Potential Benefits of Bioactive Compounds of Traditional Rice Grown in South and Southeast Asia: A Review

Traditional rice varieties have been widely cultivated and popularly consumed by Asian people for a very long time and have recently garnered increased consumer concern. Traditional or indigenous rice varieties are known to be rich in a wide range of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phytic acids, and γ-oryzanol. We have identified 32 phenolic acids, including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and 7 different flavonoids in rice varieties. These bioactive compounds have unique physiological effects on human health. Additionally, rice grains exhibit nutraceutical potential for antidiabetic, antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. In this review, we critically analyzed the bioactive components of traditional rice and their nutraceutical potential in protecting against harmful microbial activities. To ensure that future…