engleski

Biochemical diversity of bear’s garlic (Allium ursinum L.) populations in Croatia

Allium ursinum L. is a perennial plant from the Allium genus of the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to the European and Asian forests. Organosulfur compounds and polyphenols contribute to overall health-promoting action, which makes A. ursinum a great medicinal plant, equally or even more valuable as its domestic relative garlic (Allium sativum L.). All parts of the plant are edible, although leaves and bulbs are the one mostly used. Used in traditional medicine throughout Europe, A. ursinum has been generally recommended as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent and strong antioxidant. To investigate the biochemical diversity of A. ursinum plant populations across Croatia eight locations were selected and the plants were sampled in the 2021 season. The plants were investigated for their total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity (measured by FRAP, DPPH and ORAC), volatile organosulfur compounds and free amino acid content. In all investigated locations the A. ursinum plants exhibited excellent bioactive properties. Although the plants were similar across Croatia several locations were found to be distinctive based on specifi c bioactive properties. The highest antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP method was found in plants at the Velanov Brijeg location, the most abundant plants in organosulfur compounds were found at the location of Brana Gornja while plants most abundant in free amino acid content were found at the Prodin Dol location.

bear’s garlic, Allium ursinum L., organosulfur compounds, antioxidant capacity, amino acids

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