Molecular studies conducted by a team of scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) on 'njavara' rice have indicated the presence of a gene fragment encoding a protein which is reported to have anti-carcinogenic (chemo-preventive) property, especially against breast cancer.This protein, christened Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor protein, is also known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties in animals and is reported to be capable of imparting resistance to fungal pathogens and pests in crops.There are reports that the protein had earlier been isolated from a few other crops like soybean, barley and sunflower. But it has not been identified so far in any other rice variety of the country.The study was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, of the KAU as a part of the post-graduate research programme of Shareesh Nalpadi under the guidance of C.R. Elsy and D. Girija.
The KAU scientists pointed out that traditionally njavara was used in the ayurveda system of medicine for treatment of neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and emaciation of limbs. Porridge of njavara grains in milk was traditionally being given as special food for invalids and infants.
(The Hindu, 15th August 2007)
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