QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BIOACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICALS IN GOBINDOBHOG AND BLACK RICE, CULTIVATED IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced by plant through primary and secondary metabolism. Phytochemicals are found to be more effective than conventional synthetic chemicals. Rice is considered as the staple food for most of the people residing in this part of world, i.e., the eastern part of India. There are many varieties of rice cultivated in West Bengal, India and among which Gobindobhog and black rice are common. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, thiamine, etc. of Gobindobhog and black rice were performed. All the methods followed are standard biochemical and spectrophotometric procedures for detection and quantification of phytochemicals. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals indicated the presence of glycoside, steroid, phenol, protein and carbohydrate in both of the rice varieties, whereas tannin, phlobatannin, terpenoid, alkaloid and flavonoid were identified only in black rice. Quantitative analysis indicated the presence of ascorbic acid, riboflavin and lipid in significant amount in both of these rice varieties. Therefore, it can be concluded that both Gobindobhog and black rice possess medicinal properties apart from their food value. Therefore, isolation and identification of active principles from these rice varieties should be prioritized and it will advance the existing knowledge in relation to human health.