Comparative Phytochemical Analysis and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Different Extracts of Allium ascalonicum (Shallots)

Allium ascalonicum belongs to family Alliaceae, is an annual plant spread throughout India. It is commonly known as shallots in India. The screening of various phytochemicals present in the methanol, ethanol, chloroform and water extracts of Allium ascalonicum was performed using a standard procedure. The different extracts were measured for the radical scavenging activities in vitro against a battery of radicals namely DPPH, FRAP and H₂O₂ and also the reducing power potential. The phytochemical analysis led to the detection of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, amino acids, glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids and carbohydrates. Of all the extracts, maximum intensity was revealed in the methanol extract. Similarly, the methanol extract exhibited a stupendous radical scavenging effect with respect to all the radicals in a dosage dependent manner where the scavenging capacity increased with increase in concentration. The DPPH, FRAP and H₂O₂ showed a maximum inhibition, 80.67, 77.12 and 80.88 % respectively at 40 μg/mlas compared to the standard, 87.38%. Likewise, the reducing power ability was shown in the dose dependent manner. This study provides evidence for the presence of one or more soluble constituents in the plants used, that probably interferes with radical scavenging effect and further could be opted for other therapeutic activities.