Dayak onion is known by the scientific name Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb, with the synonym Eleutherine Palmifolia L.Merr., and belongs to the Iridaceae family. This plant comes from tropical areas in America and is a perennial herb with rhizome roots, bulbs, or bulbous parts. The leaves are all or mostly crowded at the base of the stem, often with one edge facing the stem (sword-shaped), and they can overlap each other at the base like a sheath.

Image Courtesy : haibunda.com

The active compound content in Dayak onions is very complete, so it’s no wonder that they have so many benefits. These compounds include alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins. One of these compounds, flavonoids, can be beneficial as an anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and as a free radical scavenger. The strength of the antioxidant activity of flavonoid compounds depends on the number and position of OH groups in the flavonoid molecule. The more OH groups there are, the higher the anti-radical activity.

Several studies and tests have been done to prove the benefits of Dayak onions. Among them is the research by the Faculty of Pharmacy at ITB Bandung, which examined the effect of processing the dried herbs on the main metabolite content of Dayak onions. Dayak onions can be used fresh directly or dried.

Image Courtesy : berita.99.co

The benefits of Dayak onions can cure various diseases, ranging from mild ones to dangerous, even deadly illnesses. For example, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, tuberculosis, bronchitis, rectal inflammation, gout, prostatitis, hemorrhoids, fat burners, boils, hepatitis, and libido enhancers.