Rice - Medicinal Herb Info

Scientific Names

rice plant

Oryza sativa (Asian rice)
Oryza glaberrima (African rice)
Oryza nivara (Wild rice species)

Common Names

Rice

Brown rice

White rice

Paddy

Wild rice

Parts Usually Used

The grain (seed), bran, husk, and straw
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Rice is an annual grass plant that can grow up to 1-2 meters tall with hollow internodes and fibrous roots. It has leafy stems or tillers with long, narrow leaves that arise from nodes along the stem. Rice produces self-fertile flowers in a panicle (branched inflorescence), with each panicle containing up to 350 spikelets. The edible part is the seed or grain, which develops from fertilized ovules. Rice is typically grown in waterlogged conditions, though some varieties can be grown in dry upland conditions. The plant has been cultivated for over 8,000 years and is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population.
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Where Found

Rice is cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, with Asia producing approximately 90% of the global supply. The major rice-producing countries include China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rice requires specific growing conditions, including abundant water and warm temperatures. It can be cultivated in various environments, from lowland flooded fields (paddies) to upland rainfed areas. Wild rice species are native to Asia, particularly China, India, and southeastern regions, while African rice species originated in West Africa.
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Medicinal Properties

Rice possesses numerous medicinal properties that have been recognized in traditional medicine systems for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, immunomodulatory, and detoxifying properties. Rice bran, in particular, contains bioactive compounds with anticancer activity, showing effects through cell cycle arrest and regulation of apoptotic factors.

The phenolic compounds and phytoactive substances in rice, especially in the bran layer, demonstrate antimicrobial and antihypertensive effects. Research indicates that certain rice components can help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, and provide protection against various chronic diseases. Traditional rice varieties are particularly valued for their therapeutic potential in treating conditions such as digestive disorders, skin inflammation, and arthritis.
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Biochemical Information

Rice contains various bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. Rice bran is particularly rich in phenolic compounds including gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and gentisic acid. These compounds possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Rice bran also contains flavonoids such as catechin, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin, which have beneficial effects on human health. Important phytoactive compounds in rice bran include γ-oryzanol, tocotrienols, tocopherols, β-sitosterol ferulate, cycloartenyl ferulate, and campesterol ferulate, which demonstrate antioxidant, anticancer, and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Brown rice contains arabinoxylans, which have shown potential chemotherapeutic effects against breast cancer. The bran layer also contains inositol hexakisphosphate (phytic acid), which has anticancer properties and can reduce the growth of colorectal cancer.
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Legends, Myths and Stories

Rice has been deeply integrated into the cultural and religious traditions of many societies. In Hindu wedding ceremonies, rice symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and purity, and is thrown into the sacred fire. This custom has been adapted in Western weddings where rice is thrown over the wedded couple. In various Asian cultures, rice is considered a gift from gods and features prominently in creation myths and religious ceremonies.

In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Susruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita refer to specific rice varieties for medicinal purposes. According to these texts, certain types of rice called “Sastika” were recommended for daily consumption to maintain health. In many Asian countries, the start of rice planting season is marked with a Royal Ploughing Ceremony, reflecting the cultural significance of rice.

In the Indo-Malaysian archipelago, the goddess Dewi Sri is associated with rice and in mythology is transformed into rice or other crops. Many traditional societies believe that rice has special powers to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
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Uses

Rice has numerous traditional and modern medicinal applications based on its various components:

Rice bran is used for various therapeutic purposes due to its rich phytochemical content. It shows anticancer effects through mechanisms like cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. Studies indicate that MGN-3/biobran, a rice bran derivative, can reduce tumor size, lower cancer recurrence, and inhibit cancer progression.

For cardiovascular health, rice bran and its oil components help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. γ-oryzanol and tocotrienols in rice bran are particularly effective for regulating blood lipid profiles and preventing atherosclerosis.

Rice has applications in various traditional treatments, including:

Anti-inflammatory treatments using rice bran extracts, particularly beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism
Blood sugar regulation through components in colored rice varieties that enhance glucose uptake
Blood pressure management using rice bran protein hydrolysates with antihypertensive effects
Digestive health improvement through rice’s astringent properties for treating diarrhea
Skin treatments using rice water as an ointment for inflamed skin and various dermatological conditions
Urinary dysfunction treatments using germinated rice seeds
Post-partum recovery with specific traditional rice varieties like Maharaji in Chhattisgarh, India
Treatment for headaches, fevers, and various inflammatory conditions

Formulas or Dosages

For cholesterol management: Studies have used 25 grams of freeze-dried rice bran powder daily (equivalent to about 3.5 cups of fresh rice bran), which showed a 5-10% reduction in total cholesterol when consumed for 1-2 months.

For antidiabetic effects: Regular consumption of specific colored rice varieties like black rice or red rice as part of a balanced diet helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

For inflammatory conditions: Decoction of rice straw can be used to treat kidney and gallbladder stones, as well as urinary disorders. Traditional practices recommend boiling rice straw in water until the liquid reduces by half, then consuming 1-2 cups daily.

For skin conditions: Rice water (obtained by soaking rice in water) can be applied topically to soothe inflamed skin or sunburn. Traditionally, the water used to wash or boil rice is saved and applied to the affected area several times daily.
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Nutrient Content

According to the USDA Food Data Central, 100 grams of cooked white rice (medium-grain, unenriched) contains:

130 calories
28.6 grams of carbohydrates
2.4 grams of protein
0.2 grams of fat
0.4 grams of fiber
0 grams of sugar
10 mg of sodium
35 mg of potassium
0.2 mg of iron
0.05 mg of thiamin (vitamin B1)
0.01 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
0.8 mg of niacin
0.1 mg of vitamin B6
10 mcg of folate
0.5 mg of manganese

Brown rice contains more nutrients than white rice, especially fiber, vitamin E, and B vitamins. It also retains more minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Colored varieties (black, red, and purple rice) contain additional beneficial compounds such as anthocyanins with antioxidant properties.
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How Sold

Rice products with medicinal properties are available in various forms:

Rice bran oil in bottles or capsules for cholesterol management
Rice bran extract supplements in powder or capsule form
Whole grain brown rice, red rice, black rice, and other traditional varieties sold as food products
Rice bran powder as a dietary supplement
Fermented rice extracts in liquid or powder form
MGN-3/biobran (arabinoxylans from rice bran) as an immunomodulatory supplement
Rice protein hydrolysates for antihypertensive effects
Rice-based skincare products incorporating rice water or rice bran extract
γ-oryzanol supplements extracted from rice bran

Warning

While rice and its derivatives are generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential concerns to be aware of when using rice medicinally:

Rice may accumulate heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and cadmium from soil and water. Brown rice contains more heavy metals than white rice since they concentrate in the bran layer. To reduce exposure, thoroughly rinse rice before cooking and consider cooking it with excess water that is drained afterward.

Some individuals may have allergic reactions to rice, although this is relatively rare. Symptoms can include skin rashes, digestive discomfort, or respiratory issues. Those with known grain allergies should exercise caution with rice-based supplements.

People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels when consuming rice, particularly white rice which has a higher glycemic index. Brown rice and colored varieties tend to have less impact on blood sugar levels.

Rice bran contains phytic acid, an antinutrient that can inhibit the absorption of minerals like iron and zinc. Soaking or cooking rice properly can help reduce phytic acid content.
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