Molecular studies of njavara rice by the scientists at Kerala
Agricultural University indicated the presence of Bowman-Brik Trypsin
Inhibitor protein in it.
This protein has not yet been identified in other rice varieties
cultivated in the country, said KAU Vice-Chancellor K R Vishwambharan.

Talking to reporters here on Saturday, he said that this protein,
which was earlier isolated from a few other crops like soyabean, barley and
sunflower, was reported to have anti-carcinogenic (chemo preventive)
property, especially against breast cancer.

It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties in
animals and imparts resistance to fungal pathogens and insect pests in crop
plants.

The Vice-Chancellor said that the sequenced part of the gene includes
762 bp and it shows 94 percent identity with Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor
protein in japonica rice in China. This is the first report of the gene in
indica rice (common rice varieties of our country).

The study was undertaken at the department of plant breeding and
genetics and centre for plant biotechnology and molecular biology in the
College of Horticulture as part of the post- graduate research programme of
Shareesh Nalpadi under the guidance of C R Elsy and D Girija.

The vice-chancellor said that the KAU is making all efforts to patent
this innovative finding about the unique rice variety of Kerala.

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