Antimicrobial activity, chemical composition and mechanism of action of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) extracts

Abstract

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) is a popular food from Allium species in East and Southeast Asia. Most Allium species possess characteristic aromas and have antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of root, leaf, and scape extracts of Chinese chive at different pH levels (3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 10.7) were compared. The most pronounced activity was produced by the scape extract, and the greatest activity was obtained at pH 5.0. HPLC and GC–MS analysis showed that the major active ingredient was 2-amino-5-methylbenzoic acid. The mechanism of action of Chinese chive scape extracts may involve the depression or disruption of cell membrane integrity, according to our results of the leakage of electrolytes and protein, as well as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations.

Characterization of Allium tuberosum rottl. Peptides with Dual Inhibitory Activities against Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV

“…Moreover, rats have been observed to have a positive activity on their sexual behavior after supplement oral administered A. tuberosum seeds extract for 40 days [13]. Furthermore, Chinese chive crude extracts have properties relating to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects [14]. To discover more biological activities of Chinese chive seeds, the present study focused on isolating and characterizing the active peptides with multiple functions connecting to anti-diabetes and anti-hypertension activities derived from the hydrolysate of A. tuberosum.…”