Red rice: Uses, Benefits, Side effects and More By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

In Balinese mythology, it is believed that God sent a bird to earth with four seeds which were red, white, black, and yellow. On its way, the bird ate the yellow seed and only three colored seeds were left. These three colored seeds, namely white, black, and red, were the different rice grains to date. In comparison with white rice, red rice is rich in zinc, iron, etc. Red rice is also known as Oryza longistaminata, Matta rice, Palakkadan Matta rice, and Rakthashali in Ayurveda. It has an eye-grabbing color due to an antioxidant called anthocyanin. It can be partially or fully covered with husk. Red rice can be seen in weedy, wild, and cultivated types. Red rice has been cultivated in Sri Lanka, China, the United States, Korea, and India. In India, it is widely grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. Some famous red rice varieties include Patni of Maharashtra, Matali and Jatu of Kullu, and Matta of Kerala. Let us dig into red rice’s health benefits, side effects, and nutritional facts.¹ 

Nutritional Value of Red Rice:

Red rice is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with the goodness of proteins, carbohydrates, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and polyphenols like vanillic acid, ferulic acid, etc. Antioxidants like anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and lipids like gamma-oryzanol, etc. The nutritional components of red rice per 100 grams are given below:²  

• Energy: 356 kCal
• Fibre: 11.10 g
• Protein: 8.89 g
• Fats: 3.33 g
• Potassium: 156 mg
• Sodium: 67.0 mg
• Zinc: 30.0 mg
• Iron: 1.11 mg

Properties of Red Rice:

The consumption of red rice shows numerous scientifically proven properties; some of these properties are mentioned below: 

• It may have antioxidant properties.³ 
• It may have the ability to lower blood glucose.³ 
• It may have the property to reduce cholesterol.⁴ 
• It may have hepato-protective properties.⁴ 
• It may have a property to improve bone health.⁴ 
• It may have the potential to dilate the airways.⁴ 
• It may have an anti-tumour property.⁵ 
• It may have a wound-healing property.⁴ 
• It may have the property to manage inflammation.⁵ 

Based on some research, I will recommend the consumption of red rice to patients with osteoporosis. These studies suggest that red yeast rice might promote bone formation and might aid in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Red Rice for Overall Health:

Some of the potential benefits of red rice are described as under: 

1. Potential uses of red rice in inflammation 

Inflammation is a defensive action of the body against infection, stress and tissue injury. Inflammation can be acute as in fever or chronic as seen in arthritis.  Limtrakul et al. conducted a systematic review in 2016 stating that red rice exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Here, antioxidants protect the cells from damage and reduce inflammation. These effects are due to phytochemicals like gamma-oryzanol, flavonoids, phenols, etc. This indicates that consuming red rice may help manage inflammatory diseases like arthritis, etc. However, there are no studies to support these claims, and we need more scientific evidence to support these claims.⁵ 

2. Potential uses of red rice in breast cancer   

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Pintha et al. conducted a study in 2015 to assess the effects of red rice on breast cancer. The results of this study showed that red rice may stop the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting a protein, IL-6, which promotes the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, it inhibits the movement of cancer cells (metastasis) to other parts of the body. These effects are attributed to the presence of polyphenols like proanthocyanidins. This indicates that red rice may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, we need more clinical trials to support these claims with greater reliability.⁶ 

3. Potential uses of red rice for alopecia 

Alopecia is the loss of hair or baldness. Red rice is high in proteins and may help with hair growth. Jeng et al. conducted a study in 2012 to assess the effect of red rice on hair. The findings of this study showed that red rice inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and reduces hair loss. The results of this study indicate that red rice may improve hair growth and manage alopecia. However, we need more scientific evidence to support the use of red rice for managing alopecia.⁷ 

4. Potential uses of red rice in type-2-Diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels either due to a decreased insulin level or resistance of the body to insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels). Yagi et al. conducted a study in 2020 to assess the effects of red rice in a diabetic mouse model. The results of this study support the use of red rice for managing diabetes. The anti-diabetic effect is attributed to the low glycemic index of red rice and increased insulin sensitivity. This indicates that red rice may positively impact type 2 diabetes. However, more human clinical trials are needed to ascertain these claims in humans.⁸ 

5. Potential uses of red rice on dyslipidemia 

Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated cholesterol, increased low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol, and a low high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. A review by Shariq et al. in 2013 Stated that red yeast rice (fermented red rice) helps lower cholesterol by inhibiting its synthesis. Additionally, the presence of phytosterols and mono-unsaturated fatty acids in red rice may help in managing dyslipidemia. This indicates that red rice may positively impact dyslipidemia. However, more studies are needed to support these claims with greater reliability.⁹ 

6. Potential uses of red rice on digestion 

Literature studies state that diets rich in fiber are associated with a decreased consumption of fats and may improve digestion. A review done by Betheda et al. in 2019 stated that red rice was used in traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion. Being a good source of dietary fiber, red rice may help in improving bowel movements and providing relief from constipation. Additionally, red rice is low in fat content and high in protein and fiber; it increases satiety, reduces overeating, and may help in better metabolism. This indicates that its consumption may aid the digestive process, relieve constipation, and help in weight loss.^{10, 11}  

Other Potential Uses of Red Rice: 

• Red rice is known to balance the three doshas, tridosha (pitta, vata and kapha).¹ 
• In Himachal Pradesh, red rice is used to bring relief in fever.¹ 
• Red rice being a rich source of antioxidants like anthocyanins may add to the health of our skin.¹⁰ 
• Red rice consumption may improve blood circulation and may provide a protective effect against asthma by dilating the blood vessels.¹¹ 
• Being a rich source of calcium and magnesium, red rice may help improve bone health. ¹¹ 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of red rice in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Red rice on human health.  

