What is Oryza sativa or Rice?

Botanical Name: Oryza sativa

Common Names: Asian rice, white rice, brown rice, polished rice, paddy rice, rice

Oryza sativa, commonly known as rice, is a staple food for over half of the world’s population. It is believed to have originated in Asia and has been cultivated for over 10,000 years.

Oryza sativa and its extracts have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. Studies have shown that rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, contains compounds such as oryzanol, tocopherols, and tocotrienols, which have antioxidant properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, rice bran oil has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties, and rice starch has been used in skin care products to improve skin hydration and elasticity.