Dayak Onion

The Dayak Onion (Eleutherine palmifolia), also known as Bawang Dayak or Sabah onion, is a perennial plant from the iris family (Iridaceae). It originates from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly from the Indonesian island of Borneo, where it has been cultivated and used by the indigenous Dayak peoples for centuries. The plant forms elongated, reddish-violet bulbs, which are valued not only as a spice but above all as a traditional remedy. In the traditional medicine of the Dayak, it is regarded as a symbol of vitality and protection against illness – a status that has secured it a firm place in rituals, festivals, and healing practices. In traditional ceremonies, the bulb is often used as an offering to ask for health and protection. Women use it after childbirth because it is said to promote recovery and strengthen the body's defenses.

What health benefits does the Dayak Onion offer?

In the folk medicine of Southeast Asia, the Dayak Onion is used for a variety of ailments. Modern phytochemical investigations confirm many of these applications, yet far more research is needed to be able to draw definitive conclusions about its effects. Important documented benefits include:

  • Antibacterial: Studies suggest that the plant contains secondary metabolites that exhibit antibacterial properties against various bacteria (1,2).
  • Antioxidant: The Dayak Onion is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which could neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage (2,3).
  • Blood sugar regulation: Extracts of the Dayak Onion can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity (3).
  • Cardiovascular protection: The plant contains secondary plant compounds that can potentially regulate blood pressure and promote vascular health; initial studies also point to this effect (4).
  • Cancer prevention: Certain active compounds of the plant show antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects in vitro (5).

How does the Dayak Onion work

The medicinal effects of the Dayak Onion are attributed primarily to its content of flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, and tannins (1,6,7).

Risks and side effects

  • In usual amounts as a food, the Dayak Onion is considered safe.
  • In concentrated form (e.g., high-dose extracts), it can cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a qualified professional before any medicinal use.
  • In general, more research is needed to be able to draw definitive conclusions.

Conclusion

The Dayak Onion is a fascinating example of the interplay of natural medicine, culture, and modern research. It combines centuries-old healing knowledge with initial scientifically documented effects that point to medicinal potential, and it has its firm place both in the kitchen and in the traditional healing arts of Southeast Asia. In the future, further scientific studies must continue to investigate the plant's effects in order to uncover its full health potential.

Sources:

  1. Harlita, T. D., Oedjijono, & Asnani, A. (2018). The Antibacterial Activity of Dayak Onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) towards Pathogenic Bacteria. Tropical life sciences research, 29(2), 39–52. https://doi.org/10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.4
  2. Kamarudin, A. A., Sayuti, N. H., Saad, N., Razak, N. A. A., & Esa, N. M. (2021). Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. Bulb: Review of the Pharmacological Activities and Its Prospects for Application. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(13), 6747. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22136747
  3. Ramadhani, A., Doewes, M., & Listyawati, S. (2023). The effect of Dayak onion extract (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) on swimming time and oxidative stress levels in mice with the forced swimming test model. Jurnal Info Kesehatan, 21(3), 419–428. https://doi.org/10.31965/infokes.Vol21Iss3.1144
  4. Susanti, V., Setiani, D., & Shoufiah, R. (2023). The effect of Dayak onion water (Eleutherine palmifolia) to reduction of blood pressure on hypertension patients. KESANS: International Journal of Health and Science, 3(1), 113–124. https://doi.org/10.54543/kesans.v3i1.158
  5. Mutiah, R., Sari, R. A., Firsyaradha, W. Y., Listiyana, A., Indrawijaya, Y. Y. A., Wafi, A., Suryadinata, A., Susilowati, R., & Rahmawati, A. (2020). Activity and Toxicity of Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. Extract on BALB/c Mice Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer Model. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP, 21(12), 3579–3586. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.12.3579
  6. Kuntorini EM, Laurentius HN. Structural development and bioactive content of red bulb plant (Eleutherine americana); A traditional medicines for local Kalimantan people. Biodiversitas. 2010;11(2):102–106. doi: 10.13057/biodiv/d110210.
  7. Mierza V, Suryanto D, Nasution MP. In: Hutahaean S, Ilyas S, Rahayu S, Berliani K, editors. Screening test phytochemicals and antibacterial effects of ethanol extracts of onion bulbs sabrang (Eleutherine palmifolia Merr.); Proceedings of the National Biology Seminar: Enhancing the Role of Biology in Creating National Achievement with Global Reach; 22 January 2011; North Sumatra, Indonesia. 2011. pp. 340–352.