Rice Science ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (6): 777-796.DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2025.08.009

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Functional and Nutraceutical Potential of Indian Rice Landraces: A Comprehensive Scientific Review

D. Priyanga1, K. Amudha2(), N. Sakthivel3, P. Sivasakthivelan4, S. Utharasu2, D. Uma5, M. Sudha6   

  1. 1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
    2Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar 638451, India
    3Department of Agronomy, Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar 638451, India
    4Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar 638451, India
    5Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 638451, India
    6Department of Plant Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
  • Received:2025-05-14 Accepted:2025-08-04 Online:2025-11-28 Published:2025-12-04
  • Contact: K. Amudha (amudhakpbg@tnau.ac.in)

Abstract:

In recent years, traditional rice landraces have gained increasing attention among consumers, scientists, and nutritionists because of their nutritional and therapeutic value. The diverse rice gene pool of the Indian subcontinent is bestowed with indigenous rice types augmented with nutrients and phytochemicals. Landraces high in resistant starch and dietary fiber contribute to gut health and help prevent gastrointestinal disorders, whereas those with high-quality protein contents, such as glutelin and lysine, all-trans retinoic acid, as well as iron and zinc contents (even in polished rice), play a vital role in the alleviation of malnutrition and hidden hunger. Metabolomic studies have revealed the presence of novel bioactive molecules, including tocols (e.g., gamma-tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol), phytosterols (e.g., campestrol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol), phenolic acids (e.g., 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 4-vinylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, ionol, and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), flavonoids [e.g., flavonolignans tricin 4′-O-(threo-β-guaiacylglyceryl) ether and tricin 4′-O-(erythro-β-guaiacylglyceryl) ether], anthocyanins (e.g., delphinidin and cyanidin), carotenoids (e.g., 7,7′,8,8′-tetrahydrolycopene and 1-hydroxylycopene), diterpenoids (e.g., sugiol), vitamin D3 (a secosteroid), and bioactive vitamin D (e.g., calcitriol). These bioactive phytochemicals endow Indian rice landraces, rich in antioxidants, with antiphlogistic, antineoplastic, cardiac risk preventive, antiviral, and antitubercular activities, confirming their use in traditional Indian medicine. Furthermore, Indian landraces with a low glycemic index may benefit the Asian Indian phenotype, which is characterized by clinical anomalies such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (reduced high-density lipoprotein levels), and high dietary glycemic load. Therefore, the conservation of India’s traditional rice varieties is vital for both sustainable agriculture and improving global health.

Key words: Indian rice landrace, nutrient, phytochemical, antioxidant health benefit