Antioxidant Activity, Quality Parameters and Grain Characteristics of Rice Varieties of Afghanistan

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity, grain traits and quality contents in Afghanistan’s selected rice varieties. The antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and Reducing Power methods. Grain length, grain width and grain thickness were in the range of 5.4-7.6, 1.7-3.2, and 1.5-2.2 mm respectively. Selah Zoodras, Taram Irani and Attai-1 had the longest grain length whereas Luke was associated with high width and thickness among the varieties. Protein, amylose and lipid content varied from 6.5-9.9, 20.3-23.5, and 10-18% respectively. Barah Kunduz showed the highest protein and lipid content while Selah zoodras was associated highest amylose content. The selected rice varieties possessed moderate antioxidant activity and their physiochemical properties were not correlated with antioxidant capacity. Results of this study provided useful information on the selection and production of rice varieties with high nutritional and pharmaceutical values in Afghanistan.