The results of a new study indicated onions may have potential for lowering cholesterol and bringing down high blood sugar levels.
The study was carried out on laboratory rats that were suffering from medically induced diabetes. The rats were treated with metformin (a drug often used for treating diabetes) and they were also given doses of onion extract. The rats were split into three groups. One group received 200mg of onion extract, another was given 400mg, and the third group received 600mg.
Four control groups were also used in the study so that the results could be compared.
The rats' bodyweight was recorded on a daily basis to see if the onion extract enhanced the drug's performance.
When the data was compared the researchers discovered onion extract, when delivered at the two higher does (400mg per day + 600mg per day) caused a dramatic reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in the diabetic rats.
Although the study was primarily concerned with how the two compounds may interact together to lower blood sugar, the combination also lowered the total cholesterol level in the diabetic rats and, again, the higher does produced the best results.
The onion extract also appeared to trigger weight gain in the non-diabetic rats.
Anthony Ojieh, who headed the study, said: "Onion is not high in calories. However, it seems to increase the metabolic rate and, with that, to increase the appetite, leading to an increase in feeding."
The onion extract used was derived from normal onions such as can be purchased in stores and supermarkets and the preparation techniques involved were quite crude. If the compound were to be tested on humans it would require further purification.
The findings were presented earlier this month, at The Endocrine Society's 97th annual meeting in San Diego.
The study was carried out on laboratory rats that were suffering from medically induced diabetes. The rats were treated with metformin (a drug often used for treating diabetes) and they were also given doses of onion extract. The rats were split into three groups. One group received 200mg of onion extract, another was given 400mg, and the third group received 600mg.
Four control groups were also used in the study so that the results could be compared.
- The first group (diabetic) did not receive metformin or onion extract.
- The second group (non-diabetic) was also denied either compound.
- The third group (diabetic) received metformin only.
- The fourth group (non diabetic) also received metformin without onion extract.
The rats' bodyweight was recorded on a daily basis to see if the onion extract enhanced the drug's performance.
When the data was compared the researchers discovered onion extract, when delivered at the two higher does (400mg per day + 600mg per day) caused a dramatic reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in the diabetic rats.
Although the study was primarily concerned with how the two compounds may interact together to lower blood sugar, the combination also lowered the total cholesterol level in the diabetic rats and, again, the higher does produced the best results.
The onion extract also appeared to trigger weight gain in the non-diabetic rats.
Anthony Ojieh, who headed the study, said: "Onion is not high in calories. However, it seems to increase the metabolic rate and, with that, to increase the appetite, leading to an increase in feeding."
The onion extract used was derived from normal onions such as can be purchased in stores and supermarkets and the preparation techniques involved were quite crude. If the compound were to be tested on humans it would require further purification.
The findings were presented earlier this month, at The Endocrine Society's 97th annual meeting in San Diego.