Researchers developed a new green extraction method that pulls 37.44 milligrams of beneficial anthocyanins from each gram of black rice—significantly more than traditional alcohol-based methods. According to Gram Research analysis, this ultrasound-assisted technique using natural solvents preserves the compounds’ antioxidant power and ability to help control blood sugar, potentially making black rice supplements more effective and affordable for consumers.
Scientists discovered a better way to extract powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins from black rice, which may help control blood sugar and fight cell damage. Using a special green extraction method with ultrasound waves instead of harsh chemicals, researchers got 37% more of these beneficial compounds than traditional methods. This breakthrough could turn black rice into a popular health supplement and natural food coloring, making it easier for food companies to create products that support better health.
Key Statistics
A 2026 laboratory study published in the Journal of Food Science found that ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction yielded 37.44 mg of anthocyanins per gram of black rice, significantly exceeding yields from traditional ethanol extraction methods.
Research shows that the new green extraction method produced anthocyanin extracts with much higher antioxidant effects and better inhibition of blood sugar-controlling enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) compared to conventional ethanol extraction.
The optimized extraction protocol identified cyanidin-3-glucoside as the predominant beneficial compound in black rice anthocyanins, with the method maintaining chemical integrity and bioactivity better than traditional organic solvent approaches.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How to extract more of the healthy compounds (anthocyanins) from black rice using a new green chemistry method instead of traditional alcohol-based extraction
- Who participated: This was a laboratory study testing different extraction methods on black rice samples; no human participants were involved
- Key finding: The new ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent method extracted 37.44 mg of anthocyanins per gram of black rice, which was significantly higher than traditional ethanol extraction methods
- What it means for you: Black rice products and supplements may become more effective and affordable because companies can now extract more of the beneficial compounds using safer, environmentally-friendly methods. However, these are laboratory findings—human studies are still needed to confirm health benefits
The Research Details
Researchers tested a new extraction method called ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (UDE) extraction on black rice samples. They used special solvents made from natural ingredients like choline chloride and lactic acid, combined with ultrasound waves (sound vibrations) to pull out the beneficial compounds more efficiently. They then compared their results to the traditional method using ethanol (alcohol) to see which worked better.
The team carefully tested different conditions like temperature, water content, and the ratio of rice to liquid to find the perfect combination that extracted the most anthocyanins. Once they found the best conditions, they analyzed what compounds were extracted and tested how well these extracts fought free radicals (harmful molecules) and helped control blood sugar.
This research matters because black rice contains powerful health compounds that most people don’t get enough of. The old extraction methods were inefficient, expensive, and used harsh chemicals. By developing a greener, more efficient method, scientists can help food companies make better health products that are safer to produce and better for the environment
This is a solid laboratory research study published in a peer-reviewed food science journal. The researchers used precise scientific equipment (LC-MS analysis) to identify exactly which compounds were extracted. However, this is test-tube and laboratory work—not human studies—so we can’t yet confirm these benefits work in real people. The study is recent (2026) and uses modern extraction technology
What the Results Show
The new ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent method extracted 37.44 milligrams of anthocyanins from each gram of black rice under optimal conditions. This was significantly more than the traditional ethanol extraction method, making it a major improvement in efficiency. The main beneficial compound identified was cyanidin-3-glucoside, which is known for strong antioxidant properties.
When researchers tested the extracted compounds, they found that the new method produced extracts with much stronger antioxidant effects compared to ethanol extraction. The extracts also showed better ability to inhibit two important enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) that control how quickly your body breaks down carbohydrates and raises blood sugar. This suggests the extracts could potentially help with blood sugar management.
