Profiling of organosulphur compounds using HPLC-PDA and GC/MS system and antioxidant activities in hooker chive (Allium hookeri)

This study investigates the comprehensive organosulphur compounds and evaluation of antioxidant activities in Allium hookeri, called hooker chive. The non-volatile and volatile organosulphur compounds were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Among 11 non-volatileorganosulphur compounds, methiin and cycloalliin were major compounds. A total of 42 volatile compounds were identified and allyl methyl sulphides and dimethyl sulphides were primarily volatiles. The total phenols ranged from 19.32 to 71.19 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. The antioxidant capacities expressed IC₅₀ values ranged from 9.59 to 38.54 mg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging activity and from 0.39 to 2.36 for ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The results were proposed as useful tools for evaluating the nutraceutical of hooker chive.     

HPLC Fingerprint Characteristics of Active Materials of Garlic and Other Allium Species

The bioactive molecules of garlic are classified according to their enzymatic activities as either alliinase activators or alliinase inactivators. The alliinase activation reaction system is mainly composed of sulfur-containing compounds, whereas the alliinase inactivation system is mainly composed of amino acid-based materials. The purpose of this study was to develop an effective way to digitally express features of complex active compounds of garlic as a basis for quality control. HPLC was used to develop the fingerprints of plants from different Allium species and different geographical regions according to whether the compounds were sulfur containing or based on amino acids. Using the Shannon equation, I values of sulfur-containing compounds from garlic ranged from 3.55 to 3.94, whereas I values of sulfur-containing compounds from other Allium plants, onions, leek, and Welsh onion, ranged from 3.38 to 3.53. The I values of amino acid-based compounds from garlic ranged from 3.67 to 3.91, whereas I values of these compounds from other Allium plants ranged from 3.88 to 3.99. This method effectively distinguished garlic from different species of Allium plants. This method also provided a way to digitally monitor the presence of complex active compounds of garlic and may allow evaluation of quality. This method may also provide a theoretical basis for quality control of bioactive compounds from other medicinal plants.     

The Organosulfur Chemistry of the Genus Allium – Implications for the Organic Chemistry of Sulfur

A Cook's tour is presented of the organosulfur chemistry of the genus Allium, as represented, inter alia, by garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.). We report on the biosynthesis of the S-alk(en)yl-L -cysteine S-oxides (aroma and flavor precursors) in intact plants and on how upon cutting or crushing the plants these precursors are cleaved by allinase enzymes, giving sulfenic acids—highly reactive organosulfur intermediates. In garlic, 2-propenesulfenic acid gives allicin, a thiosulfinate with antibiotic properties, while in onion 1-propenesulfenic acid rearranges to the sulfine (Z)-propanethial S-oxide, the lachrymatory factor (LF) of onion. Highlights of onion chemistry include the assignment of stereochemistry to the LF and determination of the mechanism of its dimerization; the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of thiosulfinates which most closely duplicate the taste and aroma of the freshly cut bulb, and additional unusual compounds such as zwiebelanes (dithiabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes), a bis-sulfine (a 1,4-butanedithial S,S′-dioxide), antithrombotic and antiasthmatic cepaenes (α-sulfinyl disulfides), and vic-disulfoxides. Especially noteworthy in the chemistry of garlic are the discovery of ajoene, a potent antithrombotic agent from garlic, and the elucidation of the unique sequence of reactions that occur when diallyl disulfide, which is present in steam-distilled garlic oil, is heated. Reaction mechanisms under discussion include [3, 3]- and [2, 3]-sigma-tropic rearrangements involving sulfur (e.g. sulfoxide-accelerated thio- and dithio-Claisen rearrangements) and cycloadditions involving thiocarbonyl systems. In view of the culinary importance of alliaceous plants as well as the unique history of their use in folk medicine, this survey concludes with a discussion of the physiological activity of the components of these plants: cancer prevention, antimicrobial activity, insect and animal attractive/repulsive activity, olfactory–gustatory–lachrymatory properties, effect on lipid metabolism, platelet aggregation inhibitory activity and properties associated with ajoene. And naturally, comments about onion and garlic induced bad breath and heartburn may not be overlooked.     

