A review of the beneficial effects of onion in the treatment of obesity. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Biological Properties and Bioactive Components ofL.: Focus on Potential Benefits in the Treatment of Obesity and Related Comorbidities.
Molecules. 2018 Dec 30 ;24(1). Epub 2018 Dec 30. PMID: 30598012
Mariangela Marrelli
Common onion (L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants, utilized worldwide as both vegetable and flavouring. This species is known to contain sulphur amino acids together with many vitamins and minerals. A variety of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phytosterols and saponins, have also been identified. Despite the predominant use of this plant as food, a wide range of beneficial effects have also been proved. Different biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic, have been reported. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the studies concerning the beneficial effects of this species against obesity and its related comorbidities, such as hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes. Both in vitro and in vivo results about onion dietary supplementation have been taken into account. Furthermore, this review examines the possible role of onion bioactive components in modulating or preventing weight-gain or related diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms behind their activity.