After germination, it was shown that for all rice
varieties, germination had more effect on dehulled
rice (soaking time 6 hrs) compared to rough rice
(soaking time 12 hrs) It can be been seen that
germinated rice prepared from rough rice retained
higher levels of anthocyanin content, which was
not significantly different compared to those of
control. This was due to protection of anthocyanin
loss by the husk during soaking stage. The husk
plays important role in inhibiting exposure of rice
kernels to air and light, which causes oxidation to
take place. Taylor and Briggs (1990) reported that
accumulation of anthocyanin in plant is controlled
by multiple regulatory genes and induced by various
factors such as light. Pasko et al. (2009), who studied
anthocyanin content in amaranth and quinoa seeds
and sprouts during their growth, reported that dark
grown plant generally accumulates fewer anthocyanin
as compared to light grown plant. In this study, rice
grains were kept in dark during germination, which
could partially explain that TAC in rice grains did
not increase as germination time increased. Results
of the study conducted by Moongngarm and Saetung
(2010) revealed that germinated rough rice contained
significantly higher amount of bioactive compounds
and other nutrients such as α-tocopherol, γ- oryzanol,
thiamine, niacin, and pyridoxine compared to those
of germinated brown rice and ungerminated rice.
Preparation of germinated rice using rough rice
as raw material was also advantageous in terms of
economy and germination operation as reported by
Moongngarm and Saetung (2010). Hence, in order to
maintain bioactive compounds such as anthocyanin in
finished product, rough rice would be a more suitable
form for production of germinated –colored rice.