The Efficacy of Onion Extract on the Prevention or Treatment of Scars: A Systematic Review.

This article systematically reviews the efficacy of onion extract (OE) gel in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars, particularly following burns and surgical injuries. Analyzing 21 randomized controlled trials involving 2,028 patients, the review found that OE demonstrated statistically significant improvements in certain scar characteristics compared to no treatment, especially in observer-assessed outcomes, though patient-reported benefits were less consistent. OE combined with other topical agents like silicone gel or corticosteroids showed enhanced effects in some studies, with minimal and mostly mild adverse effects reported. Despite these findings, variability in study methodologies, scar assessment scales, and OE formulations limits definitive conclusions, indicating a need for further research with standardized protocols, larger sample sizes, and longer follow-up periods to clarify OE's role in scar management.