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Elattar MM, Darwish RS, Hammoda HM, Dawood HM. An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview of onion (Allium cepa L.). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117779. [PMID: 38262524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most widely distributed species within the Allium genus of family Amaryllidaceae. Onion has been esteemed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. It has been consumed for centuries in various indigenous cultures for the management of several ailments including microbial infections, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and cardio-vascular disorders, diabetes, renal colic, rheumatism, sexual impotence, menstrual pain, and headache. However, so far, there is a scarcity of recent data that compiles the plant chemistry, traditional practices, biological features, and toxicity. AIM OF THE WORK The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and analytical overview of ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, industrial applications, quality control, and toxicology of onion, to offer new perspectives and broad scopes for future studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information gathered in this review was obtained from various sources including books, scientific databases such as Science Direct, Wiley, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other domestic and foreign literature. RESULTS Onion has a long history of use as a traditional medicine for management of various conditions including infectious, inflammatory, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. More than 400 compounds have been identified in onion including flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, peptides, saponins and fatty acids. The plant extracts and compounds showed various pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, aphrodisiac, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities. In addition to its predominant medicinal uses, onion has found various applications in the functional food industry. CONCLUSION Extensive literature analysis reveals that onion extracts and bioactive constituents possess diverse pharmacological activities that can be beneficial for treating various diseases. However, the current research primarily revolves around the documentation of ethnic pharmacology and predominantly consists of in vitro studies, with relatively limited in vivo and clinical studies. Consequently, it is imperative for future investigations to prioritize and expand the scope of in vivo and clinical research. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to direct further research efforts towards toxicity studies and quality control of the plant. These studies will help bridge the current knowledge gaps and establish a solid basis for exploring the plant's potential uses in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam M Elattar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Reham S Darwish
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Hala M Hammoda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Hend M Dawood
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Guo C, Zhang L, Zhao M, Ai Y, Liao W, Wan L, Liu Q, Li S, Zeng J, Ma X, Tang J. Targeting lipid metabolism with natural products: A novel strategy for gastrointestinal cancer therapy. Phytother Res 2023; 37:2036-2050. [PMID: 36748953 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), including gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, is a common malignant tumor originating from gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Although the pathogenesis of GIC remains unclear, aberrant lipid metabolism has emerged as a hallmark of cancer. Several enzymes, proteins, and transcription factors are involved in lipid metabolism reprogramming in GIC, and their abnormal expression can promote lipid synthesis and accumulation of lipid droplets through numerous mechanisms, thereby affecting the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of GIC cells. Studies show that some natural compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, can inhibit the de novo synthesis of lipids in GIC, reduce the level of lipid accumulation, and subsequently, inhibit the occurrence and development of GIC by regulating Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin PI3K/Akt/mTOR, amongst other targets and pathways. Therefore, targeting tumor lipid metabolism is the focus of anti-gastrointestinal tumor therapy. Although most natural products require further high-quality studies to firmly establish their clinical efficacy, we review the potential of natural products in the treatment of GIC and summarize the application prospect of lipid metabolism as a new target for the treatment of GIC, hoping to provide a reference for drug development for gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Ai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenhao Liao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lina Wan
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Songtao Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Kianian F, Marefati N, Boskabady M, Ghasemi SZ, Boskabady MH. Pharmacological Properties of Allium cepa, Preclinical and Clinical Evidences; A Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021. [PMID: 34567150 DOI: 10.2037/ijpr.2020.112781.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Onion or Allium cepa (A. cepa) is one of the most important condiment plants grown and consumed all over the world. This plant has various therapeutic effects attributed to its constituents, such as quercetin, thiosulphinates and phenolic acids. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of A. cepa were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as onion, A. cepa, therapeutic effects, and pharmacological effects until the end of December 2019 were searched for this purpose. Onion has been suggested to be effective in treating a broad range of disorders, including asthma, inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that onion possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-platelet properties as well as the effect on bone, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory, and urogenital systems effects such as anti-osteoporosis, anti-hypertensive, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, neuro-protective, anti-asthmatic and diuretic effects. The present review provides detailed the various pharmacological properties of onion and its constituents and possible underlying mechanisms. The results of multiple studies suggested the therapeutic effect of onion on a wide range of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kianian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,F. K. and N. M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Narges Marefati
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,F. K. and N. M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Marzie Boskabady
- Dental Materials Research Center and Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyyedeh Zahra Ghasemi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Kianian F, Marefati N, Boskabady M, Ghasemi SZ, Boskabady MH. Pharmacological Properties of Allium cepa, Preclinical and Clinical Evidences; A Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:107-134. [PMID: 34567150 PMCID: PMC8457748 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.112781.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Onion or Allium cepa (A. cepa) is one of the most important condiment plants grown and consumed all over the world. This plant has various therapeutic effects attributed to its constituents, such as quercetin, thiosulphinates and phenolic acids. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of A. cepa were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as onion, A. cepa, therapeutic effects, and pharmacological effects until the end of December 2019 were searched for this purpose. Onion has been suggested to be effective in treating a broad range of disorders, including asthma, inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that onion possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-platelet properties as well as the effect on bone, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory, and urogenital systems effects such as anti-osteoporosis, anti-hypertensive, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, neuro-protective, anti-asthmatic and diuretic effects. The present review provides detailed the various pharmacological properties of onion and its constituents and possible underlying mechanisms. The results of multiple studies suggested the therapeutic effect of onion on a wide range of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kianian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- F. K. and N. M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Narges Marefati
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- F. K. and N. M. contributed equally to this work
| | - Marzie Boskabady
- Dental Materials Research Center and Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyyedeh Zahra Ghasemi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hosein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Kothari D, Lee WD, Kim SK. Allium Flavonols: Health Benefits, Molecular Targets, and Bioavailability. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E888. [PMID: 32961762 PMCID: PMC7555649 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allium species are revered worldwide as vegetables, condiments, and spices as well as the therapeutic agents in traditional medicine. The bioactive compounds in alliums mainly include organosulfur compounds, polyphenols, dietary fibers, and saponins. Flavonoids, particularly flavonols from alliums, have been demonstrated to have the antioxidant, anticancer, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial activities. However, flavonols are mostly characterized from onions and have not been comprehensively reviewed across different species. This article therefore focuses on flavonol profiles from different Allium species, their health effects, underlying molecular mechanisms, and bioavailability. Intriguingly, the functional health effects of flavonols were mainly ascribed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities involving a cascade of multiple signaling pathways. Although the Allium-derived flavonols offer tremendous potential in preventing chronic disease risks, in-depth studies are needed to translate their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soo-Ki Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (D.K.); (W.-D.L.)
