2023, Vol. 11, Issue 6, Part B

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of red and white onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties cultivated in Sudan. Fresh onion bulbs were collected from major production areas, shade-dried, and subjected to methanolic extraction for biochemical analysis. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), organosulfur compounds, and antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH radical scavenging assay) were determined following standard spectrophotometric procedures. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, were performed to assess varietal differences and inter-trait relationships. Results revealed that red onion varieties contained significantly higher TPC, TFC, and organosulfur compounds compared with white varieties. The DPPH IC50 values were correspondingly lower in red onions, indicating superior antioxidant efficiency. The observed differences suggest that bulb pigmentation is a key determinant of bioactive composition and functional quality in Allium cepa varieties grown under Sudanese conditions.