A new ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography method for the determination of antioxidant flavonol aglycones in six Lysimachia species

UPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of free flavonol aglycones (kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin) after acidic hydrolysis in six Lysimachia species. Quantitative analyses showed that the amounts of various flavonol aglycones were significantly different in Lysimachia vulgaris, Lysimachia nummularia, Lysimachia punctata, Lysimachia christinae, Lysimachia ciliata and Lysimachia clethroides. The L. clethroides sample was found to be the richest in kaempferol (25.77 ± 1.29 μg/mg extract) and quercetin (97.67 ± 4.61 μg/mg extract), while the L. nummularia sample contained the highest amount of myricetin (20.79 ± 1.00 μg/mg extract). The antioxidant capacity of hydrolysed extracts was evaluated using in vitro DPPH^? (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS^?+ [2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] decolourisation tests. The observed radical scavenging capacities of the extracts showed a relationship with the measured flavonol aglycone content and composition. The acidic treatment resulted in an increased free radical scavenging activity compared to the untreated methanol extract.     

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae)

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant activities of the methanol extract, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis were evaluated. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The dichloromethane fraction exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power and total antioxidant activities. Two pure compounds which were identified by FTIR, H-and 2D NMR and Mass spectroscopy as 9-octadecenoic acid (TOS B) and 10-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (TOS C) and four oily isolates, TOS A, TOS D, TOS E and TOS F were obtained from the dichloromethane fraction. TOS E had the highest DPPH radical scavening activity comparable to that of ascorbic acid. GC-MS analysis revealed the major compounds in TOS E as 4-(2,2-Dimethyl-6-methylene cyclohexylidene)-2-butanol; 3-(3-hydroxybutyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid disooctyl ester. Thus, the seed of T. occidentalis can be consumed for its antioxidant property.     

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling in Genetic Resources of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Collected from Different Geographical Regions

Garlic (Allium sativum) is the second most important Allium crop that has been used as a vegetable and condiment from ancient times due to its characteristic flavor and taste. Although garlic is a sterile plant that reproduces vegetatively through cloves, garlic shows high biodiversity, as well as phenotypic plasticity and environmental adaptation capacity. To determine the possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon and to provide new genetic materials for the development of a novel garlic cultivar with useful agronomic traits, the metabolic profiles in the leaf tissue of 30 garlic accessions collected from different geographical regions, with a special focus on the Asian region, were investigated using LC/MS. In addition, the total saponin and fructan contents in the roots and cloves of the investigated garlic accessions were also evaluated. Total saponin and fructan contents did not separate the garlic accessions based on their geographical origin, implying that saponin and fructan contents were clone-specific and agroclimatic changes have affected the quantitative and qualitative levels of saponins in garlic over a long history of cultivation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram clustering of the LC/MS-based metabolite profiling showed two major clusters. Specifically, many Japanese and Central Asia accessions were grouped in cluster I and showed high accumulations of flavonol glucosides, alliin, and methiin. On the other hand, garlic accessions grouped in cluster II exhibited a high accumulation of anthocyanin glucosides and amino acids. Although most of the accessions were not separated based on country of origin, the Central Asia accessions were clustered in one group, implying that these accessions exhibited distinct metabolic profiles. The present study provides useful information that can be used for germplasm selection and the development of new garlic varieties with beneficial biotic and abiotic stress-adaptive traits.     

