Less Explored Allium Species of Uttarakhand Himalayas

Allium is an important genus of family Amarylliadaceae, has 700 species, confined mainly to the northern temperate and alpine zones of the world. In Uttarakhand Himalayas about 15 less explored Allium species are found. Over exploitation of the wild Allium have led to considerable shrinking of the populations of Allium species. The study is targeted at the bio-chemical composition, mineral analysis, amino acid contents, DNA finger printing and phyto-chemical evaluation of four economically important and less explored Allium species namely: 1. Allium auriculatum Kunth.2. Allium ampeloprasum L.3. Allium ascalonicum L.4. Allium rubellum M. Bieb. It is concluded from the study that aerial and underground parts of these less explored Allium species have excellent neutraceutical properties, due to presence of ample quantity of nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, amino acid contents etc. These species can contribute significantly to meet out the nutritional requirement of growing population .In future, these plants species could be used not only as condiments for flavoring different food stuffs but also as green vegetables due to their demonstrated good nutritional qualities.