Chinese onion: An under-utilized medicinal plant of Karbi Anglong, Assam

Abstract

Allium chinense is a perennial species native to China, cultivated and naturalized in the Himalayas. Regarding the habitat, it thrives primarily in the Tropical and Sub-tropical areas of Japan, China and widely cultured in many other parts of eastern Asia. A. Chinese is an immunity-boosting food rich in fructans and its essential oil can be used as fumigant against pest control programs. The leaves and the bulb of this crop can be eaten raw or cooked. Geographically it is a vital, yet underutilized, medicinal, and culinary plant, traditionally used by ethnic communities in Karbi Anglong, Assam. Known for its bulbs and leaves, it serves as a nutritious ingredient rich in sulfur compounds and antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and blood-pressure-regulating benefits. Despite its potential, it remains largely underexploited commercially in the region. Though this crop is economically significant throughout eastern Asia as a valuable, yet sometimes considered as a threatened species due to its reliance on localized traditional cultivation and wild harvesting in the region. Through this paper it is attempted to create awareness on the importance of this crop and popularise for large scale commercial cultivation among the farmers of Hill regions of Assam.