New Hope: Chhattisgarh Rice May Offer Cancer Treatment Breakthrough

In a significant development, research from the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur suggests that a specific rice variety from Chhattisgarh, called ‘Sanjeevani,’ may have the potential to treat cancer. The study was carried out by the Genetics and Plant Breeding department on a rare rice variety from the Bastar region. Preliminary findings suggest that consuming this rice could help in eliminating cancer cells. Tests at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre on mice have shown promising results, and the Central Drug Research Institute has also confirmed the cancer-fighting properties of Sanjeevani rice. Human trials are scheduled to begin in January at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. Sanjeevani rice contains 213 biochemicals, including seven compounds believed to fight cancer. These compounds work by activating Nrf2, an antioxidant, which helps to repair damage and potentially prevents the mutations that cause cancer.