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Dietary supplement

Onion Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Onion is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds and respiratory symptoms, heart and cholesterol health, blood sugar support.Based on those ingredients, 275 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Onion Bulb Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Onion by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: onion bulb extract in dry form. Onion extract is the concentrated version of the whole onion bulb.

The liquid also includes alcohol, water, and glycerin as inactive ingredients that help deliver and preserve the extract.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Onion's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Onion for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Scarring — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for onion extract is mixed and limited. It's rated possibly effective for reducing scarring.

For obesity, the evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective. For other uses — hair loss (alopecia areata), chest pain (angina), and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) — there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Onion

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Onion as a food is generally well tolerated, but concentrated supplement doses like this extract are less studied. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are stomach pain and heartburn.

Topically, it's generally well tolerated but can cause eczema or irritation in some people. Rarely, onion can trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals — there are case reports of throat swelling, severe hives, and even life-threatening reactions.

If you have a known onion allergy, this product isn't for you. Because supplement doses haven't been studied as thoroughly as food amounts, talk with your pharmacist about whether concentrated extract is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Onion

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Onion.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 275 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, double-check if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin or warfarin) — onion may increase bleeding risk. If you're on diabetes medications, monitor your blood sugar closely, as onion can lower it further.

Talk to your pharmacist if you take lithium or any drugs metabolized by the CYP2E1 enzyme.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This onion extract might be worth considering if you're interested in its scarring benefits, but the evidence is modest. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or lithium, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first — the interactions are real and potentially serious.

Anyone with an onion allergy should avoid it entirely.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Onion, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253639134
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 301646
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Onion by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253639134
IngredientAmount% DV
Onion Bulb Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

Organic Alcohol Based USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Allium cepa

Organic Alcohol Based

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

Organic Alcohol Based

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Onion by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Onion by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Onion Bulb Extract, Dry

Interacts with
275 drugs
983 mg per serving

Onion is a common food with a long history in traditional medicine, and it contains antioxidants like quercetin and sulfur compounds. Eating onion as...

Onion Bulb Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Onion by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Onion?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
275Drugs
275 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Onion with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Onion Bulb Extract, Dry5 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs with onion might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that onion inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Concomitant use of antidiabetes drugs with onion may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research and clinical research shows that taking onion can lower blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Concomitant use of aspirin with onion may worsen onion allergy.
In one case report, a patient with a mild onion allergy reported worsening allergy, including swelling and severe urticaria, after taking aspirin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, taking onion might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that taking onion powder inhibits CYP2E1. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lithium

