Novel Health Care Products produced from Rice and Rice By-products

Abstract

Rice milling process produces several by-products like husk, bran germs along with milled rice. These by-products are treated as waste products although they are potential source of many valuable components. Rice bran, for example, is a potential source of edible high quality oil known as Rice Bran Oil (RBO), protein, cholesterol-lowering waxes, antitumour compounds, and various antioxidants which have various skin beneficial properties. Keeping in mind the enormous potentials of various fractions of rice, attempts were made to develop under mentioned rice based products having different health care properties. (1) Moisturizing lotion: This is a skin care product which is light, non-sticky and smooth, and found suitable for normal and oily skin. Its regular application makes skin smooth, soft and supple. Majority of the respondents considered this product better / much better than the available products in the market. (2) Cream for Cracked Heel and Dry Skin: This product is useful for cracked heels, dry skin disorder. It helps in arresting the bleeding due to cracks and reducing the pain. (3) Pain Relieving Gel: The product is highly effective for minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple strains, bruises and sprains. Majority of the respondents during testing felt that the product was better / much better than the available products in the market. (4) Face Scrub: This is an exfoliation product which has been designed specifically for use on the face. The product was very much liked by all therespondents. Regular use of this product keeps skin smooth and glowing by removing dead skin, and exposing a layer ofyounger, healthier skin.India has potential to produce 1.47 Mt of rice bran oil but the actual production RBO in 2013–14 was 0.93 Mt only whichwas just 63.26% of the potential. Hence, there is vast scope to utilise rice bran oil and other by-products in making novelrice based products which will enhance the profitability of the rice farmers and will also generate rural employment.