Abstract
Allium schoenoprasum L. (family Amaryllidaceae), commonly known as chives has great culinary value besides being used as ethnomedicine. This review emphasises on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of A. schoenoprasum, and discusses the future opportunities for systematic investigations. Scientific evaluation of chives validates its traditional claims and demonstrates diverse pharmacological potential including an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, anthelmintic and antihypertensive. Though phytochemical studies revealed the presence of sulphur and phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponin and steroidal glycosides yet methodical research to identify bioactive compounds is required. This review confirms the medicinal importance of A. schoenoprasum and could stimulate future research on its unexplored aspects, especially identification of bioactive compounds and related mechanisms and safety, which might develop it as a drug.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India for providing financial assistance to Mr Varinder Singh as UGC-BSR Research Fellowship (No.F.7-265/2009(BSR)).