Mahashali (Mahashali (Oryza sativa))

Properties

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Skin-lightening, α-amylase inhibitory, Pancreatic lipase inhibitory

Dosage

Rice bran and rice bran oil: up to 30 grams daily for up to 5 years. For hypercholesterolemia: Tocotrienol-rich fraction of rice bran: 50 mg/day; Gamma oryzanol: 50 mg/day or 800 mg/day for 4 weeks. For exercise performance: gamma oryzanol 500 to 600 mg/day for 9 weeks. Germinated Rice in Decoction: 10-15 grams.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
• Virya: ["Shita (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Cooling and soothing properties
• Balances bodily functions
• Restores energy
• Digestive health
• Soothes mucosal linings in gastritis and peptic ulcers
• Nourishes the skin and soothe irritation
• Positive effects on cardiovascular health
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Weight management
• Blood sugar regulation
• May have anti-diabetic, anti-obesogenic, and immunostimulatory effects
• May help to improve liver function

Traditional uses

• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Morning sickness
• Skin blemishes
• Sores
• Boils
• Swellings
• Allergic skin rash
• Heartburn
• Stomach upsets
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Acid indigestion
• Poor appetite
• Bruises
• Colds
• Coughs
• Fever

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Rice Water: Made by boiling rice and using the water left over.
• Rice Bran: Can be added to a reduced-fat diet.
• Medicinal Gruel: Grains are often cooked with herbs to make a medicinal gruel.
• Thin Rice Gruel (Congee): Can be prepared with fresh ginger for morning sickness.
• Decoction: Rhizomes are harvested and dried for use in decoctions.
• Extracts: Rice bran extracts are used in the cosmetic industry. Purple rice seed coat extract (PRE) was extracted with hydrochloric acid ethanol.

Contraindications

• Compromised Kidney Function: Rice bran may be contraindicated in patients with compromised kidney function because the potassium load from bran extract could be problematic.
• Medication Interactions: Rice bran's high fiber content can reduce the absorption of certain medications. It's advised to separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
• Infants: Infants under one year may risk arsenic exposure from rice water. It is important to source rice from low-contamination regions and seek pediatric advice before use.
• Kapha Imbalance: Use white rice sparingly or choose low-GI brown rice cooked with digestive spices to balance Kapha without aggravation.

Side effects

• Gas and stomach discomfort
• Unpredictable bowel movements
• Intestinal gas
• Itching and skin redness
• Digestive issues like gas, bloating, or stomach cramps
• Loose stools or increased bowel movements
• Rare allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, or breathing difficulty

Interactions

• Rice bran oil may lower blood pressure
• Use rice bran with caution if you have trouble swallowing
• Don't use rice bran if you have a digestive tract problem such as ulcers or other stomach disorders
• Taking red yeast rice products and statins at the same time can easily lead to overdosing and side effects

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials and studies suggest potential benefits in managing abnormal cholesterol levels, improving skin health, stress relief, muscle atrophy, colorectal cancer risk, and promoting hair growth. A clinical trial is underway to investigate the effects of black rice extract fermented with Lactobacillus on perceived stress. Limitations in clinical trial data exist and results may not be generalizable.