Revealing the biochemical profile and antioxidant activity of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a traditional millet crop extensively cultivated in Asia, particularly India and Africa. The crop is grown in adverse environmental conditions and resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the grains are prized for their higher nutritional value than major cereals. In the present study, biochemical components and antioxidant activity were examined in grains of four kodo millet cultivars and compared with rice. Results showed that four kodo millet cultivars had higher amylose content (14.8-29.66%), protein (7.1-9.7%), polyphenol (446.29-553.07 mg GAE/100 g), and elevated antioxidant activity (44.29-87.5 inhibition %) than rice cultivars. Also, we obtained a strong positive correlation between starch, amylose, protein content, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). Notably, among the kodo millet cultivars, ATL 1 and CO 3 exhibited high amylose, protein, antioxidants, and phenolic content levels. Collectively, the information obtained in our study provides useful information to improve the targeted traits in kodo millet breeding programs.