Authors :
Sameeksha S.; Sreesupraja K. P.; Subasri S.; Ajitha A.; Santhanalakshmi V.; Dr. D. P. Sivasakti Balan; R. J. Thayumanaswamy
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/s4u3647w
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5s89m8sc
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec922
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
Phytochemicals are biologically active, non-nutritive compounds produced by plants that contribute to their
defense mechanisms, coloration, and overall survival, while also providing important health benefits to humans. These
secondary metabolites—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds—are widely
known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a
commonly consumed vegetable valued for both its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, its leaves are frequently
discarded as agricultural waste, despite their potential richness in bioactive constituents. This study seeks to analyze the
phytochemical profile, determine the levels of major phytochemical compounds, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of
Allium cepa leaves. Quantitative assessment of phytochemicals is crucial for understanding their concentrations, therapeutic
relevance, and biological roles, as well as for ensuring quality control and standardization in plant-based products. The
results emphasize the significance of onion leaves as an underutilized yet valuable resource with promising applications in
functional foods, nutraceuticals, and health-related formulations.
Keywords :
Phytochemicals, Quantitative Analysis, Allium Cepa, Hydroponics.
References :
- Crozier, A., Clifford, M. N., & Ashihara, H. (2006). Plant Secondary Metabolites: Occurrence, Structure, and Role in the Human Diet. Blackwell Publishing.
- Liu, R. H. (2004). “Potential synergy of phytochemicals in cancer prevention: mechanism of action.” Journal of Nutrition, 134(12), 3479S–3485S.
– Explains antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals.
- Middleton, E., Kandaswami, C., & Theoharides, T. C. (2000). “The effects of plant flavonoids on mammalian cells: implications for inflammation, heart disease, and cancer.” Pharmacological Reviews, 52(4), 673–751.
- Mukherjee, P. K. (2019). Quality Control and Evaluation of Herbal Drugs. Elsevier.
– Describes quantitative analysis as essential for standardization and quality assurance of herbal medicines.
- El-Saied, M. A., El-Saadany, S. S., Hefnawy, H. T., & El-Sayed, A. I. (2021). Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) extracts. Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research. Link
- Sen, S., Chakraborty, R., & Chatterjee, A. (2012). Phytochemical screening of Allium species. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(24), 4177–4181.
- Harborne, J. B. (1998). Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis. Chapman & Hall.
- Evans, W. C. (2009). Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy (16th ed.). Saunders/Elsevier.
- Mukherjee, P. K. (2019). Quality Control and Evaluation of Herbal Drugs. Elsevier.
- Valdez, F., Prohens, J., & Nuez, F. (2015). Onion and other Allium crops: nutritional and health-promoting aspects. Horticultural Reviews, 42, 1–47.
- Resh, H. M. (2013). Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower (7th ed.). CRC Press.
- Singh, S., Kumar, S., & Singh, M. (2016). Comparative growth performance of onion (Allium cepa L.) in soil and hydroponic systems. Journal of Horticultural Science, 11(2), 45–52.
- Resh, H. M. (2013). Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower (7th ed.). CRC Press.
- Jones, J. B. (2016). Hydroponics: A Practical Guide for the Soilless Grower (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
- Prohens, J., Plazas, M., & Herraiz, F. J. (2019). Vegetable biodiversity for sustainable diets. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 38(2), 101–125.
- Valdez, F., Prohens, J., & Nuez, F. (2015). Onion and other Allium crops: nutritional and health-promoting aspects. Horticultural Reviews, 42, 1–47.
- Scalbert, A., Manach, C., Morand, C., Rémésy, C., & Jiménez, L. (2005). Dietary polyphenols and the prevention of diseases. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 45(4), 287–306.
- Manach, C., Scalbert, A., Morand, C., Rémésy, C., & Jiménez, L. (2004). Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79(5), 727–747.
Phytochemicals are biologically active, non-nutritive compounds produced by plants that contribute to their
defense mechanisms, coloration, and overall survival, while also providing important health benefits to humans. These
secondary metabolites—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds—are widely
known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a
commonly consumed vegetable valued for both its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, its leaves are frequently
discarded as agricultural waste, despite their potential richness in bioactive constituents. This study seeks to analyze the
phytochemical profile, determine the levels of major phytochemical compounds, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of
Allium cepa leaves. Quantitative assessment of phytochemicals is crucial for understanding their concentrations, therapeutic
relevance, and biological roles, as well as for ensuring quality control and standardization in plant-based products. The
results emphasize the significance of onion leaves as an underutilized yet valuable resource with promising applications in
functional foods, nutraceuticals, and health-related formulations.
Keywords :
Phytochemicals, Quantitative Analysis, Allium Cepa, Hydroponics.