Onion
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a widely used food around the world and has also been used for medicinal applications. Although there are some clinical studies 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 and alopecia areata (hair loss).

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
Allergies C
Alopecia areata C
Diabetes C
Hypertension C
Scar prevention C
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to onion (Allium cepa), its constituents, or members of the Lilaceae family. Use cautiously with hematologic (blood) disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hypotension (low blood pressure). Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood thinners). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding in medicinal doses.

Possible side effects:
Antinutritional, bronchial asthma in children, bulb dermatitis or "tulip finger" (painful tingling and erythema of the fingertips, particularly around the fingernails, developing within 24 hours of handling bulbs), contact dermatitis, decreased coagulation time and fibrinolytic activity, decreased hematocrit, dyspepsia, gastric acidity, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, hemostatic effects, hypoglycemia, increased fibribolytic, inhibited platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, pemphigus, postprandial systemic reactions, protective effect against increased plasma fibrinogen, and reduced plasma viscosity.

Possible interactions:
Allantoin, antacids, antibiotics, anticoagulants and antiplatelets (blood thinners), antidiabetic agents, antilipemic (cholesterol-lowering) agents, antineoplastic (anticancer) agents, antihypertensives (blood pressure-lowering agents), heparin (blood thinner), osteoporosis drugs, and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):
Mederma (Merz Pharmaceuticals, Greensboro, NC, USA) applied to the skin three times daily for eight weeks has been used in a clinical trial. A topical onion gel extract applied three times a day for one month has also been used in a clinical trial.

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific data available.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.