Antioxidant abilities of cultivated and wild species of garlic

Abstract

The antioxidant abilities of cultivated and wild species of garlic were investigated. Huge quantities of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide (O 2.- ) and hydroxyl (OH . ) radicals were observed in the above-ground parts of plants examined. The highest quantities of O 2.- and OH . were observed in the above-ground parts of wild Allium vienale L. where lipid peroxidation was also the highest. Carotenoid and vitamin C contents were the highest in leaves of cultivated Allium vienale L. where quantities of MDA, O 2.- and OH . were small indicating its high antioxidant ability.