Corn Silk Extract Powder

What is Corn Silk?

Corn silk is derived from the style and flower head of Zea mays L., a gramineous plant of the genus Zea. Harvest when corn is harvested in the fall and sun-dried or dried. 

It is a common name for the shiny, thread-like, weak fibers that grow as part of ears of corn; the tuft or tassel of silky fibers that protrude from the tip of the ear of corn. The ear is enclosed in modified leaves called husks. 

Corn silk is part stigma and part style, providing a female flower surface to which pollen grains can adhere and defining the lengthy path through which the pollen must transmit its genetic material. 

The stigma is the very tip of the corn silk, which has a larger number of hairs to help pollen to adhere to it. Kernel formation in the cob requires lollination of the external corn silk by wind or insects.

Medical Use

Corn Silk Extract Powder is mainly used to Diuresis and swelling, Pinggan and gallbladder. For acute and chronic nephritis, edema, acute and chronic hepatitis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic sinusitis, urinary tract stones, bile duct stones, dysuria, damp-heat jaundice embolism. And prevent habitual abortion. 

The main functions of Corn Stigma Extract in traditional Chinese medicine are: Diuresis and swelling, Pinggan and gallbladder. For acute and chronic nephritis, edema, acute and chronic hepatitis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic sinusitis, urinary tract stones, bile duct stones, dysuria, damp-heat jaundice embolism. And prevent habitual abortion.

Corn Silk Extract can be used in conditions of high uric acid such as gout and some types of arthritis. It also helps to reduce conditions of painful swelling.  

How does it work?

Antibacterial Effect

According to research analysis, the corn silk extract from root canal has the effect of inhibiting the growth of Aspergillums with the proof from its active ingredients including glucanase and chitin via electrophoresis experiment.

The both substances were proved with anti-fungal properties. The corn silk ethanol extract is tested the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is 3.0g/100g while the antibacterial activity is stable under moderate in acidic conditions. 

Anti-tumor Effect 

Another independent lab research (Vitro Staining Test on Tumor Cell Lines) showed that the in vitro inhibition rate of ESM on human leukemia cell K562 was 63.3%, and the in vitro inhibition rate on human gastric cancer cell SGC was 63.3%. 

The Corn Silk Extract at the concentration of 9~25ul/mL has the obvious inhibitory effect on tumor growth in mice, prolonging the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Meanwhile, it can increase the phagocytosis index, clearance index and thymus coefficient, and also enhance the lymphocyte transformation function in vitro effect.

Hypoglycemic Effect

Another independent lab research (Comparison Test) indicated there was a significant therapeutic effect on alloxan-1induced diabetic mice, hypoglycemic effect on hyperglycemic mice caused by glucose and epinephrine, and on normal controls (no effect). 

For the first time, the researcher designed a short-term single gavage test and a long-term gavage test for diabetic mice induced by ethanol extract of corn silk and streptozotocin. Using Glibenclamide as a positive control, the effects of corn silk on the changes of basal blood glucose level, glucose tolerance and endogenous insulin content, and body weight of model mice were determined. 

The short-term test results showed that corn silk can reduce the basal blood sugar level and inhibit the increase of blood sugar stimulated by exogenous glucose. In the 4-week long-term gavage test, corn silk and Glibenclamide significantly decreased the blood sugar of diabetic mice, and the endogenous insulin content was higher than that of Glibenclamide. Under the action of corn silk, it increased, while corn silk had no such effect, but corn silk had a relieving effect on the weight loss of diabetic mice. 

The study results revealed for the first time that the ethanol extract of corn silk had a blood sugar-lowering effect while without any effect on endogenous insulin secretion. 

Corn silk contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains chemicals which might work like water pills (diuretics), and it might alter blood sugar levels, and help reduce inflammation.

1.To Increase Chloride Excretion  

The diuretic effect mainly outside of the kidney.

2.Lowering Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Effect

The fermentation preparation of corn stigma has a very significant reduction in blood sugar. The tea with corn silk and cassia seed may greatly improve hypertension symptoms. 

3.Choleretic Effect

Good to increase bile secretion and promote bile excretion. Greatly to reduce organic and impurity in bile, treatment cholecystitis, gall-stone. 

4.Hemostasis Effect 

To accelerate the process of blood coagulation, increase blood levels of thrombin increased platelet count. 

5. Diarrhoea

indigestion diarrhea, especially watery diarrhea,.

Corn silk seems to be safe for most people. Corn silk can decrease potassium levels in the blood and can cause skin rashes, itching, and allergies. 

Special Precautions & Warnings: 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 

Corn silk is safe for pregnant women when used in the amounts normally found in food. But larger amounts are unsafe, because corn silk might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage. 

Diabetes: 

There is some concern that large amount of corn silk might lower blood sugar. This could interfere with blood sugar control in people who have diabetes. 

High blood pressure or low blood pressure: 

Large amounts of corn silk might interfere with control of these conditions. 

Blood levels of potassium that are too low: 

Large amounts of corn silk might make these conditions worse. 

Corn allergy: 

Applying lotions that contain corn silk might cause a rash, red skin, and itchiness if you are allergic to corn silk, corn pollen, or cornstarch.