Joha rice, an aromatic rice grown in India's northeastern region, is efficient in decreasing blood glucose and delaying diabetes onset, making it an effective nutraceutical of choice in diabetes management, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Joha is a short-grain winter rice renowned for its notable flavour and perfume. The traditional assertions that people who eat Joha rice had low rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease needs to be supported by research, the ministry added.

Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), in their research, investigated the nutraceutical properties of aromatic Joha rice. Through laboratory analysis, they discovered the presence of two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3), which have various physiological benefits. These fatty acids can help maintain health and prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Additionally, Joha rice has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing blood glucose levels and preventing the onset of diabetes in diabetic rats, according to the Ministry.

The study conducted by researchers revealed that scented Joha rice possesses a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared to the commonly consumed non-scented variety. The proper dietary ratio of these essential fatty acids for humans is approximately one. The researchers utilized this Joha rice to produce rice bran oil, a patented product claimed to be effective in managing diabetes.

Furthermore, Joha rice is abundant in various antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics. Among the identified bioactive compounds are oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, tricin, and others, each possessing reported antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and cardio-protective effects, as stated by the ministry.