• Black rice (Zizania aqatica) is a type of rice species Oryza sativa L. Asian countries like China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh mainly cultivate this rice. (Hymie Cherik R. Sangma, 2021)

• Generally, different types of rice, such as white, purple, red, brown, and black rice, are named following the physical appearance of the rice bran. The color of the rice bran differs due to the presence of pigments in the rice varieties. (Balasubramaniam Jaya Prasad, 2019)

• The other names of black rice are forbidden rice, purple rice, emperor’s rice, fortune rice, and king’s rice. In India, this rice is mainly found in the northeastern areas of Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya. (Hymie Cherik R. Sangma, 2021)

• It contains numerous nutritional and bioactive components, including essential amino acids, functional lipids, dietary fiber, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin E, Minerals, Anthocyanins, Phenolic compounds, γ-oryzanols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and phytic acid. (Vivian Cristina Ito, 2019)

• The bran fraction of black rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins and tocopherol. (Young Min Lee, 2019 )

• Anthocyanins, such as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, are the foremost effective constituents of black rice, and they help protect arteries, prevent oxidative DNA damage, and inhibit the formation of cell-damaging free radicals. (Young Min Lee, 2019 )

• The mechanism for inhibiting melanogenesis by Fermented Black Rice Serum appears to be more complex than that of kojic acid, the known tyrosinase inhibitor. Overall, Fermented Black rice Serum has a high potential for further cosmeceutical application as a depigmenting agent. (Orrarat Sangkaew, 2020 )

• Phytochemical profiling of Black Rice Extract consists of Glycoside, Steroid, Phenol, Protein, Carbohydrate, Tannin, Phlobatannin, Terpenoid, Alkaloid, and flavonoids. (Balasubramaniam Jaya Prasad P. S., 2019)

• Black rice consumption enhances health and longevity, protects heart health, controls hypertension, reduces stroke levels in women, improves the digestive system, anti-inflammatory action, reduces allergies, detoxifies the body, lipid profile improvement, reduces the risk of diabetes, improves eye vision, helps in weight management, reduces the growth of cancer, protects from osteoporosis, enhances hair growth, reduces the risk of asthma. (Kushwaha U. K., 2016)

• Black rice helps prevent the aging of the skin as well as decreases signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. Black rice provides antioxidants and other proteins to the skin, which will help restore skin elasticity and maintain firmness. (Sharma, 2022)

• The anthocyanins in black rice scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and inhibit enzymes that degrade collagen in skin cells. This helps limit photoaging — the wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity caused by sun exposure. (Singh, Black Rice: A Gateway to Youthful Skin, 2023)

• Fermentation brings down the pH levels of the rice water to that of the hair and helps close the cuticles, thereby protecting the hair. Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair. This inositol stays in the hair even after the rice water is rinsed off, acting as a shield and protecting the hair from damage. (from ingredients Datasheet)

• Fermenting rice water enhances its vitamins and nutrient levels, nourishing hair follicles. It promotes healthy hair growth and improves the overall condition of the hair. (from ingredients Datasheet)

• Anthocyanins in black rice help reduce body fat percentage and body weight. A study conducted on 40 women revealed that a mixture of brown and black rice led to considerably more weight loss in body fat than white rice females. (Sharma, 2022)

INCI: Rice Ferment Filtrate/ Bacillus. 

All Functions: Skin conditioning.

Description: Rice ferment filtrate (sake) is a filtrate of the product obtained by the fermentation of Oryza sativa.

Rice has been a staple food across the globe since time immemorial. (Balasubramaniam Jaya Prasad, 2019) Rice has been used for cosmetic purposes for centuries, and its benefits have been translated into modern-day skin care products. Literature suggests that rice-derived ingredients are also safe, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. More than 40,000 rice varieties exist, but only a few types are familiar to most of us. All rice and black rice are the family of grasses called Gramineae. (Black Rice Research, History and Development, 2016)

Individual components of rice have been identified, including phenolic compounds, betaine, squalene, tricin, and rice bran. These rice-derived ingredients are antiaging, anti-inflammatory, whitening, photoprotective, and moisturizing. Moreover, rice-derived ingredients have demonstrated benefits for dermatological conditions. Fermented rice bran extract and broth baths are helpful in atopic dermatitis treatments. (Dina H. Zamil, 2022)

Generally, different types of rice, such as white, purple, red, brown, and black rice, are named following the physical appearance of the rice bran. The color of the rice bran differs due to the presence of pigments in the rice varieties. (Balasubramaniam Jaya Prasad, 2019) Black rice is a variety of pigmented rice. It contains numerous nutritional and bioactive components, including essential amino acids, functional lipids, dietary fiber, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin E, minerals, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, γ-oryzanols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and phytic acid. (Vivian Cristina Ito, 2019)

Black rice dispenses the wealthiest nutritional value with a greater quantity of fiber, proteins, iron, vitamins, and minerals, and it has a comprehensive range of amino acids, fats, and essential trace elements compared to other rice required by our body. (Hymie Cherik R. Sangma, 2021)