Solvent Mixture Optimization in the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities from Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Garlic is a health promoter that has important bioactive compounds. The bioactive extraction is an important step in the analysis of constituents present in plant preparations. The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction with the best proportion of solvents to obtain total phenolic compounds (TPC) and thiosulfinates (TS) from dried garlic powder, and evaluate the antioxidant activities of the optimized extracts. A statistical mixture simplex axial design was used to evaluate the effect of solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone), as well as mixtures of these solvents, after two ultrasound extraction cycles of 15 min. Results showed that solvent mixtures with a high portion of water and pure water were efficient for TPC and TS recovery through this extraction procedure. According to the regression model computed, the most significant solvent mixtures to obtain high TPC and TS recovery from dried garlic powder are, respectively, the binary mixture with 75% water and 25% acetone and pure water. These optimized extracts presented oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Pure water was better for total antioxidant capacity, and the binary mixture of water–acetone (75:25) was better for DPPH scavenging activity. These optimized extracts can be used for industrial and research applications.     

A Study on the In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) Fruit Extracts

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity of water and ethanol extracts of juniper (Juniperus communis L., Family Cupressaceae) fruit. The antioxidant properties of both Juniper extracts were studied using different antioxidant assays, including reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. Both the water and the ethanol extracts exhibited strong total antioxidant activity. The concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 µg/mL of water and ethanol extracts of juniper fruit showed 75%, 88%, 93%, 73%, 84%, and 92% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. On the other hand, 60 µg/mL of standard antioxidant such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and α‐tocopherol exhibited 96, 96, and 61 inhibitions on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. However, both extracts of juniper had effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities at these same concentrations (20, 40, and 60 µg/mL). Those various antioxidant activities were compared to BHA, BHT, and α‐tocopherol as standard antioxidants. In addition, total phenolic compounds in both aqueous and ethanolic juniper extracts were determined as gallic acid equivalents. Accordingly, these results indicate that juniper has in vitro antioxidant properties and these may be major reasons for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation properties.     

Identification and in vitro antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds isolated from Cynoglossum cheirifolium L.

In an extensive search for bioactive compounds from plant sources, the quantitative and qualitative characterisation of the compounds present in Cynoglossum cheirifolium extracts was studied. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric techniques. In vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging profiling was determined through DPPH^? scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Our study showed that leaves produce more phenolic compounds, followed by flowering aerial part. The butanolic fraction obtained from leaves extract exhibited the highest total phenolics (78.65 ± 3.58 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (22.15 ± 4.66 mg CE/g DW). In contrast, this fraction displayed the highest DPPH^? scavenging ability with IC₅₀ values of 0.06 ± 0.003 mg/mL. The RP-HPLC-PDA analysis of phenolic compounds from leaves of C. cheirifolium lets to identify: rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid and rutin. The obtained results indicate that this plant represent a valuable source of natural antioxidants.     

Lagoecia cuminoides L., its antioxidant activity and polyphenolic constituents from Iran

Lagoecia cuminoides L. belongs to the family of Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), and known also as common wild cumin. The aerial parts of L. cuminoides were collected at the flowering stage and dried, then the methanolic extract was analyzed for polyphenol compounds identified by HPLC-DAD and antioxidant activity (DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay). It was found that the predominant phenolic constituents were chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, hesperetin and vanillin. The antioxidant activity of methanolic extract from L. cuminoides was found 1597 μg/mL in DPPH scavenging assay. There is no strict positive relationship between the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts.     

In Vitro Studies on the Relationship Between the Antioxidant Activities of Some Berry Extracts and Their Binding Properties to Serum Albumin

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to use the bioactive components from cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts as a novel source against oxidation in food supplementation. The quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll) was based on radical scavenging spectrophometric assays and mass spectrometry. The total phenolic content was the highest (P?<?0.05) in water extract of blueberries (46.6?±?4.2 mg GAE/g DW). The highest antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity were in water extracts of blueberries, showing 108.1?±?7.2 and 131.1?±?9.6 μMTE/g DW with correlation coefficients of 0.9918 and 0.9925, and by β-carotene linoleate assay at 80.1?±?6.6 % with correlation coefficient of 0.9909, respectively. The water extracts of berries exhibited high binding properties with human serum albumin in comparison with quercetin. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds from a relatively new source of gooseberries in comparison with blueberries and cranberries have the potential as food supplementation for human health. The antioxidant and binding activities of berries depend on their bioactive compounds.     

HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of phenolics and in vitro antioxidant activity of Epilobium angustifolium L.

The aerial parts of Epilobium plants are widely used as folk medicine and food around the world. The present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activities and active chemical constituents from Epilobium angustifolium L. The results revealed that the EtOAc extract, rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids (16.81 ± 0.67 g GAE/100 g extract and 4.95 ± 0.21 g QE/100 g extract, respectively), possessed significantly antioxidant activities in reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity and highly in inhibiting lipid peroxidation activity. Simultaneously, active fractions F to H from EtOAc extracts showing potent in vitro antioxidant activities also contained high content of total phenolic and flavonoid. Twenty-eight compounds were identified as phenolic compounds and flavonoids by LC-MS/MS. The results illustrate that the E. angustifolium L., which is rich in phenolics, could be used as a natural resource of antioxidant ingredient.     

Volatiles composition and antioxidant activity Inula oculus-christi L. from Serbia

Abstract

The chemical composition of the essential oil and the volatiles obtained by static headspace (HS) of Inula oculus-christi L. is presented. The GC-MS analysis of the hydrodistilled oil resulted in the identification of 90 components, representing 92.7% of the oil. The most abundant compounds were: caryophyllene oxide (9.8%), trans-longipinocarveol (9.2%), eucalyptol (7.3%) and intermedeol (6.2%). The major constituent of I. oculus-christi L. HS volatiles was eucalyptol (87.4%). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by four different methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate free radical assay (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) method, total reducing power (TRP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Total phenolic content in (TPC) examined oil was 177.95?µg GAE/mg oil. Radical scavenging potential of the oil was promising RSC-DPPH was 57.4% and RSC-ABTS was 82.7%.

     

Screening of antioxidant activity and volatile compounds composition of Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub ecotypes grown in Lithuania

Since biological activity of medicinal plants is dependent on cultivation area, climatic conditions, developmental stage, genetic modifications and other factors, it is important to study flora present in different growing sites and geographical zones. This study was focused on screening of antioxidant activity of C. angustifolium harvested in six different locations in Lithuania. The total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. A correlation between radical scavenging activity and total phenolic compounds content was observed (correlation coefficient 0.98). HPLC with online post-column DPPH radical scavenging reaction detection was used for the separation of extracts. Oenothein B, rutin and one unidentified compound were predominant. Volatile compounds were analysed using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Based on the analysis of volatiles, all samples were classified into two chemotypes: (I) with predominant α- and β-caryophyllenes and (II) with predominant anethole.     

Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) leaf extract: chemical composition,antioxidant and hypoglicaemic activities

Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) leaf extract was investigated for its chemical profile and antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. The antioxidant effects were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching, and metal chelating activity assays. The carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes inhibition assay was used to test the hypoglycaemic potential. R. chalepensis showed a high content of hesperidin and rutin with values of 591.9 and 266.7 mg/g dry extract, respectively. The extract exhibited a promising protection of lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ value of 16.9 μg/mL) and inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a concentration-dependent manner. The highest activity was found against α-amylase (IC₅₀ value of 69.0 μg/mL). The obtained results support the use of R. chalepensis leaves as healthy food ingredients.     

Antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds of five Jalopeno peppers (Capsicum annuum) cultivars

The present study was designed to evaluate the contents of different antioxidants compounds and their antioxidant activities in Jalopeno peppers (Capsicum annuum) cultivars (El Dorido, Grande, Tula, Sayula and El Rey) extracts. Free radical scavenging activity of Grande was recorded as high as 87% followed by El Dorido (83%). Results of reducing power (Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺) showed that Grande (0.85%) and El Dorido (0.81%) fruit extract absorbance value were close to synthetic antioxidant BHT (0. 97%) obtained at100 μg/mL. The results showed that total phenolic content of El Dorido and Grande were significantly higher compared to other Jalapeno pepper. Results indicated strong and positive correlation between antioxidant activity and carotenoids content (r = 0.75), vitamin C (r = 0.78) and total capsaicinoids (r = 0.84), respectively. The results of the antioxidant activity assays showed that the El Dorido and Grande had strongest antioxidant activity compared to other peppers cultivars in this study.     

