Have Antibacterial Properties

Onions can combat potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Bacillus cereus. In addition, onion extract has been proven to suppress the growth of Vibrio cholerae, a pathogen that is a serious public health risk in underdeveloped countries. Quercetin derived from onions appears to be a very effective antibacterial agent.

In a test-tube investigation, quercetin isolated from yellow onion skin effectively suppressed the development of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). H. pylori is a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers and some malignancies of the digestive tract, whereas MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause infections throughout the body. Another research in test tubes discovered that quercetin harmed the cell walls and membranes of E. coli and S. aureus.