Phytochemical Properties and Bioactivity of Allium Species
Summary
The Allium genus encompasses more than 300 species, including garlic, onion and leek, which are rich sources of diverse phytochemicals such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, phenolics and steroidal saponins. These metabolites underpin a range of biological activities, notably antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial efficacy, anti-inflammatory properties and cardioprotective effects. Variations in compound profiles arise from species, cultivar, geographical origin and plant part, influencing functional potential for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and dietary applications. Advances in analytical techniques have enabled comprehensive profiling and spatial mapping of primary and secondary metabolites, while mechanistic studies have elucidated pathways such as enzyme inhibition and apoptotic regulation. This growing body of work supports the global significance of Allium species as functional foods and natural therapeutics.
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Phytochemical Properties and Bioactivity of Allium Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and bioactivity of allium species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical: A bioactive compound synthesised by plants, including phenolics, flavonoids and saponins.
Organosulfur compound: A molecule containing carbon–sulfur bonds, characteristic of Allium-derived compounds such as allicin.
Thiosulfinate and Polysulfide: Reactive sulfur species formed from cysteine sulfoxides, with notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Steroidal saponin: A glycosylated steroidal metabolite exhibiting enzyme inhibition, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities.
MALDI-TOF MSI: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging, a technique for mapping metabolite distribution in tissues.
BCL-2/BAX pathway: A regulatory network of proteins controlling cell apoptosis, relevant to cardioprotective mechanisms.
α-Glucosidase inhibition: The suppression of the enzyme responsible for carbohydrate breakdown, moderating postprandial glucose levels.
References
- Untargeted phytochemical profiling and biological activity of small yellow onion (Allium flavum L.) from different regions of Romania. Food Chemistry (2023).
- Deciphering the benefits and intensity levels of primary metabolites from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don. Chinese Medicine (2024).
- Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Proposed Biosynthetic Pathways of Steroidal Saponins from Healthy Nutritious Vegetable—Allium. Nutrients (2023).
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