The genus Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae) and its biological activity
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Abstract
This article evaluates the diverse biological activities of plant species belonging to the genus Allium spp. through the analysis of 80 research studies related to this topic. Species of this genus contain a variety of secondary metabolites which, although generally present in relatively low concentrations, exhibit high biological potency. Among the most representative compounds are sulfur-containing metabolites, such as allicin, and the flavonoid quercetin, which are mainly identified in aqueous and alcoholic extracts.The bibliographic analysis showed that the genus Allium spp. possesses antioxidant capacity as well as multiple pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, antiviral, and weight-management effects. Most of the active metabolites responsible for these biological activities correspond to organosulfur compounds, while the anticancer effects and those associated with obesity control are mainly related to the biological activity of the flavonoid quercetin. Furthermore, it was observed that the species most frequently studied for biological activity correspond to A. sativum and A. cepa. In contrast, A. fistulosum and A. ursinum have been evaluated to a lesser extent, with studies mainly reporting antibacterial and antiparasitic activities, respectively. Although monographs are available for some species of Allium spp., in which therapeutic dosages are suggested for certain pathologies, further research is required to establish specific and well-supported recommendations for each of these species.
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