Editorial Expression of Concern: Salt-induced abnormalities on root tip mitotic cells of Allium cepa: prevention by inositol pretreatment.

Polysaccharides from diverse plant species have been consumed since ancient times to meet human energy needs. In recent years, plant-derived polysaccharides have gained scientific interest for their potential medicinal properties. Multiple studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of polysaccharides extracted from Allium sativum (ASP) and Allium cepa (ACP). Polysaccharides were isolated by hot-water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation. The extracts were chemically characterized through phytochemical tests and FT-IR analysis. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays, and an in vitro glucose uptake assay. Polysaccharides from both species were pale yellow in color. Total carbohydrate content was 76.12% for ASP and 72.93% for ACP. FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of reducing sugars and pectic polysaccharides. ASP showed stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 85.7 ± 1.06 μg/mL) than ACP (IC50 = 99.38 ± 1.39 μg/mL), though both were less potent than ascorbic acid. ASP also demonstrated greater α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 61.57 ± 0.86 μg/mL) compared with ACP (IC50 = 72.82 ± 2.51 μg/mL). α-Glucosidase inhibition was similar between ASP (IC50 = 69.56 ± 1.31 μg/mL) and ACP (IC50 = 68.61 ± 2.09 μg/mL). Both extracts enhanced glucose utilization in a dose-dependent manner, with ASP showing the highest glucose stimulation at 758.3 μg/mL, significantly increasing glucose uptake relative to untreated controls. Polysaccharides from Allium species exhibit promising potential to be used in diabetes therapy. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

Dinotefuran is a third-generation furanicotinyl neonicotinoid with broad-spectrum systemic insecticidal activity. Allium cepa L. is widely used in genetic and cytogenetic investigations. The Allium-comet assay is a valuable genotoxicological tool that enables early detection of single-cell-level DNA damage, providing critical insight into the genotoxic potential of a wide range of substances. This research was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic potential of dinotefuran on A. cepa plants. Allium bulbs were germinated, and then after seven days they were directly embedded in negative control (NC), positive control (PC, 10 mM H2O2) and dinotefuran (0, 0.5, and 10 mgL-1). The emerging roots were subjected to assess DNA damage using the comet assay, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was analyzed in order to determine the lipid peroxidation. In addition, total chlorophyll content was analyzed in leaf tissues. Total chlorophyll content significantly decreased in 10 mgL-1 of dinotefuran and PC treatments. MDA levels in A. cepa roots indicated possible oxidative damage to cellular membranes due to dinotefuran. DNA damage assessed via the Comet assay showed a clear concentration-dependent increase, highlighting genotoxic effects of dinotefuran exposure. Our findings reveal the concentration-dependent phytotoxicity and genotoxicity of dinotefuran, underscoring its potential risks to plant systems and the importance of regulating its application.

The skin microbiome maintains cutaneous homeostasis through colonization resistance and immune modulation, targeted prebiotic interventions however remain largely unexplored. The present study addresses this lacuna effectively demonstrating the ability of plant-derived prebiotics to selectively modulate key skin commensals and pathogenic bacteria thereby unraveling a new dimension to use of prebiotics in skin care. Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) and Allium sativum (garlic) extracts used herein exhibited complete growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus within 6h, while Curcuma amada (mango ginger) rapidly halted the growth of Cutibacterium acnes within 15min. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was carried out to unveil the bioactive constituents in plant-prebiotics as well as the exposed organisms. Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy validated bacterial cell membrane disruption correlating with antimicrobial efficacy. Remarkably, Allium cepa (onion) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) selectively enhanced the proliferation of Staphylococcus epidermidis while simultaneously inhibiting pathogenic species. Metabolomic profiling revealed that prebiotic-stimulated S.epidermidis produced elevated levels of butyric and succinic acids that are documented to have anti-bacterial activity. Plant-based prebiotics can thus be strategically reinforced to benefit skin microbiota with simultaneous inhibition of skin pathogens, providing a scientific foundation for microbiome-targeted cosmeceuticals.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) production in hyper-arid environments is constrained by poor soil fertility, limited water availability, and post-harvest losses that reduce market viability. The interactive effects of foliar application of copper oxide (CuO) and calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles (NPs), combined with sugarcane filter mud cake (FMC), on onion growth and storage quality in calcareous hyper-arid soils remain to be characterized. A two-season field study (2023/24-2024/25) evaluated the effects of FMC (30 t ha⁻¹) combined with foliar CuO NPs (10, 20, and 30mg L⁻¹) and CaO NPs (50, 100, and 150mg L⁻¹), applied singly and in combination, on onion cv. Sabeeni in Upper Egypt. Vegetative growth, yield traits, nutrient uptake, and storage performance were quantified. Organic fertilization and nanoparticle treatments interacted significantly: yields of 42-45 t ha⁻¹ (15-21% above control) were achieved with low-to-moderate CuO NPs (10-20mg L⁻¹) and high CaO NPs (150mg L⁻¹); high CaO NPs alone maintained yields close to control values (< 3% increase); and excessive CuO NPs (30mg L⁻¹) with insufficient Ca was associated with phytotoxicity and yield reductions (21.29-28.90 t ha⁻¹). Tissue Cu concentrations ranged from 6.17 to 39.33mg kg⁻¹ and Ca from 2,556 to 4,750mg kg⁻¹. These results suggest that combining organic amendment with appropriately balanced nanoparticle nutrition may represent a scalable approach to improving onion yield by 15-21% and extending post-harvest shelf life under hyper-arid conditions.

