Allium cepa
Allium cepa, commonly known as the onion, is a versatile bulbous plant widely used in culinary and medicinal practices. Rich in bioactive compounds like quercetin and sulfur, it possesses potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Historically, it has been utilized to support respiratory health and bolster immune function.
- Scientific name: Allium cepa
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Asparagales and the family Amaryllidaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its genus, Allium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Allium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be observed within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found in Austria as well as throughout Germany. Its range also extends across the territories of Czechia and Slovakia within the same central region. Finally, the geographical footprint reaches into Southwestern Europe, specifically within France.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
Chemicals
Allium cepa has 128 reported phytochemicals identified across 195 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin, flavonoids, diallyl sulfide, allyl methyl trisulfide, diallyl disulfide.
- Total chemicals
- 128
- Scientific sources
- 195
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| quercetin | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| diallyl sulfide | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| allyl methyl trisulfide | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| diallyl disulfide | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| diallyl trisulfide | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| onion oil | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| methyl propyl disulfide | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Allium cepa has 28 reported activities identified across 59 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Fibrinolytic.
- Total activities
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 59
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fibrinolytic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Allium cepa has 105 reported medicinal uses identified across 150 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia.
- Total uses
- 105
- Scientific sources
- 150
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| oxidative stress | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| platelet aggregation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hyperlipidemia | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |