Determination of Antioxidant Activity of some Varieties of Onion (Allium cepa L.) grown in Sudan

Background: Medicinal plants contain physiologically active ingredients that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments.  Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant activity of seven varieties of onion (Allium cepa) grown in Sudan.  Methods: The antioxidant capacity was conducted based on the ability of the plant extracts to scavenge DPPH radical. Results: The extracts exhibited a notable dose dependent inhibition of DPPH radical. Shendi (Red onion local strain) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with EC50 25.25 µg/ml followed by Kassala (Red onion local strain) and white onion with less scavenging activity was produced by Green onion. Conclusion:  It can be concluded that Allium cepa could be a potential source of antioxidant principles