This study explores plant extracts’ potential as natural hair dye colourants, emphasising its eco-friendly advantages and antioxidant qualities. DPPH tests, reducing power, and phenolic and flavonoid content analysis were used to assess antioxidant activity. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the highest concentration of tannic acids in Juglans regia L. extract. Quinic acid, protocatecchuic acid, and quercetin were identified in the majority of extracts. Protocatecchuic acid was most abundant, especially in Allium cepa L. extract (220.14 mg/g DW). The greatest phenolic content (684.5 µg GAE/mg) and DPPH scavenging activity (78%–93% inhibition) were found in onion peel. Oxalic acid was added to dye compositions containing these extracts to boost colour intensity and wash fastness; CIEL ab values verified the better outcomes. The findings suggest that plant-based dyes, with their strong antioxidant properties, provide an effective, safe, and sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes, delivering vibrant colours while supporting hair health and environmental sustainability.

Vegetables harboring antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing concern in food safety. However, data concerning extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamase, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in fresh vegetables are still rare. In this study, 50 vegetable samples from six different locations in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, were screened for the β-lactamase group. Freshly purchased vegetables: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Onion (Allium cepa), Garden egg (Solanum melongena), and Carrot (Daucus carota) were aseptically cut into pieces and pre-incubated in Minimum Recovery Diluent (MRD) for 6h. Afterwards, streaking was done on sterile Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, and incubated at 37°C for 24h. The bacterial isolates obtained were biochemically characterized. The antibiotic susceptibility and beta-lactamase production profile for each isolated strain were determined phenotypically by preparing a 0.5 McFarland bacterial suspension and plating it on Mueller-Hinton agar. Commercially prepared antibiotic discs were used for susceptibility testing, and Mastdisc Combi test kits were used specifically to screen for beta-lactamase production. Forty-six enteric bacterial isolates consisting of Escherichia coli (11%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (52%), K. oxytoca (15%), and Klebsiella aerogenes (22%) were obtained; all were 100% resistant to the beta-lactam antibiotics used, and showed varied phenotypic multi-drug resistant (MDR) and beta-lactamase profiles. The presence of these MDR and beta-lactamase-producing attributes in these organisms may pose potential health risks to consumers of these vegetables.

Comparative cytogenotoxicity and physiological stress endpoints of a Trichoderma asperellum-based biopesticide versus mancozeb and abamectin in plant bioassays.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops grown in Ethiopia. Although its productivity depends on optimization of irrigation water depth and fertilizer application rates, there is limited scientific evidence on the optimal nitrogen rate and irrigation depth in our study area. Therefore, this study investigated the interactive effects of different irrigation depths and nitrogen fertilizer rates on onion yield and resource use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted over two dry seasons (2019-2020) using nine treatment combinations, consisting of three irrigation depths and three nitrogen rates, arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Prior to analysis, data were tested for normality and homogeneity. Subsequently, data were analyzed using a general linear model, and means were compared using LSD at P < 0.05. Results demonstrated that irrigation depth was the dominant factor (P < 0.001), followed by nitrogen level (P < 0.05). Although marketable yield increased consistently with the combined increase of both inputs, rising from 15.94 ± 0.72 ton ha⁻¹ in T1 to 31.30 ± 1.20 ton ha⁻¹ in T9, this trend alone does not determine optimal management. Based on multi-criteria analysis, treatment T6 (100% of crop water requirement combined with 125% nitrogen) was identified as optimal, recording the highest irrigation water productivity (4.85kg m⁻³) and economic irrigation water productivity (121.27 ETB m⁻³), along with improved cation exchange capacity (11.433 ± 0.968 meq/100g soil), reflecting enhanced nutrient retention. Accordingly, T6 is recommended as the most suitable strategy for improving sustainable onion productivity in the study area and in regions with similar agro-ecological conditions.

