Nutritional Profile of Asian Wild Rice from North-East India

Abstract

Asian wild rice, a paramount cereal habitually grown in the wetlands of Manipur Valley (North-East India), is a dynamic source of carbohydrates for the Meitei ethnic group. The present work attempts to estimate a comparative evaluation of the proximate, mineral and phytochemical analyses on two Asian wild rice- O. rufipgon Griff. and O. nivara (Sharma et Shastry). Of the two wild rice populations, O. nivara contains a superior ratio of carbohydrates, protein, moisture, fat, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, and zinc to that of O. rufipogon. The qualitative phytochemical study shows high indications of phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, carbohydrate, triterpenoids, terpenoids, saponins, and steroids in both specimens. At the same time, O. rufipogon indicates a higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) than O. nivara. Based on the chemical analysis conducted, despite differences in quantitative values, the present study discloses that Asian wild rice is an excellent, highly nutritious cereal compared to other rice varieties.