Review on Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Studies of Allium cepa (Onion)

Abstract

In present days, herbal medicines have gained importance with both medical and economic implications. Throughout the world raised concerns of quality, safety and efficacy. Onion has been valued as a food, medicinal plant since ancient times and widely cultivated. And known as “Queen of the kitchen”. Due to its flavor, aroma, unique taste, medicinal properties of its compound. And acts as food which provides a good amount of nutrients, immunity to the body, helps in treating high cholesterol, diabetes, joint disorders, digestive ailments, loss of appetite, gallbladder diseases, angina pectoris, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, cough, intestinal gas and intestinal worms as therapeutic agent. Different biological properties, such as, antioxidants, antiinflammatory, anti-cholesterol, antihypertensive, anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, anti-bacterial, bronchodilator, expectorant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, anti-coagulant, fibrinolytic, anti-helminthic, anti-platelet, hepatoprotective activity, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, cardiovascular protective, anti-microbial, neuro protective, anti-genotoxic and anti-mutagenic effect, anti-pyretic, analgesic, and various other biological activities. Wide spectrum of biological activities of onion makes it as a potential medicinal and therapeutic agent