Pharmacognostical, Physicochemical Analysis and Phytochemical Screening of the Leaves of Allium fistulosumLinn.

Abstract

Introduction: Natural products have long served as an essential foundation for drug discovery owing to their, unique structural diversity and therapeutic properties. Allium fistulosum L. (Welsh onion), widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits broad therapeutic activities including Inflammation-inhibiting, Tumor-suppressive, Infection-controlling, and Glucose-lowering Properties. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of Allium fistulosum to support its authentication and standardization. Methodology: Fresh leaves of Allium fistulosum were collected and taxonomically authenticated. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, including transverse section and powder analysis, were performed to assess morphological features. Physicochemical parameters such as extractive values, ash levels, moisture content, and foaming index were determined using standard pharmacopoeial methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted on the ethanolic extract to identify the presence of secondary metabolites. Results: Macroscopic evaluation revealed hollow cylindrical leaves with a mild onion-like odour. Microscopic analysis showed a fistular lamina with closed collateral vascular bundles. Physicochemical analysis recorded a moisture content of 16%, total ash value of 8.23%, and foreign matter content below 1%. Among the solvents tested, ethanol and chloroform yielded the highest extractive values (12.5% and 10.3%, respectively), indicating their efficiency in isolating bioactive compounds. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation indicated that the ethanolic extract contains glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, proteins, terpenoids, and amino acids, but lacks alkaloids, carbohydrates, and saponins. Conclusion: This study provides essential baseline data for the quality control and authentication of Allium fistulosum leaves. The results affirm its potential as a source of bioactive phytoconstituents and justify further pharmacological investigations to explore its therapeutic applications.