Phytochemical and bioactivity diversity in the extracts from bulbs and leaves of different populations of Allium jesdianum, a valuable underutilized vegetable

Allium jesdianum Boiss. & Buhse (Yazdi onion) belonging the family Alliaceae, is an endemic species of Iran that grows wild in the Zagros Mountains range, southwestern Iran. The indigenous people of Iran use the leaves and bulbs of A. jesdianum for the treatment of colds and kidney problems. The bulbs and leaves of various populations of the plant were collected from the alpine regions in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, southwestern Iran. The total phenolic content of ethanol extract was determined by FolinCiocalteu method, the antioxidant activity was evaluated measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the antibacterial activity of the extracts against four bacteria was determined by serial dilution assay. Results indicated that the total phenolic content in ethanol extracts from leaves and bulbs of A. jesdianum ranged between 27.83 to 98.23 mg GAE/g extract. A comparison of all plant extracts in the DPPH assay indicated that ethanol extracts from the populations of A. jesdianum leaves were the most effective free radical scavenging agents. The extracts indicated moderate-to-good inhibitory activities against four bacteria, especially against B. cereus. This finding suggests that the bulbs and leaves of A. jesdianum may be considered a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents