Kumar, M S SujithDahuja, AnilRai, R DWalia, SureshTyagi, Aruna2014-12-262014-12-262014-02Kumar M S Sujith, Dahuja Anil, Rai R D, Walia Suresh, Tyagi Aruna. Role of γ-oryzanol in drought-tolerant and susceptible cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. 2014 Feb; 51(1): 75-80.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/154239Drought-tolerant cultivars and their phytochemical composition, which has a role in providing drought tolerance are gaining importance. In this study, rice bran oil and semi-purified oryzanol (SPO) obtained from five rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, namely P1401 and PB1 (drought-susceptible) and N22, PNR381 and APO (drought-tolerant) were analyzed for the γ-oryzanol content, an antioxidant present in considerable amount in the rice bran. The higher level of γ-oryzanol and its antioxidant activity was observed in drought-tolerant cultivars (N22, PNR381 and APO) as compared to drought-susceptible (PB1 and P1401), suggesting the role of γ-oryzanol in drought tolerance, as antioxidants are known to play an important role by scavenging free radicals. The total antioxidant activity of γ-oryzanol might be attributed to 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, a major component of γ-oryzanol. By enhancing the level of active oryzanol components identified in this study by genetic and molecular means could impart increased drought tolerance.enOryza sativaγ-OryzanolRP-HPLCDrought toleranceRice bran oilAntioxidants --metabolismDroughtsOryza sativa --cytologyOryza sativa --metabolismOryza sativa --physiologyPhenylpropionates --isolation & purificationPhenylpropionates --metabolismPlant Oils --metabolismArticle