Determination of qualitative composition and quantitative content of amino acids in garlic bulbs and leaves

Introduction. Plant amino acids have an important impact on functioning of various systems and organs of human body. In addition, they possess a wide range of pharmacotherapeutic properties, improve the digestion and potentiate the activity of biologically active compounds present in plants. Thus, the search of plant species that contain a large complex of plant amino acids and are used as food is of current interest. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) from Alliaceae family is one of such plants, and has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various disorders.The aim of the study – to determine the composition and quantitative content of free and bound amino acids of garlic bulbs and leaves.Research methods. The amino acid composition was determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.Results and Discussion. 16 amino acids were detected in garlic bulbs as a result of the experiment. Arginine (3.04 %) and proline (1.56 %) were found to be accumulated infree state, while glutamic acid (10.59 %), aspartic acid (6.06 %) and arginine (5.94 %) prevailed in bound state. 15 free and 16 bound amino acids were identified and quantified in garlic leaves. Glutamic acid (2.11 %), leucine (1.79 %), valine (1.77 %), isoleucine (1.52 %), treonine and phenylalanine (1.44 %) dominated infree state, and glutamic acid (28.49 %), aspartic acid (12.90 %) and leucine (7.61 %) prevailed in bound state. Methionine was found only in bound state in garlic leaves.Conclusions. The amino acid composition of garlic bulbs and leaves was studied using the HPLC method. 16 amino acids in both free and bound state were detected and their content was determined in garlic bulbs, while in garlic leaves – 15 free and 16 bound amino acids. The results of the experiment showed that methionine is present only in bound state in garlic leaves.