Research conducted at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur suggests that a specific variety of rice from Chhattisgarh, named ‘Sanjeevani,’ may hold the key to treating cancer. The study, conducted by the Genetics and Plant Breeding department, focused on a disappearing rice variety from Bastar. The research indicates that consuming this rice could eliminate cancer cells. The rice has been tested on mice at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, yielding promising results. The Central Drug Research Institute has also identified cancer-fighting properties in Sanjeevani rice. Human trials are slated to begin in January at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. Sanjeevani rice contains 213 biochemicals, including seven compounds believed to be anti-cancer agents. These compounds are thought to activate Nrf2, an antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative damage and potentially preventing cell mutations that lead to cancer.