As red rice is a good source of many nutrients, including phytochemicals, these phytochemicals might have anti-ageing properties, which may be beneficial for the skin.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Red Rice?

• In India, red rice is eaten as a whole grain or used for making chapattis and bread. 
• The Chinese use it for preparing vinegar, tart, etc. 
• In Japan, red rice is used to prepare cakes, colored noodles, etc. 
• Red rice is fermented to prepare red rice yeast, a traditional Chinese medicine.¹ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Red Rice:

Few side effects related to the consumption of red rice include: 

• Gabriela et al. in 2017 stated that fermented red rice contains monacolin, a fungal metabolite which is similar to drugs called “statins”. The most common side effect of statins includes increased liver enzymes. Likewise, fermented red rice may result in liver injuries due to elevated liver enzymes.¹² 
• Excessive consumption of red rice can result in indigestion, bloating and stomach pain due to the presence of high amounts of fibres and protein.¹⁰ 
• Jeon et al. in 2011 stated that a high content of proteins present in red rice may trigger an allergic reaction, characterised by itching, rashes and swelling.^{10, 11, 13} 

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to red rice, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. 

Precautions to take with Red Rice:

Eating red rice is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions: 

• The data regarding the safety of red rice consumption in special populations like pregnant, breastfeeding women, infants and elderly is limited. It is therefore advised to take necessary cautions and consult a doctor for proper advice. 
• Adulterated red yeast rice may contain a fungal toxin, citrinin, which may lead to harmful side effects on the kidneys, liver, etc. It is therefore advised to buy red rice, which is approved by the FDA and ISFA, to ensure that what you buy is of standard quality..¹⁴ 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

• As red rice is known to exert a hypoglycaemic (reducing blood glucose) effect, taking it along with your diabetic medications will cause your blood glucose levels to drop too low.⁸  

Therefore, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of red rice with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Red rice by VILLAGE HARVEST nutrition facts and analysis. Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Red_rice_by_VILLAGE_HARVEST_548842_nutritional_value.html?size=100%2Bg
2. Agustin, Ayu, Anna Safitri, & Fatchiyah Fatchiyah. “Java Red Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Nutritional Value and Anthocyanin Profiles and Its Potential Role as Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic.” Indonesian Journal of Chemistry [Online], 21.4 (2021): 968-978. Web. 19 Dec. 2022. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/64733947/Java_Red_Rice_Oryza_sativa_L_Nutritional_Value_and_Anthocyanin_Profiles_and_Its_Potential_Role_as_Antioxidant_and_Anti_Diabetic 
3. Limtrakul, Pornngarm et al. “Anti-inflammatory effects of proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract via suppression of MAPK, AP-1 and NF-κB pathways in Raw 264.7 macrophages.” Nutrition research and practice vol. 10,3 (2016): 251-8. doi:10.4162/nrp.2016.10.3.251. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880723/ 
4. Pintha, Komsak et al. “Proanthocyanidin in red rice inhibits MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion via the expression control of invasive proteins.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 38,4 (2015): 571-81. doi:10.1248/bpb.b14-00719. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25735761/ 
5. Jeng et al. (2012). Agronomic, molecular and antioxidative characterization of red- and purple-pericarp rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutants in Taiwan. Journal of Cereal Science. 56. 425–431. 10.1016/j.jcs.2012.05.015. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/6/111 
6. Yagi, Takakazu et al. “Red rice kojiextract alleviates hyperglycemia by increasing glucose uptake and glucose transporter type 4 levels in skeletal muscle in two diabetic mouse models.” Food & nutrition research vol. 64 10.29219/fnr.v64.4226. 8 Oct. 2020, doi:10.29219/fnr.v64.4226. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33240034/ 
7. Shamim, Shariq et al. “Red yeast rice for dysipidemia.” Missouri medicine vol. 110,4 (2013): 349-54. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6179893/ 
8. Bethesda et al. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet].National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Ravulizumab. [Updated 2019 Apr 12]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548476/?report=reader 
9. Mazzanti, Gabriela et al. “Adverse reactions to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice: assessment of cases from the Italian surveillance system.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 83,4 (2017): 894-908. doi:10.1111/bcp.13171. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5346868/ 
10. Jeon, You Hoon et al. “Identification of major rice allergen and their clinical significance in children.” Korean journal of pediatrics vol. 54,10 (2011): 414-21. doi:10.3345/kjp.2011.54.10.414. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3250595/ 
11. Twarużek, Magdalena et al. “Dietary Supplements Based on Red Yeast Rice-A Source of Citrinin?.” Toxins vol. 13,7 497. 17 Jul. 2021, doi:10.3390/toxins13070497. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8310238/ 

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