Exogenous alpha lipoic acid can stimulate photosystem II activity and the gene expressions of carbon fixation and chlorophyll metabolism enzymes in maize seedlings under drought.

Protective compounds such as non-enzymatic antioxidants, osmolytes and signal molecules have been applied to plants exposed to various environmental stresses to increase their stress tolerance. However, there are not enough records about the response of plants to alpha lipoic acid (ALA) application with antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the function of exogenous ALA on the photosynthetic performance of maize seedlings grown in hydroponic conditions under drought stress.