The onion, cultivated since ancient times on the territory of Romania, is appreciated as a food, but also for its medicinal properties. Recent research conducted by scientists confirms its qualities.
Onions. Source: freepik.com
The onion is cultivated on the current territory of Romania in antiquity. Although it is not known the period when it would have arrived in Dacia, it is known that, together with garlic, it was absent from the gardens and dishes of the Greeks, Romans and ancient Egyptians, in relations with the Dacians.
In the Middle Ages, the onion was almost endless from the gardens of the monasteries and the royal courts in the historical regions of Romania, becoming one of the essential foods, as well as the cures of the Romanian peasants. The regions of Buzau, Arieș, Arad, and Dâmbovița have become traditional areas of onion cultivation in Romania, one of the big onion producers in Europe.
In Romania, the annual onion cultures occupy over 30,000 hectares, and the statistics in recent years show an annual production of over 300,000 tonnes, which rank it in 7 – 8 places in Europe.
Onion and garlic, researched over two decades
Along with garlic, onion is not only a basic food in the kitchen, but also a valuable natural remedy, a study by researchers from the United Arab Emirates (Eau) and Egypt shows
The analysis was published in August 2025, under the title “Exploration of the therapeutic potential of Allium Cepa and Allium sativum extracts” (scientific names for common onion and garlic), on the National Library of Medicine (NLM) platform, the largest library of medicine and health sciences in the world.
Onion. Source: freepik.com
Scientists show that between 1998 and 2025, a wide flora analysis was performed in the United Arab Emirates, which focused on medicinal plants such as onion and garlic, well documented for their antidiabetic, cardioprotective and antibacterial properties.
The protective effects of the onion and garlic
In the study that brings together two decades of research, the authors have examined how extracts in these plants can help prevent or manage some of the most pressing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and bacterial infections.
“Both plants contain natural compounds with protective effects, which can support a healthy blood sugar level, can improve cardiovascular health and combat harmful microbes. Bringing more than twenty years of scientific research, explaining how these plants act in the body and why they are increasingly the interest to the researchers. On the environment, they represent a beneficial approach to both people and the planet ”, notes the authors.
Onion. Source: freepik.com
Scientists describe onion as rich in essential nutrients and nutrients, such as vitamins B6 and B9 (folic acid), as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
“Beyond its nutritional value, Allium Cepa has been intensely studied for its health benefits, which include antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive and antidepressants. Also, onion has neuroprotective, anti -inflammatory and cardioprotective effects, having the benefits of digestive systems, circulatory systems. Respiratory, cardiac and immune ”, shows the study.
The red onion full of antioxidants
Red onion is a rich source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that offers a wide range of health benefits, notes researchers.
“It is traditionally appreciated for its immunostimulating, antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. The powerful antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effects contribute to cardiovascular health, by lowering blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis,” shows the study.
Quercetina can also contribute to the protection against aging, adds the authors of the research.
“At the same time, Allium Cepa contains anthocyanins (no natural pigments with antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effects), which have attracted increased interest due to modern extraction methods that allow higher efficiency and increased stability of these compounds.” The study also reveals.
The onion shells are precious
Onion shells have a high content of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, polyphenols and quercetin.
“The extracts from the onion peel have shown antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anticancer and antihyperglycemic effects, as well as benefits against hypercholesterolemia, obesity and erectile dysfunction, which makes them useful in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.”says the authors.
Onion. Source: freepik.com
Onion is recognized for its effectiveness in treating infectious diseases, studies showing that its essential oil extracted from its red, green and yellow varieties has a significant antimicrobial activity against pathogens.
The analysis was performed on onion and garlic varieties grown in the United Arab Emirates and shows that these medicinal plants have a significant therapeutic potential against diabetes, cardiovascular disease and microbial infections.
“Their diverse biochemical profile – which includes antioxidants, anti -inflammatory agents and other compounds with beneficial effects on health – position them as efficient and sustainable alternatives to synthetic drugs. The results support the continuous integration of traditional herbal medicine with modern medical practices, especially in the regions that are facing major problems with chronic drugs. Plants in the pharmaceutical and agricultural fields represent a complex and sustainable strategy for promoting public health and protecting the environment ”, The authors of the research conclude.
Most research is based on animal models or low -scale interventions on humans, which limits the generalization of results, the specialists mention.
