Scientists discover cancer-fighting properties in regional varieties of rice
Indian scientists have reportedly detected anti-cancer properties in three traditional varieties of rice, namely Gathwan, Maharaji, and Laicha, which are found in the state of Chhattisgarh. According to Deepak Sharma, principal scientist at the Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) in Raipur, the three varieties of rice have medicinal properties that possess the ability to fight cancer.
Locals make use of the medicinal properties of the rice
Sharma said that the three varieties of rice can cure lung and breast cancers without affecting the other normal cells of the body. Their medicinal properties are not unknown and the rice varieties are already used to cure ailments in the tribal region of Bastar.
The rice can prevent multiplication of cancer cells
Specifically, Laicha is the most effective rice variety in preventing the multiplication of cancer cells and also altogether destroying them to a significant extent due to certain elements present in it. It has also been previously used in treating skin-related problems by the people of Chhattisgarh, Sharma said. Further, the Gathwan rice variety possesses the additional property to cure arthritis.
Scientists to try and extract these anti-cancer ingredients
The study claims that the human body can achieve the necessary active ingredients to fight cancer by consuming 200 gm of these varieties of rice daily. In the next stage, scientists will try to extract the anti-cancer ingredients from these varieties of rice and conduct trials on mice. If successful, they also want to develop the cancer-fighting ingredients as dietary supplements for easy consumption.
