Allium schoenoprasum

Related Terms

Alba, alliinase, Allium tuberosum, allyl methyl disulfide, anthocyanins, biogenic amines, blue spear, carotenoids, Chinese chive, curly mauve, diallyl sulfides, ferulic acid, he (Vietnamese), kaempferol glycosides, Liliaceae (family), linoleic acid, mannose-binding lectin, marsha, methiin, methyl allyl disulfide, onion, palmitic acid, p-coumaric acid, serine acetyltransferase sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, siu heung (Chinese), snowcap, sulfur, sulfur-containing compounds, sulphur, tsung (Chinese).

Background

Chives are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are commonly used as cooking herbs to give a mild onion flavor to many foods, including salads, soups, vegetables, and sauces. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) belong to the Liliaceae family, although they are sometimes grouped together with the onion family (Alliaceae).
Allium herbs such as Chinese chives, garlic, and onion contain the element sulfur, resulting in the strong smell of these herbs.
Chives and members of the onion family have been used for many centuries for their flavoring value in food and for their medicinal properties, including relief from sunburn and sore throat.
Chives may have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and some anticancer effects. Studies have found a possible link between the consumption of Allium vegetables, including chives, and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
At this time, there is not enough evidence supporting the use of chives for any medical condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


A Chinese study linked consumption of Allium vegetables, including chives, to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. More well-designed trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


A Chinese study linked consumption of Allium vegetables, including chives, to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. More well-designed trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for chive in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chives may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chives may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Chives may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Chives may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, and sex drive-enhancing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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