tiny particles used to deliver a substance to tissues.