Allium sativum L. (Garlic), most commonly used as a favorite additive in Indian food possesses antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiplatelet and antihyperlipidemic properties. Very little scientific information is available on the antioxidant properties of garlic crops produced locally in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The present study investigates the total phenolics and flavonoids contents in methanol extracts of garlic bulbs and their antioxidant activities using in-vitro assays such as 1, 1- diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2, 2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-disulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).. The results showed that garlic bulbs had significant amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids, and also possess potential antioxidant activities. The test parameters varied significantly with altitudes (p<0.05). Pearson’s relationship study revealed that soil properties had significant influence on the antioxidant activities of A. sativum. This study concludes that local agricultural practices and micro-climatic conditions of Kullu Valley potentially affect antioxidant potential of A. sativum crops. This study also suggests that locally produced garlic crops can be consumed by mountain peoples for their health benefits.
Keywords: Allium sativum; Altitudes; Antioxidant activities; Soil properties; Kullu Valley