title: Effect of onion peel extract supplementation on the lipid profile and antioxidative status of healthy young women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial.
abstract: The consumption of fruits and vegetables that have high polyphenol content has been previously associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of onion peel extract on plasma total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and leukocyte DNA damage. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Healthy female subjects received either onion peel extract or placebo (dextrin) for two weeks, underwent a 1-week washout period, and then received the other treatment for an additional two weeks. After two weeks of onion peel extract supplementation, the total cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and atherogenic index significantly decreased (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes or levels of lipid peroxidation markers following onion peel extract supplementation. Additionally, no significant difference was found in plasma antioxidant vitamin (retinol, tocopherols, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10) levels or ex vivo H2O2-provoked oxidative DNA damage after onion peel extract supplementation. The present interventional study provides evidence of the health benefits of onion peel extract and demonstrates its effects in modulating lipid profiles in healthy young Korean women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyungnam University, 449 Woryeong-dong, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam 631-701, Korea.
authors.forename: Jungmi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Yong-Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Kyung-Hea
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Eunju
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: DNA damage; Onion peel extract; antioxidant status; healthy young women; lipid profile