onion
Allium cepa
Allium cepa, commonly known as onion, originates from traditional medicine practices in various cultures. While its specific uses are not extensively documented, onions have been valued for their culinary and potential health benefits across different traditions. Scientifically, a study indicated that certain strains of Bacillus showed strong antifungal activity and promoted the growth of onions, suggesting potential applications in agricultural settings or natural fungicides. Another study using nuclear phylogenomics highlighted unresolved relationships among Allium species but did not provide conclusive evidence for medicinal use. In another context, chitosan-confined selenium-silver nanohybrids demonstrated promising results in reducing tumor burden in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma, though this finding is specific and does not directly relate to the traditional or direct use of onions themselves. Safety-wise, no major issues have been recorded for Allium cepa, and there are currently no reported drug interactions associated with its use.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Three Bacillus strains showed strong antifungal activity and promoted onion growth.
- The study using nuclear phylogenomics found incomplete lineage sorting and evidence of gene flow among species within Allium, contributing to unresolved phylogenetic relationships.
- The study found that chitosan-confined selenium-silver nanohybrids improved survival and reduced tumor burden in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Shallots, while valuable for their health benefits and culinary uses, require careful postharvest handling to maintain quality and extend shelf life due to their perishable nature.
- The study found that benzalkonium chloride induced significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in Allium cepa root meristems, with persistent damage even after transfer to distilled water.
Frequently asked questions
What is onion?
onion (Allium cepa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about onion?
5 sourced findings are recorded for onion; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Three Bacillus strains showed strong antifungal activity and promoted onion growth.
How strong is the evidence for onion?
The strongest finding for onion carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is onion safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for onion in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does onion interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for onion in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of onion?
onion is also known as: Лук репчатый, Oignon.
Is onion a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Properties of Bacillus sp. Strains with Antifungal and Plant Growth Promoting Activities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physiology, Nutrition, and Postharvest Technology on Shallots (Allium cepa L. aggregatum): A Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of benzalkonium chloride in the Allium cepa root meristem test system and evaluation of recovery capacity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chitosan-confined selenium-silver nanohybrids enable redox-modulated mitochondrial apoptosis and survival improvement in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nuclear phylogenomic analysis of Allium (Amaryllidaceae) species from Kazakhstan reveals incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow. literature abstract metadata