Onion and scientific research: a new natural healing

Published on September 20, 2017 - Medicinal Plants

Allium cepa L., commonly known as onion, is the most widely cultivated and used species of the genus Allium, mainly utilized as a flavor enhancer.

Today, with the support of scientific research, we are able to demonstrate that the onion has components, such as phenolic derivatives, sulfur and quercetin compounds, which are not only able to keep our body in good health, but they are also able to contribute to the treatment of certain disorders.

The Allium cepa, if taken daily through diet, reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cataracts and the formation of cancerous cells. Some studies have also shown the healing activity on the skin, due to the free radical scavenging action and antibacterial action of tannins and flavonoids. In particular, a very recent Italian research conducted by the group of a researcher of the “Science of Health and Nutrition” department of the University of Calabria, led to the discovery of a new molecule called RYGoldZip, extracted from the red onion waste.

This molecule, obtained through chemical processes that have a lower impact on the environment and on health than traditional ones, is useful in the treatment of all types of skin ulcers (which consist in the loss of skin that does not regenerate anymore, caused by the lack of blood circulation), especially the diabetic ones.

It is very important to treat these ulcers, as they have a strong impact on daily life: wounds, often accompanied by loss of pus and blood, require numerous medications that can last for years, because they tend not to close. This entails considerable expenses and many limitations from a work and social point of view.

To test the efficacy of the new molecule, a test was performed on a group of 16 voluntary patients, of both sexes, with diabetic and vascular ulcers already subjected to other unsuccessful treatments, who were given the RYGoldZip molecule applied to the skin by a cream based on hyaluronic acid: not only the sores healed in a short time (5-12 days) without the use of antibiotics and without the appearance of secondary effects such as itching, redness and infections, but some subjects have also had regrowth of hair on the treated areas.

Other evaluations, as well as the patent, are still underway, but it is hoped to be able to take advantage of the discovery as soon as possible, to improve the quality of life of those suffering from certain diseases.

FEDERICA AIELLO