Onion is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, onion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Onion, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Onion by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Onion by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Onion has a known interaction with 275 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Onion contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will onion extract help with hair loss?
There isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether onion works for hair loss (alopecia areata). You'd want to talk with your doctor about proven treatments while more research is done.
What are the common side effects I should expect?
When taken by mouth, the most common side effects are stomach pain and heartburn. These are usually mild and temporary. Topically, some people get eczema or irritation.
Is onion extract safe if I eat onions regularly?
Onion as food is fine for most people, but this is a concentrated supplement extract — it's much more potent than what you'd eat. Concentrated doses haven't been studied as thoroughly, so we can't say it's as safe. Talk with your pharmacist about whether this extract is right for you.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data on concentrated onion supplements during pregnancy and lactation isn't on file. Because food onions are fine but supplement doses are less studied, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What if I have an onion allergy?
Don't use this product. Onion allergy is rare, but there are case reports of severe reactions — including throat swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis. If you've ever reacted to onions, avoid it entirely.
Does this product contain any fillers?
Besides the active onion extract, it contains alcohol, water, and glycerin. These are inactive ingredients that help preserve and deliver the extract.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Onion is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Onion label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Onion's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Onion 26 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bruynzeel DP. Bulb dermatitis. Dermatological problems in the flower bulb industries. Contact Dermatitis 1997;37:70-7.
  4. Eberhard P, Gall HM, Muller I, Moller R. Dramatic augmentation of a food allergy by acetylsalicylic acid. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:844 PubMed
  5. Teyssier, C., Amiot, M. J., Mondy, N., Auger, J., Kahane, R., and Siess, M. H. Effect of onion consumption by rats on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. Food Chem.Toxicol. 2001;39(10):981-987. PubMed
  6. Moneret-Vautrin, D. A., Morisset, M., Lemerdy, P., Croizier, A., and Kanny, G. Food allergy and IgE sensitization caused by spices: CICBAA data (based on 589 cases of food allergy). Allerg.Immunol.(Paris) 2002;34(4):135-140.
  7. van Ketel, W. G. and de Haan, P. Occupational eczema from garlic and onion. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4(1):53-54. PubMed
  8. Mathew, P. T. and Augusti, K. T. Hypoglycaemic effects of onion, Allium cepa Linn. on diabetes mellitus - a preliminary report. Indian J.Physiol Pharmacol. 1975;19(4):213-217.
  9. Campos, K. E., Diniz, Y. S., Cataneo, A. C., Faine, L. A., Alves, M. J., and Novelli, E. L. Hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects of onion, Allium cepa: dietary onion addition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycaemic effects on diabetic rats. Int J Food S
  10. Bajaj, J. S., Shaker, R., and Hogan, W. J. Esophageal veggie spasms: a food-specific cause of chest distress. Am.J Gastroenterol. 2004;99(7):1396-1398. PubMed
  11. El Demerdash, F. M., Yousef, M. I., and El Naga, N. I. Biochemical study on the hypoglycemic effects of onion and garlic in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Food Chem.Toxicol. 2005;43(1):57-63. PubMed
  12. Hubbard, G. P., Wolffram, S., de Vos, R., Bovy, A., Gibbins, J. M., and Lovegrove, J. A. Ingestion of onion soup high in quercetin inhibits platelet aggregation and essential components of the collagen-stimulated platelet activation pathway in man: a pil
  13. Kook, S., Kim, G. H., and Choi, K. The antidiabetic effect of onion and garlic in experimental diabetic rats: meta-analysis. J Med Food 2009;12(3):552-560. PubMed
  14. Sharma, K. K., Gupta, R. K., Gupta, S., and Samuel, K. C. Antihyperglycemic effect of onion: effect on fasting blood sugar and induced hyperglycemia in man. Indian J.Med.Res. 1977;65(3):422-429.
  15. Jain, R. C., Vyas, C. R., and Mahatma, O. P. Letter: Hypoglycaemic action of onion and garlic. Lancet 12-29-1973;2(7844):1491.
  16. Jain, R. C. and Vyas, C. R. Letter: Hypoglycaemia action of onion on rabbits. Br.Med.J. 6-29-1974;2(5921):730. PubMed
  17. Veien, N. K., Hattel, T., Justesen, O., and Norholm, A. Causes of eczema in the food industry. Derm.Beruf.Umwelt. 1983;31(3):84-86.
  18. Tjokroprawiro, A., Pikir, B. S., Budhiarta, A. A., Pranawa, Soewondo, H., Donosepoetro, M., Budhianto, F. X., Wibowo, J. A., Tanuwidjaja, S. J., Pangemanan, M., and . Metabolic effects of onion and green beans on diabetic patients. Tohoku J Exp Med 1983; PubMed
  19. Brenner, S. and Wolf, R. Possible nutritional factors in induced pemphigus. Dermatology 1994;189(4):337-339. PubMed
  20. Roussos AP, Hirsch AR. Alliaceous migraines. Headache 2014;54(2):378-82. PubMed
  21. Akash MS, Rehman K, Chen S. Spice plant Allium cepa: dietary supplement for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition 2014;30(10):1128-37. PubMed
  22. 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 PubMed
  23. Eldin IM, Ahmed EM, HM AE. Preliminary study of the clinical hypoglycemic effects of Allium cepa (red onion) in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Environmental health insights 2010;4:71. PubMed
  24. Albanesi M, Pasculli C, Giliberti L, et al. Immunological characterization of onion (Allium cepa) allergy. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(1):98-103. PubMed
  25. Armentia A, Martín-Armentia S, Pineda F, et al. Allergic hypersensitivity to garlic and onion in children and adults. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2019. pii: S0301-0546(19)30091-6. PubMed
  26. Nishimura M, Muro T, Kobori M, Nishihira J. Effect of daily ingestion of quercetin-rich onion powder for 12 weeks on visceral fat: A randomised, double-Blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Nutrients. 2019 Dec 28;12(1):91. PubMed

See these in context on the Onion monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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