Antimicrobial activity, chemical composition and mechanism of action of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) extracts
Cun Chen, Jing Cai, Ren Ying-hong, Yue Xu, Hongling Liu, Yuyang Zhao, Xingfu Chen, Zhibin Liu
Abstract
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.