New chalcanonol glycoside from the seeds of saw palmetto: antiproliferative and antioxidant effects

A new chalcanonol glycoside dimer, bis-O-[(I-4′) → (II-6′)]-α-hydroxyphloretin-2′-O-β-glucoside (1), in addition to six known compounds, namely ( ? )-epicatechin (2) and ( ? )-epiafzelechin (3), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), protocatechuic acid (5), methylgallate (6), β-sitosterol (7) and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside (8), was isolated from the seeds of saw palmetto. The structures of the isolated compounds were established from the analysis of their MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The antiproliferative activities of the isolated compounds towards PC3, the human prostate cancer cells were investigated. Amongst the isolated compounds, the new compound and the sterolic derivatives showed antiproliferative effects. Screening of the antioxidant effects of the isolated compounds by 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical assay revealed that the isolated phenolics were active free radical scavengers.     

Green synthesis and chemical characterization of copper nanoparticles using Allium saralicum leaves and assessment of their cytotoxicity,antioxidant, antimicrobial,and cutaneous wound healing properties

In recent decades, nanotechnology is growing rapidly owing to its widespread application in science and industry. The aim of the experiment was the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch aqueous extract and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects under in vitro and in vivo conditions. These nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for CuNPs@Allium and butylated hydroxytoluene. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. CuNPs@Allium indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, CuNPs@Allium inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 1–8 mg/ml concentrations and removed them at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In the case of antifungal properties of CuNPs@Allium, they prevented the growth of all fungi at 1–4 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2–8 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% CuSO₄ ointment, treatment with 0.2% A. saralicum ointment, and treatment with 0.2% CuNPs@Allium ointment. Use of CuNPs@Allium ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. The synthesized CuNPs@Allium had high cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on HUVEC cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. The results revealed the useful non‐cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects of CuNPs@Allium.     

Polyphenolic profile and antioxidant effects of various parts of Artemisia annua L.

An annual Korean weed, Artemisia annua L., has been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of a number of diseases. Remarkably, among the 32 polyphenols characterized in various parts of plant tissue, including flowers, leafs, stems and roots, 10 compounds were detected for the first time using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The quantification method was validated using structurally related external standards with determination coefficients (R²) ≥0.9995. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.068–3.932 and 0.226–13.108 mg/L, respectively. The recoveries estimated at 50 and 100 mg/L ranged between 60.6–92.2 and 61.3–111%, respectively, with relative standard deviations <12%. The roots contained the largest concentration of identified components, while the flowers contained the least. The antioxidant capacity evaluated in terms of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation‐scavenging activities and reducing power was highest in the roots and lowest in the flowers. The findings are well correlated and suggest that the antioxidant capacities principally depend upon the polyphenol concentrations in each part of the plant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The analysis of onion and garlic

Onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), among the oldest cultivated plants, are used both as a food and for medicinal applications. In fact, these common food plants are a rich source of several phytonutrients recognized as important elements of the Mediterranean diet, but are also used in the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases, including cancer, coronary heart disease, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes type 2, hypertension, cataract and disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. colic pain, flatulent colic and dyspepsia). These activities are related to the thiosulfinates, volatile sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for the pungent of these vegetables. Besides these low-molecular weight compounds, onion and garlic are characterized by more polar compounds of phenolic and steroidal origin, often glycosilated, showing interesting pharmacological properties. These latter compounds, compared to the more studied thiosulfinates, present the advantages to be not pungent and more stable to cooking. Recently, there has been an increasing scientific attention on such compounds. In this paper, the literature about the major volatile and non-volatile phytoconstituents of onion and garlic has been reviewed. Particular attention was given to the different methodology developed to perform chemical analysis, including separation and structural elucidation.