A Comprehensive Review on Allium Fistulosum (Welsh Onion): Botany, Distribution, Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

Introduction: Allium fistulosum L., commonly referred to as Welsh onion, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Eastern Asia, particularly China and Japan, it has long been cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is characterized by its hollow, tubular leaves and mild onion-like flavor, the species has garnered attention for its diverse therapeutic applications.

Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively compile and analyze the existing literature on the botany, geographical distribution, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of A. fistulosum, with the aim of establishing its significance as a medicinal plant and identifying potential areas for future research.

Methods: An exhaustive literature survey was conducted to collect and review relevant data from online scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, as well as from offline sources including ethnobotanical books, floras, pharmacopeias, and Ayurvedic texts. Keywords including "Allium fistulosum", "Welsh onion", "phytochemistry", "traditional medicine", "bioactive compounds", and "pharmacological activity" were used. The studies published up to 2024 were considered in present review. The collected data were critically analyzed to produce information related to plant morphology, taxonomy, ethnomedicinal applications, phytoconstituents, and experimental pharmacology.

Results: A. fistulosum is rich in various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid), sulfur-containing compounds (allicin, diallyl disulfide), saponins, and essential vitamins. These constituents contribute to its pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective effects. The plant has been traditionally used for treating colds, digestive issues, wounds, and hypertension. Although widely cultivated in East Asia, its use and recognition in other parts of the world remain limited.

Conclusions: The compiled literature highlights A. fistulosum as a nutritionally and pharmacologically significant plant with a rich ethnomedicinal background. Its diverse range of bioactive constituents offers promising potential for therapeutic applications and functional food development. However, further experimental and clinical studies are necessary to validate its efficacy, elucidate mechanisms of action, and promote its integration into global medicinal and agricultural systems.