Biochemical diversity and antioxidant potential of wild chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) accessions

This study investigated the biochemical diversity of chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.) accessions collected from Van Province, Türkiye, and compared them with selected Allium species (Allium vineale, Allium schoenoprasum var. sibiricum, and Allium tuberosum). The analyses focused on key biochemical traits, including total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity, activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase), lipid peroxidation, and phenolic compound profiles (quercetin, myricetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and quinic acid). Significant biochemical variability was detected among the A. schoenoprasum accessions. Notably, accession A6 exhibited the highest total phenolic content (61.2 g GAE kg⁻¹) and antioxidant capacity (139.89 mmol Trolox equivalents kg⁻¹). Accession A2 showed the greatest superoxide dismutase (24.63 U g⁻¹ FW) and catalase (25.66 U g⁻¹ FW) activities, whereas accession A3 was distinguished by its elevated myricetin concentration. Higher rutin contents were observed in accessions A1 and A2. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that A. schoenoprasum accessions formed a distinct cluster, with A. vineale grouping more closely with them than with the other Allium species. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive associations between total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and individual flavonoid concentrations. Overall, these results highlight the substantial genetic potential of wild A. schoenoprasum accessions from Van Province as valuable genetic resources for Allium breeding programs and as promising natural antioxidant sources for food and pharmaceutical industries.