UAPB Researchers Study Rice Compound's Potential to Slow Aging

Gamma oryzanol found to reduce oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and chronic diseases.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have discovered that a compound found in rice bran, called gamma oryzanol, may hold promise in slowing the aging process and reducing risk factors for chronic diseases. The team used nanotechnology to deliver the compound into cells and found it significantly reduced oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging and conditions like cancer and heart disease. Preliminary evidence also suggests the compound may aid in skin cell healing.

Why it matters

As the population ages, finding safe and effective ways to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases has become a major focus for medical research. These findings on gamma oryzanol could lead to new treatments and preventative measures that improve quality of life for older adults.

The details

Dr. Sankar Devarajan, a professor at UAPB, said the latest research builds on earlier international studies he conducted in India and Japan examining a blend of rice bran oil and sesame oil. Those studies found the mixture significantly lowered high blood pressure. During that research, some participants reported feeling more energetic and youthful, which prompted Devarajan to further investigate the potential anti-aging properties of rice bran compounds. The UAPB team partnered with researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to study gamma oryzanol, a compound found in the outer layer of rice that is removed during milling. Using nanotechnology, they found gamma oryzanol reduced oxidative stress, a major driver of aging and chronic diseases.

  • The study has been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • The team's next step is to secure funding for animal trials before moving to potential clinical trials, which Devarajan said could begin by 2030 if research progresses as planned.

The players

Dr. Sankar Devarajan

A professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff who led the research on gamma oryzanol and its potential anti-aging properties.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The institution where the research on the rice compound was conducted.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The institution that partnered with UAPB researchers to study the effects of gamma oryzanol.

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What they’re saying

“That's one of the major factors that drive the aging process and other chronic diseases. The oxidative stress was significantly reduced.”

— Dr. Sankar Devarajan, Professor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The team's next step is to secure funding for animal trials before moving to potential clinical trials, which Devarajan said could begin by 2030 if research progresses as planned.

The takeaway

This research on gamma oryzanol, a compound found in rice bran, offers promising insights into new ways to potentially slow the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. If further studies confirm these findings, it could lead to new treatments and preventative measures that improve quality of life for older adults.