Corn silks are the long, silky strands that grow on the cob of corn. Although corn is often discarded when preparing it for consumption, it may have a variety of medicinal uses. As an herbal medicine, cornsilk has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American medicine. Today, it is still used in many countries, including China, France, Turkey, and the United States.
What is corn silk and how to use it?
Corn silk is the long, thread-like plant material that grows under the husks of fresh ears of corn.
These shiny, thin fibers help pollinate and grow corn, but they are also used in traditional herbal practices.
Corn silk contains a variety of plant compounds that may have a variety of health effects.
In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including prostate problems, malaria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and heart disease.
Recent research suggests it may also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation.
Corn silk can be used fresh, but is usually dried before being consumed as a tea or extract. It can also be taken as a pill.
Potential benefits of corn silk
Although corn silk is commonly used in herbal medicine, research on it is limited.
However, preliminary research suggests it may have health benefits, particularly for certain types of inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Provides antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect body cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and inflammation.
Corn silk is a naturally rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.
Multiple test-tube and animal studies show that its flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and protect against free radical damage.
These compounds may be responsible for many of cornsilk's benefits.
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is part of the body's natural immune response. However, excessive inflammation has been linked to a variety of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
Test tube and animal studies have found that corn silk extract can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of two major inflammatory compounds.
This sticky plant fiber also contains magnesium, which helps regulate the body's inflammatory response.
Can control blood sugar
Some studies show that corn silk can lower blood sugar and help control diabetes symptoms.
One animal study noted that diabetic mice given corn silk flavonoids had significantly lower blood sugar compared to controls.
A recent test-tube study also suggests that the antioxidants in this corn product may help prevent diabetic nephropathy. Although these results are promising, human studies are still needed.
May lower blood pressure
Corn silk may be effective in treating high blood pressure.
First, it helps drain excess fluid from the body. Therefore, it may be a natural alternative to prescription diuretics, which are commonly used to lower blood pressure.
A study in rats found that corn silk extract significantly reduced blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
In one study, patients with high blood pressure who took the highest dose had the greatest drop in blood pressure.
May lower cholesterol
One animal study found that mice given corn silk extract had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, while HDL (good) cholesterol increased.
In another study of mice fed a high-fat diet, those who received corn silk had significantly lower total cholesterol than those who did not receive the supplement.
Even so, human research is still necessary.
Corn silk dosage
Due to limited human research on corn silk, official dosage recommendations have not yet been established.
There are many factors that may affect how your body responds to this supplement, including age, health, and medical history.
Most existing research shows that corn silk is not toxic and that a daily dose of 4.5 grams per pound of body weight (10 grams per kilogram) is probably safe for most people.
That said, the labels for most corn silk supplements recommend a much lower dosage of 400-450 mg, taken 2-3 times per day.
It is recommended to start with a low dose to ensure your body responds well and then gradually increase the dose if necessary.
If you are unsure about the appropriate dosage, consult your medical provider.
Side effects and precautions of corn silk
Although reports of adverse effects are rare, corn silk may not be safe for everyone.
If you have an allergic reaction to corn or corn products, you should avoid using corn silk.
Additionally, corn silk is not recommended if you take any of the following medications:
- diuretics
- blood pressure medication
- diabetes medicine
- anti-inflammatory drugs
- blood thinners
Additionally, you should avoid using this product if you are taking potassium supplements or have been treated for low potassium levels, as corn silk may increase the excretion of this mineral.
Be sure to check the ingredient list on the label as other herbs are sometimes added.
If you're not sure if corn silk is appropriate for your daily life, talk to your doctor.
generalize
Corn silk is a natural corn fiber used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.
Research is limited, but some studies suggest it can reduce inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
While corn silk is probably safe for most people, you should check with your doctor before taking it.