Black rice (Zizania aqatica) is a type of rice species Oryza sativa L. Asian countries like China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh mainly cultivate this rice. The other names of black rice are forbidden rice, purple rice, emperor’s rice, fortune rice, and king’s rice. In India, this rice is mainly found in the northeastern areas of Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya. Every state has its name for this black rice. In Manipuri, it is called Chak-hao; Assamese people call it Kola sawl. In Meghalaya, there are three different tribes, and they all call it in different ways; the Garo tribe calls it Mi-grim, and both Khasi and Jaintia tribes call it Ja-iong. In Tamil Nadu, it is found in Keelapoongudi village and called kavuni rice. The kernel, an outer part of this rice, is called anthocyanin, a trace element of antioxidants. (Hymie Cherik R. Sangma, 2021)

Black rice is classified into different categories according to the different shapes, sizes, nutrient contents, and colors. Other varieties include black forbidden rice, black glutinous rice, black emperor’s rice, and black jasmine or Chak Hao rice.

Black rice contains superior protein and essential amino acids compared with ordinary rice. High amino acid contents (ng /mg of rice) were found in Heuknambyeo (black rice variety), in which alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine content was found. In contrast, cysteine and tryptophan were found to be absent. Among these asparagines, aspartic acid and glutamic acid were found to be high when compared with other amino acids. (Balasubramaniam Jaya Prasad P. S., 2019)

Black rice bran contains remarkable amounts of anthocyanins and other bioactive ingredients such as inositol, inositol phosphates, cardiac glycoside, phytosterol, and abundant minerals. 

To find the effects of Inositol on the skin, it moisturizes the skin, balances sebum production, and maintains skin elasticity by improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. (Zhoh, 2001) 

Health Benefits of Black Rice:

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is packed with high nutrients and antioxidants. Black rice reduces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the free radicals produced in the body that cause many diseases. In the modern era, black rice is one of the best food materials to maintain health with regular physical exercise.

Effect of black rice consumption on human health with different aspects like enhancing health and longevity, protecting heart health, reducing atherosclerosis, controlling hypertension, reducing stroke levels in women, improving digestive system, anti-inflammatory action, reducing allergies, detoxifies the body, lipid profile improvement, reduce risk of diabetes, improves eye vision, helps in satiation and weight management, reduces the growth of cancer, increases life span, protects from osteoporosis, enhances hair growth, reduces the risk of asthma, acts as an antioxidant, acts as GABA rice, works as nature’s great superfood, and works as panacea for many diseases. (Kushwaha U. K., 2016)  

Black Rice for Skin:

The skin is the first tissue to encounter the external environment in the body. Its representative functions protect harmful substances and prevent skin moisture loss in the body. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis, protecting skin from harmful external substances and preventing moisture evaporation. In Stratum Corneum, the cornified envelope (CE) is an insoluble protein structure that plays a pivotal role in skin hydration and skin barrier function. Ultraviolet rays are known to cause loss of skin moisture and inflammation. Among these are UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (280–320 nm), and UVC (100–280 nm). Especially, UVB radiation is a cancerous factor in skin cells. Chronic UVB exposure leads to skin injury, such as roughness, dryness, wrinkles, sagging, pigmentation, and thickness. The mammalian skin cell induces DNA damage, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, cell death, and inflammation. UV-induced skin injury is closely related to loss of skin moisture. Therefore, adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin. (Seo Hyun Park, 2021)

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains various polyphenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, with excellent antioxidant activity. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols in plants have often been reported to exhibit a photo-protective effect. (Seo Hyun Park, 2021). It has been reported that black rice extract (BRE) has many pharmacological effects, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. According to a study, Black rice bran inhibits tyrosinase activity in cell-free in vitro systems, suggesting its potential as a melanogenesis inhibitor. (Chung, 2018)

Black rice is excellent for the skin because of its high antioxidant content and richness of vitamins and minerals. It has the potential to reduce oxidative cell damage. It helps prevent the aging of skin as well as decreases signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. Black rice provides antioxidants and other proteins to the skin, which will help restore skin elasticity and maintain firmness. 

• Fights skin aging.

• Treats skin allergies. 

• Reduces eczema.

• Treats Sun damaged skin. (Sharma, 2022)

Black Rice for Aging Skin:

According to a study, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Black rice extracts may help to combat the signs of aging skin. The anthocyanins in black rice scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and inhibit enzymes that degrade collagen in skin cells. This helps limit photoaging — the wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity caused by sun exposure. 

A Study said that Black Rice extract protected human fibroblasts and keratinocytes from UVB-induced damage by suppressing ROS formation and blocking the decrease of collagen synthesis. Containing polyphenols reduces inflammation, which occurs by UV radiation that accelerates skin aging. With all these facilities, the compounds in black rice exhibit anti-photoaging properties. (Singh, Black Rice: A Gateway to Youthful Skin, 2023)

Black Rice for Hair:

Sunlight and dust make hair frizzy, damaged, and lack moisture. The fermented rice water nourishes the scalp and hair with essential nutrition. Washing the hair with a nutrient-filled extract of black rice makes hair healthy, smooth, and shiny. 

