The ABTS$þ radical cation decolorization assay was carried out according to the modified method (Chun et al., 2005).The appropriately-diluted sample (0.4 mL) was added to 4 mL ABTS$þ solution, the mixture was shaken vigorously, and then incubated at 25 C for 30 min before reading the absorbance at 734 nm. The results were expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity
(mmol TEAC/g oat DW), derived from a Trolox (0e500 mM) standard curve. Tests were carried out in triplicate.