# Burkitt's Onion (Allium cepa 'Burkitt')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/burkitt-s-onion
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Allium cepa 'Burkitt', Burkitt Onion, Burkitt's Bulb Onion, Allium cepa cv. Burkitt, Burkitt Cultivar Onion, Burkitt's Common Onion

## Overview

Burkitt's Onion (Allium cepa 'Burkitt') is a specialized onion variety containing high concentrations of quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside (171.34 μg/g) and organosulfur compounds. These bioactive compounds provide antioxidant activity through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated in vitro with 64.82% DPPH inhibition at 100 μg/mL (preliminary evidence only)
• Rich source of quercetin derivatives (171.34 μg/g quercetin-3,4′-diglucoside) supporting potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (no human studies available)
• Contains organosulfur compounds like allicin traditionally associated with [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support (clinical evidence lacking)
• Provides anthocyanins including peonidin and petunidin glucosides with potential cellular protection (in vitro data only)
• Traditional [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) applications supported by phytochemical profile (no controlled trials identified)

## Mechanism of Action

Burkitt's Onion's primary bioactive compound, quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside, acts as an antioxidant by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals and inhibiting [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). The organosulfur compounds modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. These mechanisms work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers at the cellular level.

## Clinical Summary

Research on Burkitt's Onion is limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating 64.82% DPPH radical scavenging activity at 100 μg/mL concentration. Laboratory analysis has confirmed high quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside content at 171.34 μg/g, suggesting potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. No human clinical trials or animal studies have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings. Current evidence is insufficient to support therapeutic claims.

## Nutritional Profile

Burkitt's Onion (Allium cepa 'Burkitt') shares the foundational nutritional composition of common onion cultivars with cultivar-specific phytochemical distinctions. Macronutrient profile per 100g fresh weight (estimated from Allium cepa baseline): carbohydrates ~9.3g (predominantly fructooligosaccharides and fructose), dietary fiber ~1.7g (inulin-type fructans supporting [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) activity), protein ~1.1g (limited essential amino acid completeness), fat ~0.1g, water ~89g, energy ~40 kcal. Micronutrients include vitamin C (~7.4mg/100g, though cultivar variance may alter this), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine ~0.12mg/100g), folate (~19μg/100g), potassium (~146mg/100g), calcium (~23mg/100g), phosphorus (~29mg/100g), and manganese (~0.13mg/100g). Notably elevated flavonoid content distinguishes this cultivar: quercetin-3,4′-diglucoside measured at 171.34 μg/g fresh weight, a glycosylated form with moderate bioavailability — intestinal deglycosylation by lactase phlorizin hydrolase is required before absorption, reducing effective bioavailability compared to aglycone quercetin. Total flavonol content likely ranges 200–350 μg/g based on related cultivars. Organosulfur compounds including alliin (~0.5–1.0mg/g), converted enzymatically to allicin upon tissue disruption; allicin is volatile and degrades rapidly during cooking, substantially reducing bioavailable concentration. Fructooligosaccharide content (~2–6g/100g dry weight) supports colonic fermentation. Chromium trace levels (~0.006mg/100g) noted in onion genus broadly. Bioavailability note: quercetin glycosides from onion matrix show approximately 52–65% relative bioavailability in human gut models compared to pure aglycone standards; food matrix effects (fiber, co-ingested fat) modestly enhance micellarization of lipophilic flavonoids.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for any form of Allium cepa (extract, powder, or standardized preparations). In vitro studies used concentrations of 100 μg/mL for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays, but human dosing has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Burkitt's Onion is generally recognized as safe when consumed as food, but concentrated supplements lack safety data. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution due to potential bleeding risk from organosulfur compounds. Those with existing onion allergies or GERD may experience digestive irritation or allergic reactions. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established for supplemental forms.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Allium cepa 'Burkitt' or general Allium cepa focused on biomedical outcomes were identified in the research. Available evidence is limited to preclinical phytochemical characterization and in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays (DPPH 64.82% inhibition, ORAC 17.62 µmol TE/mL at 100 μg/mL).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Allium cepa has been used for millennia in traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda and European herbalism for digestive issues, wounds, and as an [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) agent. The specific 'Burkitt' cultivar's traditional use is not documented in available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Garlic extract, Turmeric, Green tea extract, Vitamin C, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the quercetin content in Burkitt's Onion?

Burkitt's Onion contains 171.34 μg/g of quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside, a specific quercetin derivative. This represents a concentrated source of this flavonoid compound compared to regular onion varieties.

### How strong is Burkitt's Onion's antioxidant activity?

In laboratory tests, Burkitt's Onion extract demonstrated 64.82% DPPH radical scavenging activity at 100 μg/mL concentration. This indicates moderate antioxidant capacity, though human studies are needed to confirm clinical relevance.

### Can Burkitt's Onion interact with blood thinning medications?

The organosulfur compounds in Burkitt's Onion may potentially enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin or other blood thinners. Individuals on these medications should consult their healthcare provider before using concentrated supplements.

### Is Burkitt's Onion different from regular onions nutritionally?

Burkitt's Onion appears to have higher concentrations of specific quercetin derivatives and organosulfur compounds compared to standard onion varieties. However, comprehensive nutritional comparison studies are limited.

### What is the recommended dosage for Burkitt's Onion supplements?

No standardized dosage recommendations exist for Burkitt's Onion supplements due to lack of clinical trials. Most antioxidant activity has been demonstrated only in laboratory settings at specific extract concentrations.

### What is the difference between fresh Burkitt's Onion and Burkitt's Onion supplements?

Fresh Burkitt's Onions contain the full complement of nutrients including quercetin derivatives, organosulfur compounds, and fiber, while supplements typically concentrate specific bioactive compounds through extraction or drying processes. The bioavailability and synergistic effects may differ between whole food and isolated supplement forms, though direct comparative studies in humans are lacking. Supplement forms allow for standardized dosing but may lack the broader phytonutrient profile of fresh onions.

### Who should avoid Burkitt's Onion supplements?

Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should consult healthcare providers before supplementing, as Burkitt's Onion's organosulfur compounds and quercetin may have additive blood-thinning effects. People with histamine sensitivity or those prone to digestive upset from raw allium vegetables should use caution, as concentrated supplements may exacerbate these reactions. Pregnant and nursing women should seek medical guidance before use, as safety data in these populations is not established.

### How much clinical evidence supports Burkitt's Onion's health benefits compared to other onion varieties?

Current evidence for Burkitt's Onion is limited to in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity (64.82% DPPH inhibition) and quercetin content analysis; no human clinical trials have been published specifically for this cultivar. While organosulfur compounds and quercetin are traditionally associated with cardiovascular benefits in general onion research, these claims lack clinical validation in Burkitt's Onion specifically. Most health claims remain preliminary and would benefit from human intervention studies to establish efficacy and optimal dosing.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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