Black Rice is loaded with iron, fiber, and protein content, and the best antioxidant element is Anthocyanin. This phytonutrient makes the outer skin of the grain look darker with a hue of purple to black, an indicator of an antioxidant factor. The microorganism feeds from the rice starch and creates an array of new components. Fermentation brings down the pH levels of the rice water to that of the hair and helps close the cuticles, thereby protecting the hair. Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair. This inositol stays in the hair even after the rice water is rinsed off, acting as a shield and protecting the hair from damage.

Fermenting rice water enhances its vitamins and nutrient levels, nourishing the hair follicles. It promotes healthy hair growth and improves the overall condition of the hair. The heavy amino acids present in rice water help in hair regeneration and aid in faster hair growth. (from ingredients Datasheet)

Black Rice for Oxidative Stress:

The antioxidant potential of Black rice may help against oxidative damage and help eliminate free radicals that might contribute to chronic diseases and inflammation in the body. The phenolic and bioactive compounds of black rice have antioxidant qualities. With these facilities, black rice may have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and may help against various diseases. However, chronic illness requires contact with a healthcare person for proper diagnosis. (Singh D. R., 2023)

Black Rice for Weight Loss:

Black rice has an extremely high fiber content, promoting gut health and aiding digestive processes. Furthermore, as fiber is digested slowly (and subsequently stays in our stomach longer), it can reduce the feeling of hunger and result in a reduction in daily energy intake. This reduction in energy intake leads to weight loss. Black rice contains twice the amount of fiber content of brown rice. Fiber also binds with toxic compounds in the colon, flushed out from the body as waste. (B. Thanuja, 2018)

Anthocyanins in black rice help reduce body fat percentage and body weight. A study conducted on 40 women revealed that a mixture of brown and black rice led to considerably more weight loss in body fat than white rice females. (Sharma, 2022)

How to use Black Rice?

Black rice is an alternative to traditional white rice. 

You must consult a qualified physician before taking large amounts of black rice or other herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medicine treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. (Singh D. R., 2023) 

Foods

It is used in the preparation of different foods, Thai desserts

• Rice salads

• Puddings

• Cakes

• Porridges (Sharma, 2022)

Home remedies

• it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, essential for the skin, tightening it, and keeping it glossy and healthy. A cup of black rice water will maintain good and healthy skin.

• Fermented black rice water is excellent for improving hair health. The essential nutrients present in black water will nourish the scalp. Mix it with aloe vera gel for better results.

• Strain the boiled rice water cooked in, add it to a spray bottle, and use it instantly as a toner for tighter, hydrated skin. 

We all know that the overconsumption of anything is harmful, and the same goes for black rice. However, overeating black rice does not lead to severe complications apart from some minor symptoms. Black rice is rich in fiber. Consuming too much black rice may cause problems like gas and abdominal pain. (Sharma, 2022)

If you experience adverse reactions to black rice, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. (Singh D. R., 2023) 

• What is black rice?

Black rice is popularly known as forbidden rice. Research shows that black rice is considered a twenty-first-century superfood. It prolongs life and is also known as Long-life rice. It has wide health benefits. Black rice is a type of rice species, Oryza sativa L. Asian countries like China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh mainly cultivate this rice. Only consumption of black rice of a certain amount saves us from many severe diseases and illnesses. This is because black rice contains an extra number of antioxidants.

• What are the benefits of black rice? 

Black rice consumption on human health with different aspects enhances health and longevity, protects heart health, reduces atherosclerosis, controls hypertension, reduces stroke levels in women, improves the digestive system, has anti-inflammatory action, reduces allergy, detoxifies the body, lipid profile improvement, reduces the risk of diabetes, improves eye vision, helps in satiation and weight management, reduces the growth of cancer, increases life span, protects from osteoporosis, enhances hair growth, reduces the risk of asthma, acts as an antioxidant, acts as GABA (germinated brown) rice, works as nature’s great superfood, and works as a panacea for many diseases. 

• Black rice benefits the skin. 

Fights skin aging.

Treats skin allergies. 

Reduces eczema.

Treats Sun damaged skin.

Muhammad Abdul Rahim, M. U. ( 2022, Oct 14). Photochemistry, Functional Properties, Food Applications, and Health Prospective of Black Rice. Natural Bioactive Compounds: Chemistry, Extraction, and Applications, 2022. Retrieved from  https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2755084

Mahdi Jufri, A. V. ( 2021, June 22). Evaluating the Efficacy of Lotion Containing Black Rice Bran (Oryza sativa L. indica) Extract as Skin Brightening Agent: A Clinical Trial. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical, 16(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.5812/jjnpp.114152