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Phytochemicals and Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010105. [PMID: 31936288 PMCID: PMC7022462 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a prevailing global health disease with a high incidence rate which varies by region. It is a huge economic burden on health care providers. GI cancer affects different organs in the body such as the gastric organs, colon, esophagus, intestine, and pancreas. Internal and external factors like smoking, obesity, urbanization, genetic mutations, and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viral infections could increase the risk of GI cancer. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive bioactive secondary compounds abundantly found in fruits, grains, and vegetables. Consumption of phytochemicals may protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Multiple studies have assessed the chemoprotective effect of selected phytochemicals in GI cancer, offering support to their potential towards reducing the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge addressing the anti-cancerous effects of selected dietary phytochemicals on GI cancer and their molecular activities on selected mechanisms, i.e., nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), detoxification enzymes, adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), wingless-related integration site/β-catenin (wingless-related integration site (Wnt) β-catenin, cell apoptosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/ protein kinase B AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In this review phytochemicals were classified into four main categories: (i) carotenoids, including lutein, lycopene, and β-carotene; (ii) proanthocyanidins, including quercetin and ellagic acid; (iii) organosulfur compounds, including allicin, allyl propyl disulphide, asparagusic acid, and sulforaphane; and (iv) other phytochemicals including pectin, curcumins, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. Overall, phytochemicals improve cancer prognosis through the downregulation of β-catenin phosphorylation, therefore enhancing apoptosis, and upregulation of the AMPK pathway, which supports cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of cancer treatment using phytochemicals and possible side effects associated with this approach.
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Murayyan AI, Manohar CM, Hayward G, Neethirajan S. Antiproliferative activity of Ontario grown onions against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Food Res Int 2017; 96:12-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Bo Y, Sun J, Wang M, Ding J, Lu Q, Yuan L. Dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of digestive tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24836. [PMID: 27112267 PMCID: PMC4845003 DOI: 10.1038/srep24836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between dietary flavonoid intake and digestive tract cancers risk; however, the results remain inconclusive. The aim of our study was to evaluate this association. PubMed and the Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant publications from inception to October 2015. The risk ratio (RR) or odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the highest versus the lowest categories of flavonoid intake were pooled using a fixed-effects model. A total of 15 articles reporting 23 studies were selected for the meta-analysis. In a comparison of the highest versus the lowest categories of dietary flavonoid intake, we found no significant association between flavonoid intake and oesophageal cancer (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.75–1.10; I2 = 0.0%), colorectal cancer (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.92–1.14, I2 = 36.2%) or gastric cancer (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.74–1.04, I2 = 63.6%). The subgroup analysis indicated an association between higher flavonoid intake and a decreased risk of gastric cancer in the European population (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.97). In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis do not strongly support an association between dietary flavonoid intake and oesophageal or colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis suggested an association between higher dietary flavonoid intake and decreased gastric cancer risk in European population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacong Bo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinfeng Sun
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Service Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jizhe Ding
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Quanjun Lu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of radiotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Tumor Hospital, 450003 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Ojiako OA, Chikezie PC, Ogbuji AC. Blood glucose level and lipid profile of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 6:184-92. [PMID: 27114943 PMCID: PMC4833464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study sought to investigate the capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of leaf extracts of Acanthus montanus, Asystasia gangetica, Emilia coccinea, and Hibiscus rosasinensis to reverse hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts, fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC), and serum lipid profile (SLP) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The relative abundance of phytochemicals in the four experimental leaf extracts was in the following order: flavonoids > alkaloids > saponins > tannins. Hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of reduced FPGC compared with the untreated HyGR and were normoglycemic (FPGC < 110.0 mg/dL). Similarly, HyGR treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of readjustments in their SLPs. Generally, HyGR treated with triple herbal formulations (THfs) exhibited the highest atherogenic index compared with HyGR treated with single herbal formulations (SHfs), double herbal formulations (DHfs), and quadruple herbal formulation (QHf). The display of synergy or antagonism by the composite herbal extracts in ameliorating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia depended on the type and number of individual herbal extract used in constituting the experimental herbal formulations. Furthermore, the capacities of the herbal formulations (SHfs, DHfs, THfs, and QHf) to exert glycemic control and reverse dyslipidemia did not follow predictable patterns in the animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okey A Ojiako
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
| | - Paul C Chikezie
- Department of Biochemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
| | - Agomuo C Ogbuji
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria
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