Welsh onion

Allium fistulosum

Allium fistulosum, commonly known as garlic chives or Chinese leeks, is a traditional plant with origins in East Asia. It has been traditionally used for culinary purposes and some folk remedies but lacks specific documented traditional medicinal uses. Scientific evidence suggests that a new Pseudomonas protegens strain isolated from Allium fistulosum exhibits broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against various plant pathogens, though its efficacy varies depending on the pathosystem involved. In human studies, children consuming a daily supplement of WCO31 (a specific isolate) for 24 weeks showed significantly greater height growth compared to placebo groups, with no reported safety concerns. Genetic analysis indicates that Allium fistulosum cultivars exhibit varying responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization based on their dependency and soil phosphate availability. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study isolated and characterized a new P. protegens strain from Allium fistulosum in Japan, showing broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against various plant pathogens but with pathosystem-dependent efficacy. D PMID
  • The study found that children taking WCO31 daily for 24 weeks showed significantly greater height growth compared to the placebo group with no safety concerns. B PMID
  • Multiple significant QTLs on chromosomes 4 and 5 were detected associated with leaf color in bunching onion. D PMID
  • The study found that Allium fistulosum cultivars showed varying responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization depending on their mycorrhizal dependency and soil phosphate availability. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Welsh onion?

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) 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 Welsh onion?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Welsh onion; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study isolated and characterized a new P. protegens strain from Allium fistulosum in Japan, showing broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against various plant pathogens but with pathosystem-dependent efficacy.

How strong is the evidence for Welsh onion?

The strongest finding for Welsh onion carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Welsh onion safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Welsh onion in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Welsh onion interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Welsh onion in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Welsh onion?

Welsh onion is also known as: Лук-батун, ciboule.

Is Welsh 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

  1. T2 Effects of Allium fistulosum L. (Green Onion) Root and Avena sativa L. (Oat) Mixtures (WCO31) on the Height of Children: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Mutualistic, Commensalistic, and Parasitic Relationships Between an Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus, Rhizophagus spp. and Allium fistulosum Cultivars at Different Levels of Soil Phosphate Availability. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 QTL Mapping of SPAD Values Associated with Leaf Color in Bunching Onion. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Isolation and Genomic Characterization of a Novel Japanese Strain of Pseudomonas protegens and an Evaluation of Its Biocontrol Potential. literature abstract metadata