Onion Extract

What Does Onion Extract Do?

Onion extract (Allium cepa) is a potent source of bioactive compounds, most notably the flavonoid quercetin, which plays a crucial role in managing oxidative stress during intense training. While often overlooked in favor of more common stimulants, it serves as a foundational health optimizer that supports the vascular system and recovery.

• Enhanced Nitric Oxide Support: Onion extract contains organosulfur compounds that may help stimulate nitric oxide synthase, potentially improving blood flow and peripheral circulation during your workout.
• Potent Antioxidant Defense: High concentrations of quercetin help neutralize free radicals produced during strenuous exercise, reducing cellular damage and systemic inflammation.
• Cardiovascular Health: It aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and improving lipid profiles, ensuring your heart can handle the strain of high-intensity sessions.
• Hormonal Protection: Some preliminary research suggests that specific onion extracts may support natural testosterone levels by reducing oxidative stress within the Leydig cells of the testes.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

Key Insight: When looking at onion extract, the efficacy is often tied to its standardization for quercetin. A 200mg dose is the industry standard for providing a meaningful boost to your antioxidant defense system without causing the digestive distress associated with eating the whole vegetable.

Side Effects & Warnings

• Gastrointestinal Distress: In higher doses, some users may experience bloating, gas, or mild stomach upset, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Body Odor: Like consuming raw onions, concentrated extracts can occasionally lead to a distinct smell in sweat or breath if the extract is not highly purified.
• Blood Thinning: Onion extract has mild anti-platelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in sensitive individuals.

Contraindications: If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications or have an upcoming surgery, consult with a medical professional before using products containing high doses of onion extract.