Rice bran's ferulic acid shown to curb intestinal muscle overactivity in lab study
Researchers at Toho University found that ferulic acid, a compound in rice bran, can suppress gut muscle contractions by blocking calcium channels in laboratory experiments.
Scientists led by Keisuke Obara, Kento Yoshioka and Professor Yoshio Tanaka at Toho University reported that ferulic acid, a polyphenol abundant in rice bran, can lessen intestinal smooth-muscle contractions by targeting voltage-dependent calcium channels. In guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth-muscle assays, the compound markedly reduced contractions induced by acetylcholine, histamine, prostaglandin F2α and serotonin, with effects that reversed upon removal and intensified at higher concentrations.
Additional vascular smooth-muscle cell experiments indicated that ferulic acid curtails intracellular calcium spikes caused by potassium chloride, supporting the calcium-channel inhibition hypothesis. While the results suggest a natural means to temper excessive gut motility—potentially benefiting diarrhea-predominant IBS or IBD—the same action could aggravate constipation in other patients. The researchers note that effective concentrations in vitro exceed typical blood levels from diet, but intestinal exposure may be higher after ingestion, warranting human trials to assess safety and therapeutic scope.
Why it matters
The study reveals a natural compound that could be used to manage overactive gut disorders, offering a new dietary approach to IBS and IBD.
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