# Cebolleta (Allium fistulosum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cebolleta
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Allium fistulosum, Welsh onion, Japanese bunching onion, spring onion, scallion, green onion, bunching onion, ciboule, stone leek, Japanese leek, nebuka, negi

## Overview

Cebolleta (Allium fistulosum) contains bioactive compounds including Onionin A1 and flavonoids like quercetin that demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antioxidant properties. The primary mechanism involves inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression and [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity supported by in vitro studies showing Onionin A1 inhibits IL-10-induced CD163 expression (preliminary evidence only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) potential attributed to high flavonoid content including quercetin, kaempferol, and unique compounds isoquercitrin and quercitrin (in vitro evidence)
• Antimicrobial properties demonstrated in laboratory studies (no human clinical data available)
• Potential anti-obesity effects suggested by pharmacological analyses (preliminary evidence only)
• [Immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity indicated through furostanol saponins and cinnamic acid derivatives (in vitro studies only)

## Mechanism of Action

Onionin A1 specifically inhibits IL-10-induced CD163 expression, reducing inflammatory responses in immune cells. The flavonoid compounds quercetin, kaempferol, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through electron donation and metal chelation. These mechanisms collectively modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and oxidative [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress)s at the cellular level.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for cebolleta is limited to preliminary in vitro studies examining specific bioactive compounds. Laboratory studies have demonstrated Onionin A1's ability to inhibit [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) marker expression, while flavonoid analysis confirms [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) potential in cell-free systems. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic dosages or clinical efficacy. The evidence remains at the preclinical stage and requires human studies for validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion/cebolleta) per 100g fresh weight: Macronutrients — Calories ~32 kcal, Carbohydrates ~7.3g (of which sugars ~2.3g), Dietary fiber ~2.6g (soluble and insoluble fractions), Protein ~1.8g (containing sulfur-containing amino acids including cysteine and methionine precursors), Fat ~0.2g. Micronutrients — Vitamin C: 18–27mg (notably lower than bulb onions but bioavailable in fresh consumption), Vitamin K1: ~207µg (exceptionally high; one of the richest vegetable sources, highly bioavailable with dietary fat), Folate (B9): ~16µg, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): ~0.06mg, Vitamin A (as beta-carotene equivalents from green tops): ~50µg RAE. Minerals — Potassium: ~212mg, Calcium: ~72mg (moderate bioavailability due to moderate oxalate content), Phosphorus: ~37mg, Magnesium: ~20mg, Iron: ~1.2mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by co-present Vitamin C), Manganese: ~0.16mg, Zinc: ~0.39mg. Bioactive compounds — Flavonoids: quercetin (~45–60mg/100g dry weight), kaempferol (~8–15mg/100g dry weight), isoquercitrin and quercitrin (glycosylated forms; glycosylation reduces immediate absorption rate but colonic microbiota hydrolysis improves systemic availability compared to aglycone forms); Organosulfur compounds: alliin, allicin precursors, dipropyl disulfide, and methyl propyl disulfide (concentrations lower than A. sativum but higher than common bulb onion); Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): ~2–3g/100g ([prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fiber, largely fermented in colon); Phenolic acids: caffeic acid and ferulic acid detected at low concentrations (~1–5mg/100g). Bioavailability notes: Green leaf portions contain significantly higher carotenoid and vitamin K content than white basal portions; flavonoid glycosides require intestinal or microbial hydrolysis for absorption; cooking reduces Vitamin C by 30–50% and alters organosulfur compound profiles through thermal degradation of alliinase enzyme activity.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized extract concentrations are available in the research. The studies focus on phytochemical composition analysis rather than therapeutic dosing protocols. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cebolleta is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food ingredient, with no major adverse effects reported in traditional culinary use. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may occur due to flavonoid content, similar to other Allium species. Individuals with documented allergies to onions or garlic should exercise caution. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through clinical studies, though culinary consumption appears well-tolerated.

## Scientific Research

The available research consists primarily of phytochemical analyses and in vitro pharmacological studies rather than human clinical trials. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, or studies with PubMed PMIDs were found in the provided research dossier. All therapeutic claims are based on laboratory studies examining cellular and molecular mechanisms.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No information about traditional medicine use, cultural applications, or historical usage duration was provided in the research dossier. Additional sources would be needed to document traditional use patterns.

## Synergistic Combinations

Garlic, quercetin, green tea extract, turmeric, vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in cebolleta responsible for anti-inflammatory effects?

Onionin A1 is the primary bioactive compound responsible for anti-inflammatory effects in cebolleta. In vitro studies show it specifically inhibits IL-10-induced CD163 expression in immune cells.

### How much quercetin does cebolleta contain compared to regular onions?

Specific quercetin concentrations in cebolleta have not been quantified in published studies. However, cebolleta contains unique flavonoids including isoquercitrin and quercitrin that are not found in significant amounts in regular onions.

### Can cebolleta supplements interact with blood thinning medications?

Cebolleta may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to its flavonoid content, similar to other Allium species. Individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using concentrated cebolleta supplements.

### Are there any clinical trials proving cebolleta's health benefits?

No human clinical trials have been conducted on cebolleta's health benefits. Current evidence is limited to in vitro laboratory studies examining isolated compounds like Onionin A1 and flavonoid analysis.

### What's the difference between cebolleta and regular green onions?

Cebolleta (Allium fistulosum) is the same species as green onions or scallions, but the term specifically refers to varieties with documented bioactive compounds. The key difference lies in the concentration of unique flavonoids like isoquercitrin and the presence of Onionin A1.

### What is the most bioavailable form of cebolleta supplementation?

Fresh or freeze-dried whole cebolleta preparations likely preserve the broadest spectrum of active compounds, including heat-sensitive flavonoids like isoquercitrin and quercitrin, compared to powdered extracts. Standardized extracts targeting Onionin A1 or total quercetin content may offer higher bioavailability of specific compounds, though human absorption studies for cebolleta are currently lacking. The presence of fiber and sulfur compounds in whole plant forms may enhance bioavailability through synergistic mechanisms, though this remains largely unexplored in clinical settings.

### Can I get sufficient cebolleta's active compounds from consuming fresh cebolleta in my diet?

Fresh cebolleta is nutrient-dense and contains meaningful levels of quercetin, kaempferol, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin, making dietary consumption a viable source for general nutritional support. However, the concentration of specific bioactive compounds like Onionin A1 in whole foods and the quantity needed for demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects have not been established through clinical research. Regular consumption of cebolleta as a whole food offers additional fiber, minerals, and synergistic compounds that isolated supplements may not provide, supporting overall nutritional intake.

### Who should avoid cebolleta supplements or use them cautiously?

Individuals with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation disorder should exercise caution, as onion family vegetables (Allium species) can trigger histamine-related symptoms in sensitive populations. Those with sulforaphane sensitivities or digestive conditions triggered by sulfur-containing compounds may experience gastrointestinal discomfort from concentrated cebolleta supplements. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before supplementation, as safety data specific to cebolleta extract or supplements during these periods has not been established.

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