Seed

Onion Seed

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Onion seed (Allium cepa L.) contains sulfur compounds like methiin and ethiin that produce persulfides regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis pathways. The seeds yield up to 21.1% oil rich in linoleic acid and flavonoids that upregulate antioxidant enzymes CAT, NQO1, and HO-1.

—

Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategorySeed

GroupSeed

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary KeywordOnion Seed benefits

Onion Seed — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Reduces inflammation and

oxidative stress through its potent thymoquinone content.

Supports immune system: modulation by enhancing cellular defense mechanisms

Promotes cardiovascular health

by aiding in lipid metabolism and blood pressure regulation.

Enhances cognitive function

and neuroprotection due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Aids digestive balance

by supporting gut microbiota and soothing gastrointestinal discomfort.

Contributes to respiratory

health by exhibiting bronchodilatory and anti-allergic properties.

Supports cellular vitality

and longevity through its broad spectrum of protective phytochemicals.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Nigella sativa, commonly known as Black Cumin Seed, is an annual flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. It thrives in riverbanks, fields, and cultivated gardens, particularly in areas like Egypt, India, and Turkey. Its seeds are highly valued in functional nutrition for their rich bioactive compounds that support systemic health.

“Revered in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cultures, Nigella sativa was known as the "seed of blessing." It has been honored for thousands of years in traditional practices for its holistic health enhancement, symbolizing protection, healing, strength, and vitality.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Extensive research, including numerous in vitro, animal, and some human clinical studies, supports the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties of Nigella sativa. Evidence also suggests benefits for respiratory and digestive health, though more large-scale human trials are ongoing.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Thymoquinone - Essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid) - Flavonoids - Polyphenols - Phytosterols - Alkaloids - Essential minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium) - Dietary fiber

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Sulfur-containing compounds like S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides produce persulfides (RSSH) as intermediates that regulate cellular proliferation and apoptosis pathways. Flavonoids and quercetin derivatives upregulate antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), NQO1, and HO-1 while suppressing inflammatory EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT pathways. Steroidal saponin glycosides modulate lipid metabolism through hypocholesterolemic mechanisms.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Research on onion seed is primarily preclinical with limited human clinical trials available. In vitro studies demonstrate that onion extracts upregulate antioxidant enzymes in N27-A cells and reduce inflammatory markers in RAW264/BV-2 cells. Animal studies show reduced perivascular and peribronchial inflammation in house dust mite models via EGFR/ERK/AKT pathway inhibition. Cold-pressed onion seed oil yields 21.1% extraction with total phenolic content of 3.35 mg GAE/g, outperforming black raspberry and parsley seed oils in antioxidant capacity.

Also Known As

Allium cepa seedOnion seed oilTropea red onion seedBlack onion seed

Browse All Ingredients More Seed About the Encyclopedia

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

From the Hermetica Research Desk

Research updates — and 25% off your first order

Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Educational content only — not medical advice.