Components and Antioxidative Activities of Buchu (Chinese chives) Harvested at Different Times

Abstract

Changes in amino acids content and antioxidative activity in the leaves of buchu (Allium tuberosum R.) at different harvesting times were investigated. Contents of protein, lipids and ash were the highest at the first harvest time, but decreased thereafter, whereas water content showed the reverse pattern. Amino acid contents were the highest at 2nd harvest time, major compositions being aspartic acid, alanine, and glutamic acid, which decreased thereafter. Antioxidative activities according to harvesting times also revealed the same pattern showing by the major nutrients. Correlation coefficients between antioxidative detecting methods in TEAC vs FRAP assay, FRAP vs DPPH assay, and TEAC vs DPPH showed 0.996, 0.992, and 0.987, respectively (p