ORYZA PLANTS PROGRESS IN NUTRACEUTICALS, COSMECEUTICALS AND BEYOND
There is truth in the belief that nature is a great physician.
This saying aligns with the philosophy of Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical, a Japanese company dedicated to providing the world with natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance health and beauty. Oryza utilises the power of modern-day technology to fully leverage the nutritional benefits of plants and animals, creating top-quality ingredients for functional food, cosmetics, medical products and more.
From humble beginnings as a rice bran oil business in 1939, Oryza has developed into a thriving international
B2B company. The company offers more than 300 extracts, oils and concentrates from rice, fruits and flowers, and has increased its focus on cultivating exclusive ingredients from plants natively grown in Japan, such as cherry blossoms.
“We promote sustainability and eco-friendliness, so we’re constantly looking into plant-based products,” says Hiromichi Murai, president and CEO. “We have a screening system of two thousand assays to detect the benefits and bioavailability of various plants. We rely heavily on science, so we make sure that the health and cosmetic claims of all our products are evidence-based.”
Three products take the spotlight among the company’s extensive line-up. Derived from rice, Oryza Ceramide contains a high percentage of ceramide, a fatty acid which keeps moisture locked within the skin. While Oryza manufactures ceramide for topical applications, it is the first company in the world that offers this fatty acid in edible powder and liquid forms.
Oryza Tocotrienol, also known as super vitamin E, is 40 to 60 times more potent as an antioxidant than regular vitamin E. It contains anti-ageing, immunity-boosting and cholesterol-decreasing properties in cosmetic and food standard options. Lastly, Gamma Oryzanol, which also comes in food and cosmetic forms, imparts a host of health-promoting benefits, including stress relief, anti-menopausal effects, inflammation reduction and good digestion.
Eager to expand into South Asia and China, Oryza is open for co-development partnerships with universities, research institutes and companies within those regions, along with potential Japanese partners.