Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol, 3-mercaptohexanal, allicepin, allicin, alliin, Allium cepa, Allium cepa L., allium vegetables, allylsulfides, apigenin, anthocyanins, botanicals, caffeic acid, cinnamic acids, cycloalliin, cysteine, diallyl disulfide, dipropyl disulfide, green onion, isoquercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, L-cysteine sulfoxide, lignans (phytoestrogens), Liliaceae (family), luteolin, myricetin, onion extract, onion juice, onion powder, onion vinegar, organosulfur compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic, pickling onions, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, quercetin diglucoside, quercetin monoglucoside, red onion, rutin, S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides, S-allylcysteine, selenium, Spring Sweet, Sweet Imperial, syn-propanethial-S-oxide, taxifolin, Texas Grano 438, thiosulfinates (allyl methyl trisulfide, diallyl sulfide), Ultra Hybrid, vanillic acid, Vidalia onions, Walla Walla, white onion.
• Select combination products: Contractubex® gel (cepae extract from onions, heparin, and allantoin), Mederma® (onion extract, Aloe barbadensis, allantoin).
• Note: Onion (Allium cepa) should not be confused with plants of the Zigadenus species (1).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a widely used food around the world and has also been used for medicinal applications (2;​3).
• Although there are some clinical studies that have been conducted using onion, most of the available research has focused on scar prevention; the results are mixed in this area. Other potential uses include the treatment of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and alopecia areata.
• As onion is a commonly consumed food, it is safe in smaller amounts, although there are reports of contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal problems due to onion (4;​5;​6;​7;​8;​9). Better-designed clinical trials are needed before recommendations can be made regarding taking onion products for any health condition.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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