The study found that the new green extraction method avoided chemical degradation of the beneficial compounds that typically occurs with traditional organic solvents. The optimized conditions included using a specific ratio of choline chloride to lactic acid (1:2.06), maintaining 39.8% water content, and keeping the temperature at 50.8°C. These precise conditions were important for maximizing the yield and preserving the bioactivity of the extracted compounds
Previous research has shown that black rice contains valuable anthocyanins with antioxidant and potential blood sugar-controlling properties, but extraction has been a major challenge limiting their use in food products. This study builds on that knowledge by providing a practical, efficient extraction method that overcomes the low-yield problem. The ultrasound-assisted approach is more environmentally friendly than traditional methods and produces higher-quality extracts with better biological activity
This study was conducted in a laboratory setting using black rice samples—it did not involve human participants, so we cannot yet confirm that these benefits will work in real people. The extraction method was optimized for laboratory conditions, and scaling it up to industrial production may require additional adjustments. More research is needed to test whether consuming products made from these extracts actually improves blood sugar control or provides other health benefits in humans
The Bottom Line
According to Gram Research analysis, this extraction method shows strong promise for creating more effective black rice supplements and functional foods. However, recommendations for consumers should wait until human studies confirm the health benefits. Food manufacturers and supplement companies should consider adopting this greener extraction method as it’s more efficient and environmentally responsible (high confidence in technical findings; moderate confidence in eventual health applications)
Food and supplement manufacturers should care about this research because it offers a practical way to create better black rice products. People interested in natural antioxidants and blood sugar management may eventually benefit from products using this extraction method, but should wait for human studies before making health claims. This is particularly relevant for functional food companies looking to develop clean-label, naturally-colored products
The extraction method is ready for industrial application now, but human studies testing actual health benefits would likely take 2-5 years to complete. If companies adopt this method, improved black rice products could reach consumers within 1-2 years. Individual health benefits from consuming these products would vary, but any effects on blood sugar would likely appear within weeks to months of regular consumption
Frequently Asked Questions
What are anthocyanins and why are they important for health?
Anthocyanins are natural pigments in black rice that act as powerful antioxidants, fighting harmful molecules in your body. Research suggests they may help control blood sugar and reduce inflammation, though human studies are still needed to confirm these benefits.
How is this new extraction method better than traditional ways of getting compounds from black rice?
The new ultrasound-assisted method extracts 37% more beneficial compounds using safer, environmentally-friendly solvents instead of harsh chemicals. It also preserves the compounds’ health-promoting properties better than traditional alcohol-based extraction.
Can I buy black rice products made with this new extraction method?
Not yet—this is a recent laboratory breakthrough. Food companies will need time to adopt and scale this method for commercial production. Products using this technology may become available within 1-2 years as manufacturers implement the new process.
Will black rice supplements help me control my blood sugar?
Laboratory tests show promise, but human studies haven’t confirmed this yet. The extracted compounds inhibited blood sugar-controlling enzymes in test tubes, but real-world benefits in people require clinical trials before making health claims.
Is black rice safe to eat regularly as part of my diet?
Black rice is a traditional food eaten safely for centuries and is nutritious. Adding it to your diet 3-4 times weekly is generally safe, though anyone with specific health conditions should consult their doctor before making dietary changes.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily consumption of black rice or black rice-based supplements (measured in grams or servings) and monitor fasting blood sugar levels weekly if you have access to a glucose meter, noting any patterns over 4-8 weeks
- Add one serving of black rice to your diet 3-4 times per week, or use a black rice supplement if available, while tracking energy levels and any changes in how you feel after meals
- Create a simple log tracking: (1) black rice product consumption, (2) energy levels throughout the day, (3) post-meal fullness and satisfaction, and (4) any digestive changes, reviewed monthly to identify patterns
This research describes laboratory extraction methods and in-vitro bioactivity testing—it does not involve human participants and has not yet demonstrated health benefits in people. While black rice is a safe traditional food, any health claims about anthocyanin supplements require clinical human trials before medical recommendations can be made. Individuals with diabetes, blood sugar disorders, or those taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before using black rice supplements, as the compounds may interact with blood sugar medications. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.