Phytochemical screening, proximate, quantitative screening and nutritional properties of ‘Karuppu Kavuni’ variety rice of Tamil Nadu

Plants are increasingly explored as alternative sources for the development of safe, effective, and affordable drugs against various infections. Recent studies highlight that black rice (Oryza sativa L.), a nutrient-rich staple consumed by much of the global population, possesses infection-suppressing properties. Ancient palm-leaf manuscripts also document the use of black rice powder in Ayurvedic preparations. Inspired by this traditional knowledge, the present study investigates the medicinal potential of black rice seed powder. Accordingly, the proximate composition, nutritional properties, and preliminary phytochemical profile of the aqueous seed extract of black rice were analyzed to identify the types and diversity of phytochemicals present. Using water as the extraction solvent, the analysis revealed the presence of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins.