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Sustainable Value of Navara Rice in Medicinal and Aesthetic Aspects

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Abstract

Navara rice is one of the many types of rice found in India and is a unique grain plant in the Oryza group. Its origin is said to be somewhere in Kerala, where it is regarded as endemic. In 2007-09, Geographical Indication status was granted. Navara is known for it‘s medicinal properties due to it‘s mineral and chemical composition, an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment in the 15th century. Specifically, it is used in Panchakarma treatment.
International Symposium
Agricultural Communication and Sustainable Rural Development: From Information to Knowledge to
Wisdom Envisioning a Food Sovereign World in the Third Millennium
Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India; 22-24 November 2012
189
Sustainable Value of Navara Rice in Medicinal and Aesthetic Aspects
Jaba Jagdish1, Basavaraj Makanur2 and Erayya3
1Department of Entomology, GBPUAT, Pantnagar
2Department of Seed Science and Tech., GBPUAT, Pantnagar
3Department of Plant Pathology, GBPUAT, Pantnagar
Email: jaba.jagdish@gmail.com
Navara rice is one of the many types of rice found in India and is a unique grain plant in the
Oryza group. Its origin is said to be somewhere in Kerala, where it is regarded as endemic. In
2007-09, Geographical Indication status was granted. Navara is known for it‘s medicinal
properties due to it‘s mineral and chemical composition, an essential part of Ayurvedic
treatment in the 15th century. Specifically, it is used in Panchakarma treatment. The rice is of
two kinds, the white glumed (husked) and black glumed. The 12th century Ayurvedic text,
Ashtangahridayam, describes the white Navara as medicinally superior but the black glumed
variety seems to be preferred by physicians today. It is a muscle strengthening variety of rice
and is used in a special treatment for neuromuscular disorders such as arthritis,
rheumatism, back ache and other age related problems. Navara is also reported to provide
benefits in the curing circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous system ailments. Boiled
Navara is a good weaning food for infants, particularly those with low weight. Broth made by
adding Navara rice is recommended to pregnant women as it increases the weight of the
foetus.
Navara rice In psoriasis as food (in the form of gruel). Also for osteoporosis, cirrhosis of
liver and piles.
Navara bran For ulcers (for peptic ulcer vaidyars advise to take navara bran mixed with
jaggery. For ulcers in the mouth Navara rice bran in boiled milk is prescribed as a
drink.)
Navara rice powder Paste made of Navara rice powder is used in snake bite to reduce the
pain and for healing of the wound.
Navara root Boiled in water and used as a drink in urinary tract infection and also as a
diuritic.
Molecular studies conducted by a team of scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University
indicated the presence of a gene fragment encoding a protein which is reported to have anti-
carcinogenic (chemo-preventive) property, especially against breast cancer. This protein,
christened Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor protein, is also known to possess anti-
inflammatory and anti-allergic properties in animals and is reported to be capable of imparting
resistance to fungal pathogens and pests in crops. Navara is considered beneficial in
preventing various diseases and is also considered a safe food for diabetics.
Key words: Navara Rice, arthritis, Diabetics
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