Physiological Activities of Ethanol Extracts from Different Parts of Allium hookeri

Abstract Biological compounds such as crude saponin and total polyphenol were determined in Allium hookeri roots and leaves. In addition, activities of DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, α-amylase inhibition activity and nitrite scavenging were detected in concentrates of 70% ethanol extracts of Allium hookeri roots and leaves. The crude saponin content of the roots and leaves were 4.28 mg/g, and 4.17 mg/g, respectively. Total polyphenol and total flavonoid content was higher in leaves than roots. Furthermore the DPPH radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of leaves was higher than roots. For α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, 70% ethanol extracts of Allium hookeri roots and leaves showed 60% activity inhibition at a 10 mg/mL concentration. Nitrite scavenging abilities under acidic conditions were most effective for Allium hookeri leaves extracts. These results suggested that Allium hookeri leaves might be used as the components of health functional food.Key words: crude saponin, total polyphenol, radical scavenging activity, α-amylase inhibition activity, nitrite scavenging activity