Stabilized rice bran is a naturally rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, yet it is normally discarded during rice processing.
NutraCea has developed the ingredient into a health supplement and now holds six patents for the use of rice bran in nutritional foods to help alleviate the symptoms of certain conditions, including hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, as a supportive therapy for diabetes and to help reduce cholesterol.
The new patent, no 6,902,739, is thought by the firm to be the first natural alternative to the current generation of arthritis drugs, recently linked to a safety scare.
"To the best of our knowledge, we hold the only patent-protected natural formula alternative to the current generation of pharmaceutical COX-2 inhibitors," said Patricia McPeak, founder and CEO of NutraCea.
A number of these drugs have recently been recalled since new results came to light linking them to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Others still on the market have added labelling that restricts use.
The patent contains 14 claims, which include a method for treating lameness, pain and loss of mobility in humans and mammals and a method for inhibiting prostaglandin synthetase activity, which is also known as COX-2 inhibition.
According to the company, the new patent supports NutraCea's strategy of aggressive expansion of its intellectual property portfolio in areas that offer good partnership and licensing opportunities with food, pharmaceutical and specialty healthcare companies.