Fact Check: Can Onion juice cure PCOS?

Claim: An Instagram post claims that onion juice can cure gynaecological issues. The post recommends taking a middle-sized white onion and cutting it into four pieces. After that, put the onion in boiling water and boil it for 5 more minutes. It is suggested that you drink the juice before lunch and dinner before eating anything. The user further suggests using white onion for this cure to work. The user claims that this onion juice can cure gynaecological issues like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The post can be seen here. 

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has described PCOS as a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time. PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries.

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can differ from person to person. Symptoms may change over time and often occur without a clear trigger. Possible symptoms include:

Can PCOS be cured?

PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications and treatments. (1)

Nutritional Benefits of Onion:

Onions are widely consumed globally, known for their distinctive flavor and versatility in cooking. They are commonly eaten raw in salads, cooked in a variety of dishes, and used as a base for soups, sauces, and stews. Beyond their culinary uses, onions also offer numerous health benefits.

Onions add abundant flavor to a wide variety of food yet are low in calories. With only 45 calories per serving, onions are naturally fat and cholesterol-free. They are a source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and other key nutrients, including folate, calcium and iron. Onions contain a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals known as organosulfur compounds linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Among some of their best-known benefits, onions contain the flavonoid quercetin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body, inhibits low-density lipoprotein oxidation (an important reaction in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease), protects and regenerates vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), and provides protection from many forms of cancer. (2)

Can Onion juice cure PCOS?

While some scientific studies suggest that onion juice may be effective in managing PCOS and certain symptoms, there is no evidence to support the claim that consuming onion juice can cure PCOS.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine examined the effects of onion juice on menstrual disorders and hormonal parameters in 64 women with PCOS. Participants consumed onion juice for 15 days, showing significant improvements in HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels and reductions in irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and menorrhagia (p<0.05). The study concluded that onion juice could help reduce PCOS complications, particularly in improving menstrual disorders and lipid parameters. However, limitations like the small sample size and short duration necessitate further research. (3)

Additionally, a study by Mehranghiz Ebrahimi-Mamaghani et al., published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, suggested that raw red onion consumption might lower cholesterol levels in women with PCOS. (4) Another study in Biological and Chemical Research highlighted the antioxidant properties of onions and other Allium species, which could offer nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, the specific impact on PCOS remains unclear. Further research is needed to validate these findings. (5)

Although some preliminary findings indicate potential benefits in improving menstrual disorders and lipid parameters, these results are not conclusive. There is no scientific evidence to support onion juice as a cure for PCOS currently. 

What do experts say?

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team asked Dr Shweta Mittal Gupta, Co-Director, Centre of IVF, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, the question, she said, "Since this kind of treatment does not come under allopathic medicine, I cannot give any comment. None of the treatments can be followed blindly. There needs to be some scientific reason, and not taking other treatments is not justified. So there are many naturopathic treatments. However, they cannot be validated by doctors practising allopaths. PCOS is a condition which has been present from birth. It is more associated with obesity and genetic transmission. The best way to treat PCOS or keep the symptoms under control is to lose body weight and exercise and have a proper diet which is low in carbohydrates. PCOS is also associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and uterine cancer. Thus, proper follow-up with a gynaecologist lifelong is mandatory lifestyle management does help tremendously in keeping the symptoms of PCOS under control."

Responding to the claim, Dr (Prof) Mala Srivastava, Vice-Chairperson, Gynecologic Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, added, "Onion juice is not a scientifically proven cure for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder, and while some natural remedies might help alleviate symptoms for some individuals, relying solely on onion juice or any other singular remedy is not advisable. Managing PCOS typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical procedures. Here are some common ways to manage PCOS:

1. Diet and Nutrition:

- Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods high in fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

- Low Glycemic Index: Choose foods that do not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity.

2. Exercise:

- Regular physical activity can help manage weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce symptoms.

3. Medications:

- Hormonal Birth Control: To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels.

- Metformin: Often prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity.

- Anti-Androgens: To reduce symptoms like excessive hair growth and acne.

- Fertility Medications: For those trying to conceive.

4. Supplements:

- Some supplements like inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may help with PCOS symptoms, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

5. Lifestyle Changes:

- Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and adequate sleep can help manage symptoms.

6. Medical Procedures:

- In some cases, procedures like ovarian drilling may be considered.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan for PCOS." 

Medical Dialogues Final Take

PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often presenting symptoms such as irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and cysts in the ovaries. While onions have notable nutritional benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and essential vitamins and minerals, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that onion juice can cure PCOS. Naturopathy may suggest onion juice for managing PCOS symptoms, but current studies have significant limitations, such as small sample sizes and short study durations; therefore, their results are not conclusive. No scientific evidence or medical consensus was found to support the claim that consumption of onion juice can cure PCOS.

Hence the claim that onion juice can cure PCOS issues is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

2. https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/onion-nutrition/

3.https://www.acarindex.com/journal-of-experimental-and-clinical-medicine/the-effect-of-onion-juice-on-menstrual-disorder-and-hormonal-parameters-in-patients-with-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-1305095 

4. Ebrahimi-Mamaghani M, Saghafi-Asl M, Pirouzpanah S, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Effects of raw red onion consumption on metabolic features in overweight or obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2014 Apr;40(4):1067-76. doi: 10.1111/jog.12311. Epub 2014 Mar 10. PMID: 24612081.

5. Saraçoğlu, İ. A., Çakır, K., & Demir, A. (2023). Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with cure of Allium cepa (Onion). Biological and Chemical Research, 11(1), 18-27. Science Signpost Publishing.