ABSTRACTPseudomonas citronellolis M03 was isolated from the soil of a field, which has been under continuous onion production for approximately 20 years. The soil was naturally infested with onion‐pathogenic Burkholderia spp. but over the last 2 years bacterial populations had declined. The genome of the bacterial isolate was sequenced. The average nucleotide identity (ANIm) analysis showed > 97% identity and > 84% alignment coverage with the type strain P. citronellolis DSM50332T. Digital DNA‐DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were 73.6% (formula d4) and 77.8% (formula d0), exceeding the 70% species delineation threshold. The genome comprised of a single 6.73 Mb circular chromosome encoding 5802 coding sequences, including 10 pseudogenes, 428 hypothetical genes, and 81 RNA genes (15 rRNAs, 66 tRNAs). We also identified two NRP‐metallophore/NRPS biosynthetic gene clusters showing high similarity to the pyoverdine and enantio‐pyochelin clusters of Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5, suggesting the presence of uncharacterized metabolites with potential ecological or biocontrol functions. Phenotypic assays demonstrated strong antagonistic activity of P. citronellolis M03 against Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli in vitro, reducing their populations by > 10‐fold and approximately 50%, respectively, after 48 h of co‐inoculation. Assessment of onion bulb rot showed significant reductions in both disease incidence and severity when P. citronellolis M03 was co‐inoculated with B. cepacia. The ability of P. citronellolis M03 to persist and exert antagonistic effects in complex soil microflora highlights its ecological fitness and adaptability in natural environments. This study provides a valuable genomic resource and experimental evidence for the biocontrol capability of this potentially beneficial bacterium.

In peripheral nervous system (PNS), immature Schwann cells differentiate into two functionally distinct types of mature Schwann cells: myelinating Schwann cells, which establish a one-to-one relationship with large-diameter axons and initiate the complex myelination program that enables the rapid saltatory conduction of nerve impulses, and non-myelinating Schwann cells, which envelop multiple small-diameter axons without forming myelin, but support axon survival and maintain microenvironment homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate that discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) signaling plays a pivotal role in Schwann cell maturation and peripheral nerve myelination. Ddr1−/− mice of both sexes exhibited fewer myelinating Schwann cells and profound hypomyelination, reduced nerve conduction velocity, and apparent motor dysfunction. Expression of myelin markers was markedly reduced in the mutants accompanied by the formation of abnormal myelin ultrastructure resembling “onion bulbs”. Mechanistically, Ddr1 deficiency impaired Schwann cell myelination through the marked hyperactivation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. These findings establish DDR1 as a novel regulator of Schwann cell myelination and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for demyelinating neuropathies.

Chinese onion (Allium chinense G. Don) is a widely consumed edible vegetable across East Asia, recognized for its dual use as both a food and a medicinal resource. Its bulbs are recognized as dietary resources that are rich in bioactive steroidal saponins. This study conducted a systematic phytochemical investigation of Chinese onion bulbs, leading to the isolation of 20 steroidal saponins, including 13 previously undescribed compounds. Antiproliferative screening against gastric cancer (AGS) cells established that compound 1 possesses potent cytotoxicity. Mechanistic evaluations revealed that 1 suppressed AKT phosphorylation, triggered excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately activating caspase-dependent apoptosis. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) suggested a potential interaction between compound 1 and AKT. These findings significantly expand the chemical diversity of Chinese onions and highlight their steroidal saponins as promising dietary leads for gastric cancer intervention through the AKT-mediated oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.

Integrated ecotoxicological assessment of nerol: Comparative sensitivity on Allium cepa, Aliivibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Eisenia fetida, and riverine water and soil microbial communities.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-fermented shallot (Allium cepa L.) bulb in drinking water as a potential antibiotic alternative against Salmonella pullorum infection in broilers.

In recent years, the development of nanostructured systems, particularly in medicine and cosmetics, has expanded considerably. As the utilization of these technologies expands, there has been a growing discourse about their potential implications for human health and environmental safety. To address these issues while adhering to the 3Rs principle, alternative toxicological models have been explored in the early stages of nanocarrier development. Among these, Allium cepa has been extensively used to assess cytotoxic, genotoxic, and ecotoxicological effects. This scoping review mapped and analyzed 35 studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidelines and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Most studies were published in 2024 (6/35) and 2023 (6/35), mainly from India (12/35) and Brazil (7/35). Inorganic nanocarriers, predominantly metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, accounted for 26/35 studies, while organic carriers, including lipidic, polymeric, and biomolecule-based systems, represented 9/35. Approximately half of the studies used a positive control group (17/35), and the standard exposure duration was generally 24h (17/35). The Allium cepa assay demonstrates high sensitivity and reproducibility in detecting mitotic disruptions, chromosomal anomalies, and indicators of oxidative stress. Overall, inorganic nanocarriers induced more frequent cytogenotoxic and oxidative effects, while organic systems showed milder responses, often linked to higher biocompatibility and stability limitations. The findings reinforce Allium cepa as a reliable, ethical, and low-cost bioindicator for early nanotoxicological screening. However, significant methodological variability across studies underscores the need to standardize protocols and incorporate molecular endpoints to enhance the predictive and translational capabilities of this alternative nanotoxicology model.

