Wheat Bran

Constituents

Polysaccharides

Glucans; starch (15-20%), cellulose (30%)

Heteroglycans (10%); complex arabinoxylans, to some extent water-soluble

Fatty oil (2%)

Phospholipids (1%)

Glycolipids (0.5%); sterol esters

Proteins (20%)

Lignin

Alkyl resorcinols (0.1 to 0.2%); chiefly with C21- or C17-side chains

Effects

Wheat bran is laxative in effect through expanding polysaccharides, which, through an increased level of fullness pressure, stimulate intestinal peristalsis and markedly shorten the transition time. At the same time, a measurable bonding of bile acids and their elimination from the enterohepatic circulation takes place. In addition, a significant reduction of postprandial lipid levels is exhibited. The topical application as a bath additive for injured or irritated skin (due to the carbohdrates and proteins it contains) leads to milieu changes in the epidermis and thus to a reconstitution of the callous layer.

Uses

In folk medicine internal uses include constipation. Externally, bran has been used for itching and inflammatory dermatoses (as a bran bath)

Chinese medicine: used for night sweats

Ayurveda: Flatulence, constipation, itching, and menorrhagia are indications for use.

Dosage

Capsules: 500 mg, 770 mg

Daily dosage: As a laxative, the dose is 15 to 40 g one to two times daily, taken with meals and plenty of liquid.

Bath: full/partial, minimum 0.34 g aqueous extract to 1 L water

Chinese medicine dose: 9-15 g