Phytochemicals are plant-based bioactive compounds produced by plants for their protection. In Allium species, the principal bioactive phytochemicals include organosulfur compounds, polyphenols, and saponins. Most of them have also displayed antioxidant activities aside from other biological properties. Selection for productivity, disease resistance, and long shelf life has brought the biologically active substances out of control of selection. However, at the same time, enhancement of their contents could result from hybridization with some wild species of Allium.
Allium L., calorie content, biochemical composition, nutritional values, onions, chives, garlic, leeks
Genus Allium L. species is a valuable source of biologically active compounds, such as vitamins, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and cholesterol-lowering compounds.