High voltage electrical discharge-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from red onion peel (Allium cepa L.) using natural deep eutectic solvents: Efficiency, stability, and functional properties

The increasing contamination of aquatic environments with cadmium (Cd) poses a serious threat to biodiversity due to its high toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate whether environmentally relevant and elevated concentrations of Cd enhance toxicological responses in two bioindicator species at early developmental stages, representing different trophic levels: Allium cepa (a vascular plant) and Rhamdia quelen (a fish). Three exposure groups were established (5, 50, and 500 µg L-1 of Cd), in addition to a negative control group and a positive control (applied only to the A. cepa assay). Cytogenotoxic, phytotoxic, and bioaccumulative parameters were analyzed in seedlings, while morphological, teratological, and survival endpoints were assessed in fish larvae. A significant reduction in germination rate and root growth of A. cepa was observed across all Cd-treated groups. An increase in the chromosomal aberration index was also observed, primarily due to the occurrence of C-metaphases, chromosomal adhesions, and breaks in the treated groups. Clastogenic effects were more pronounced at the lowest Cd concentration. R. quelen larvae exhibited more severe and concentration-dependent effects, with high mortality rates and numerous body deformities at 50 and 500 µg L-1 of Cd after 48 hr post-fertilization (hpf). The responses were also time-dependent, as increased mortality and teratogenesis were recorded at 5 µg L-1 of Cd after 96 hpf. Even at permissive and environmentally realistic concentrations, Cd proved toxic to both species, with worsened outcomes under scenarios of future increases. The novelty of this article lies in comparing two distinct organisms under the same experimental conditions, examining different markers for ecological risk assessment and guidance, thereby making a relevant contribution to environmental monitoring.

The intensive use of synthetic fungicides in Iraq, particularly in arid agricultural regions such as Karbala Governorate, has raised concerns regarding pathogen resistance and environmental contamination, highlighting the need for sustainable disease management strategies. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of locally sourced Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) against Alternaria porri, the causal agent of onion purple blotch, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, responsible for tomato fusarium wilt, in the Al-Rujibah district of Karbala. The chemical composition of OEO was characterized using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), while its antifungal efficacy was assessed through in vitro mycelial growth and spore germination assays. Phytotoxicity tests were conducted to determine safe application levels for tomato seeds and onion bulbs, followed by greenhouse experiments to evaluate disease control performance under in vivo conditions. GC–MS analysis revealed that the oil was predominantly composed of carvacrol (57.7%) and thymol (24.5%). The oil exhibited strong antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.0 µL/mL against A. porri and 1.5 µL/mL against F. oxysporum. Concentrations up to 1.0 µL/mL showed no significant phytotoxic effects and were therefore established as the maximum safe threshold for crop application. Greenhouse trials demonstrated that OEO significantly reduced disease incidence and severity, surpassing the performance of carbendazim in tomato wilt management and providing comparable control of onion purple blotch while enhancing plant growth and yield parameters. These findings demonstrate that OEO represents a promising, environmentally friendly biocontrol agent with potential application in sustainable horticultural production systems and integrated disease management programs in Iraq and other arid regions of the Middle East.

Upstream-downstream pollution gradient of carbendazim in Pazarsuyu (Giresun) stream: Spectral shift signatures and synergistic genotoxic and meristematic responses in Alliumcepa.

This study aimed to determine the effect of using tap water, air conditioner (AC) water, and rainwater on root growth and mitotic phases in shallot roots (Allium cepa L.). The study employed an experimental method with a quantitative descriptive approach and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Shallot bulbs were immersed for 48 hours in three different types of water: tap water, AC water, and rainwater. Observations were conducted on root length and mitotic phases through microscopic examination using the squash method. Data were collected through direct observation and documentation of the observation results, then analyzed descriptively by calculating the average root length and the frequency of mitotic phases observed. The results showed that all treatments were able to support root growth and mitotic activity in the root meristem tissue of shallots. The best root growth was observed in the tap water and rainwater treatments, with an average root length of 1.8 cm, while the AC water treatment produced an average root length of 1.7 cm. Microscopic observations revealed that root cells in all treatments were predominantly in the telophase stage, characterized by the reformation of the nuclear membrane and the initiation of cytokinesis. Differences in mineral content among the water types were presumed to influence cell division activity and root cell elongation. Therefore, the type of soaking water affected root growth, although all treatments were capable of supporting the mitotic process in Allium cepa L.