BACKGROUND Hitherto available sources from literature mentioned several wild growing Allium species as "edible" or "medicinally used" but without any further specification. METHODS New data were gained during recent research missions: Allium plants were collected and shown to the local population which was asked for names and usage of these plants. RESULTS Information was collected about cu...

Genus Allium L. contains very taxonomically complex sections, especially the subgenus Melanocrommyum. The systematic position of species in each section has been revised many times over time. In present study, relationship between 32 ecotypes belonging to 10 different was investigated using ISSR markers. nine primers used produced 166 polymorphic bands (average 18 per primer). Among used, ISSR8...

The Front Cover shows a new class of bloody-red sulfur compounds, so called tetrathiaporphyrines, which could be isolated from some wild onions (genus Allium L.). These plants are known as drumstick and belong to the subgenus Melanocrommyum. This pigment is formed enzymatically if plant tissue injured. Now, colour-giving tetrathiaporphyrine, representing chemical pigments, fully synthesized, us...

A novel purple-red pigment from the plant genus of Allium (onions, leeks), subgenus Melanocrommyum (drumstick onions), is described. Because this pigment, which reminds blood, some species are used in Southwest and Central Asia as herbal medications, spices or vegetables. proposal for formation structure provided, first example a tetrathiaporphyrin nature. The described substance shows low stab...