Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of Allium cepa L springs with a focus on its biological activity: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: A preliminary work was carried out on phytochemical analysis and biological importance of Allium cepa springs. Materials and Methods: Three different extractions were made from Allium cepa springs using hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, antibacterial and sun protection factor properties were performed and compared among the three extracts. Results: The extracts contained alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins and glycosides, based on phytochemical screening. Among the three solvents used, and from all the tests, the highest biological activity was observed in ethyl acetate extract for antioxidant (1.2mM), sun protection factor (14.1) and anti-hemolytic (95%). Likewise, for antibac-terial assay, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was selected and among the three prepared extracts tested, ethyl acetate extract exhib-ited the maximum zone of inhibition of 22 mm than the other two extracts. The extracts also have RBC protective activity when given as antileukemic to the patients and can be mixed with other formulations in preparing herbal sun protection lo-tions or creams. In vivo studies by using ethyl acetate A. cepa spring‘s extract will guide to develop new drug for the studied parameters. Further research is encouraged on the pharmacokinetics of the active components of ethyl acetate extract that contribute potential biological activity. Conclusion: The quantitative determination of A. cepa springs has revealed abundance of flavonoids among all the other phytochemicals. The ethyl acetate extracts of A. cepa springs possessed potential antioxidant, SPF, anti-hemolytic and anti-bacterial activities and proved to have good pharmacological properties. Key words: Allium cepa, antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, antibacterial, Sun Protection Factor