D-Limonene: A major bioactive constituent in Allium fistulosum identified by GC-MS analysis

This investigation was carried out to determine the bioactive components present in Allium fistulosum by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The GC-MS analysis of the aqueous extract of the plant identified D-Limonene, a cyclic monoterpene, as the most abundant bioactive compound in A. fistulosum with approximately 99% of the total yield. Minor bioactive constituents present in the plant as revealed by GC-MS analysis include dichloroacetic acid (0.48%), α-pinene (0.36%), 1-Buten-3-yne, 1- chloro-, (Z)- (0.14%) and thymol, TMS derivative (0.07%). D-Limonene has been known to be commonly present in citrus peels, however, it is the first time this compound will be identified by GC-MS analysis as the major bioactive compound in A. fistulosum.