Beyond food: Bran-based gels show potential for targeted drug delivery

When it comes to colon health, the benefits of wheat and rye bran in whole-grain foods are well known. Now researchers in Sweden have shown how these fibers may have a therapeutic use, too. A new study published in the journal Biomacromolecules demonstrates the potential to use bran fiber for direct delivery of drugs to treat colon diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or colorectal cancer.