Since onion (Allium cepa) is an essential ingredient in most Asian cuisines, it is called the “Queen of the Kitchen”.
Onion is the product of the plant Allium cepa L., the most widely cultivated species of the Alliaceae family. The genus Allium includes about 700 species of perennial plants that consist of rhizomes or underground storage bulbs. These species are widely distributed in North Africa, Europe, Asia and parts of North America and are available in yellow or brown, red, green and white colors.
Onions are the richest source of water, proteins, vitamins (ascorbic acid and pyridoxine), fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, flavonoids (anthocyanins, quercetin) and trace minerals (chromium). The pungent odor of onions is due to the presence of sulfur compounds (allylpropyl disulfide). The antioxidant potential of onions is due to the presence of terpenes, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, polyphenols and secondary metabolites (volatile compounds).
Onions are approximately 89% water, 9% carbohydrates (including 4% sugar and 2% dietary fiber), 1% protein and a negligible amount of fat.
Its energy value is an average of 40 kcal per 100 grams.
Benefits of onions for hair care and health:
Onion juice may be effective for hair loss in some cases. It may also restore shine and luster.
Onion juice can also prevent premature graying of hair and treat dandruff.
The claimed benefits of onion juice for hair care include: treating alopecia, inflamed, dry or itchy scalp, hair loss, dandruff, thinning hair, dry or brittle hair, premature graying of hair, scalp infections, restoring shine and luster.
Drugs that claim to treat hair loss target a growing, multi-billion dollar market worldwide. Minoxidil (useful in both male and female pattern baldness) and finasteride (useful in male pattern baldness) are two synthetic drugs approved by the US FDA that are used concurrently to treat androgenic alopecia, but their side effects have led to a decline in their use. Side effects associated with the use of these synthetic compounds include erythema, scaling, itching, gynecomastia, dermatitis, pruritus, or rash.
Onion has been reported to be beneficial for patchy baldness due to its protein (albumin), allylpropyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, alliin and allicin, and some minerals such as potassium, zinc, calcium and magnesium.
The affected area should be rubbed with onion juice in the morning and evening until it turns red. After that, it should be rubbed with honey. Zinc helps the scalp secrete the necessary oil and prevents dandruff that may cause hair loss.
Onion extract with CAS No.: 8054-39-5 is produced and supplied by many companies for use in the cosmetic industry.
