Rice Bran Compound May Help Regulate Intestinal Movement by Inhibiting Calcium Channels

A recent study conducted by researchers at Toho University has identified ferulic acid (FA), a natural compound abundant in rice bran, as a potential modulator of intestinal motility. The research demonstrates that FA can suppress intestinal smooth muscle contractions by blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels, which are crucial for muscle activity in the gut. This finding opens promising avenues for dietary strategies aimed at managing gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study involved experiments on guinea pig ileal smooth muscle, revealing that FA effectively and reversibly reduced contractions triggered by neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, histamine, prostaglandin F2α, and serotonin. Further tests indicated that FA also lowered intracellular calcium levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, confirming its action on calcium channels. Although the concentrations used in the study were higher than typical dietary intake, the results suggest that oral consumption of FA-rich foods like rice bran could influence gut motility, especially since intestinal concentrations may be elevated after ingestion. This research, published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, underscores the potential of ferulic acid as a natural agent for regulating intestinal movements, possibly providing relief for symptoms associated with excessive smooth muscle activity. Future clinical trials are needed to determine safe and effective doses for human applications.