India found anti-cancer properties in 3 rice varieties

Scientists claim to have discovered the anticancer properties found in the three traditional types of rice found in Chhattisgarh, India.

Deepak Sharma, a scientist, said a study concluded that three rice varieties - Gathwan, Maharaji and Laicha are resistant to cancer.

The study was conducted by Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur and Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) Mumbai

Sharma, the principal scientist of the Department of Genomics and Crop Science at the University of Agriculture, said these varieties were taken from rice seed banks preserved in IGKV.

These three varieties of rice have the ability to treat lung and breast cancer without affecting normal cells, Sharma told PTI.

Among them, Laicha is the most effective rice in preventing cancer cell proliferation.

Scientists said Gathwan rice also works to cure arthritis. Similarly, Laicha has been used in the treatment of skin-related problems of people in some areas.

These rice varieties have also shown many important properties to prevent the multiplication of cancer cells without affecting other normal cells.

The study concluded that these essential active ingredients can be effective if one day, a person consumes 200g of the above-mentioned types of rice.

In the next phase of the study, BARC scientists are trying to extract anti-cancer components or anti-cancer factors from these varieties and then test them on mice.