Scientist develops method to make cosmetics from rice bran

Gamma Oryzanol is complex of Ferulic Acid Esters extracted from rice bran oil, and as such it has biological properties similar to those of ferulic acid, which is a potent antioxidant, protecting skin from UVB damage. It also strongly absorbs UV, like its related compounds.

Gamma Oryzanol from rice bran has been used widely in manufacturing medicine, cosmetics and anti-aging supplements for women, as well as being used as supplements to help develop muscles in the body, increase strength.

Vietnam is a big rice producer and exporter; however it imports Gamma Oryzanol to make cosmetics, so this new finding could have big potential.

Developing technology​

Having realized the benefits of Gamma Oryzanol and the importance of the development of the technology to make it, Nguyen Duc Tien and his colleagues from the Agricultural Electromechanical Post-harvesting Technology Institute have followed a research work relating to the issue and has built up the process of making Gamma Oryzanol from rice bran – a very cheap material.

According to Tien, the process of making Gamma Oryzanol comprises of 12 steps. In the pilot production period, Tien and his colleagues could make 568 grams of Gamma Oryzanol products with the purification level of 68.5 per cent from 120 kilos of rice bran.

They also collected 5.8 kilos of soap embryo, which is used to make soap, and then make 10 litres of herbal soap from 2 kilos of soap embryo.

Production costs​

Gamma Oryzanol has also been utilised in making supplement food and cosmetics, including lotion and hair cream.

Regarding the production costs of Gamma Oryzanol, Tien said it costs VND1.9 million (€69) to make one kilo of Gamma Oryzanol which has the same quality as the current product on the market.

The scientific research work by Tien and his associates has been applauded by scientists, because it allows making Gamma Oryzanol the demand for which has been increasing high from food processing, medicine and cosmetics production.

The research work would pave the way for the development of the industry of exploiting biological active element from farm produce.