PJB-2017-566
Ethno medicinal and phytochemical properties of genus Allium: a review of recent advances
Syed Najeebullah, Zabta Khan Shinwari, Sohail Ahmad Jan, Ibrahim Khan and Muhammad Ali
Abstract
Allium is one of the largest genera of monocotyledons with 900 species distributed all over the world. It is also one of the most important genera containing several medicinal and edible plants. Various species of Allium are known since ancient times and are used as spices, vegetables and, as medical plants. Allium cepa (common onion) and Allium sativum (common garlic) are the two main species that have widely been used for therapeutic properties. Studies have revealed many members of the genus Allium as rich source of secondary metabolites which contributes to its biological activities. A wide variety of phytochemicals including the flavonoids, alkaloids, sulfides, saponins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and several compounds of the sulfur containing amino acids cysteine have been identified as main constituents of these plants. The antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of many Allium species have been authenticated worldwide. The antifungal and antimicrobial activities of bulbs and aerial parts of species have been reported. In addition, species from this genus have a wide array of biological activities like antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-diabetic potentials as well as beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. The present article reviews recent advances in ethno-medicinal uses and active phytochemicals found in the various species of the genus Allium.
To Cite this article:
Najeebullah, S., Z.K. Shinwari, S.A. Jan, I. Khan and M. Ali. 2021. Ethno medicinal and phytochemical properties of genus Allium: a review of recent advances. Pak. J. Bot., 53(1): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2021-1(34)
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