Testosterone in Males as Enhanced by Onion (Allium Cepa L.)

Abstract

Testosterone (17β-Hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one) is the main sex hormone in males. Maintaining and enhancing testosterone level in men is an incessant target for many researchers. Examples of such research approaches is to utilize specific types of food or dietary supplements as a safe and easily reached means. Here, specifically, since 1967 until now, many research studies have revealed the effect of onion on testosterone; however, this link has yet to be collectively reviewed or summarized. To accomplish this contribution, we searched the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases for full articles or abstracts (published in English language) from April 1967 through December 2018 using the keywords “onion” versus “testosterone”. In addition, a number of related published articles from the same databases were included to improve the integrity of the discussion, and hence the edge of the future directions. In summary, there is an evidence that onions enhance testosterone level in males. The mechanisms by which this occurs is mainly by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone, enhancing the antioxidant defense mechanism in the tests, neutralizing the damaging effects of the generated free radicals, ameliorating insulin resistance, promoting nitric oxide production, and altering the activity of adenosine 5′-monophosphate -activated protein kinase. However, this effect requires further approval in humans, mainly by conducting clinical trials.

S-allyl Cysteine Enhances Testosterone Production in Mice and Mouse Testis-Derived I-10 Cells

“…Moreover, numerous flavonoids and isoflavonoid molecules have also been reported to have steroidogenic effects on Leydig cell lines or animal-based models [ 10 , 14 ]. In addition, ginger, onion, and honey have been demonstrated to have a testosterone-elevating effect in animal-based studies [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Effects of <i>Allium cepa</i> L. peels extract on gonadotropins, testosterone and sperm variables in Oba Marshal broiler cocks

“…The difference seen may be due to the effect of the difference in active principle and antioxidant composition (Slimestad et al, 2007) of the specie of the Allium. Banihani (2019) documented that Allium cepa L. extract enhances testosterone production in males and the mechanisms is mainly by enhancing LH production, neutralizing the damaging effects of formed free radicals and enhancing the antioxidant defence mechanism in the testis, ameliorating insulin resistance, promoting nitric oxide production in Leydig cells, and altering the activity of 5' AMPactivated protein kinase. The administered Allium cepa L. scaly leaf extract in this present study significantly increased LH and FSH but not testosterone levels and this might be due to interference with LH receptors within Leydig cells and hence the non-significance change in testosterone levels.…”

Majoon-E-Piyaz: A Potent Unani Formulation for Premature Ejaculation

“…[ Banihani reported that onion or its extracts (e.g., aqueous extract ~30 mg day −1 ) enhances testosterone production in males. The mechanisms by which onion enhances testosterone production in males is mainly by enhancing the production of luteinizing hormone, neutralizing the damaging effects of the formed free radicals, mainly in the testes, enhancing the antioxidant defense mechanism in the testis, ameliorating insulin resistance, promoting nitric oxide production in Leydig cells, and altering the activity of 5′ AMPactivated protein kinase [17]. [4] Chauhan et al reported that ethanolic extract of seeds of A. longifolia were administered to groups of rats in 100, 150 and 200 mg kg⁻¹ doses which exhibited pronounced anabolic effects in treated animals, as evidenced by gains in the body and reproductive organ weights.…”