The antioxidant abilities of cultivated and wild species of garlic wer
e investigated. Huge quantities of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide
(O-2(.-)) and hydroxyl (OH.) radicals were observed in the abovegroun
d parts of plants examined. The highest quantities of O-2(.-) and OH.
were observed in the aboveground parts of wild Allium vienale L. where
lipid peroxidation was also the highest. Carotenoid and vitamin C con
tents were the highest in leaves of cultivated Allium vienale L. where
quantities of MDA, O-2(.-) and OH. were small indicating its high ant
ioxidant ability. (C) 1998 John Whey & Sons, Ltd.