»Hormonal actions« of Allium species Historical reports and modern scientific findings

Abstract: This review article reports on the action of Allium species especially with garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium ccpa L.) upon the endocrine system. In part already very old historical sources inform us about the aphrodisiac, oxytocic, contraceptive and abortive activities of these plants. According to this, more recent scientific investigations revealed androgenic and antiandrogenic, estrogenic and antiestrogenic, as well as prostaglandine-like effects. Moreover, antithyreoidal and antidiabetic effects have been also observed with Allium species. The active principle for these effects ist suggested to be the thiosulfines and/or oligosulfides and their precursors, respectively, and especially the saponins which have been found in the plants during the past years.

Keyword(s): Allium species

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