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Coix

Also known as: Coix seed, Job’s tears, Adlay, Yi yi ren, Coix lacryma-jobi

Overview

Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as Job's tears or coix seed, is a plant native to East Asia. The seed is used in traditional medicine and as a functional food. It contains bioactive compounds like coixenolide and coixol, which are believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. Coix seed is used as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, for immune modulation, and to support metabolic health, particularly lipid management. It is available in various forms, including whole seed, powder, and extracts. Research on coix seed is ongoing, with a growing body of evidence from preclinical studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses, especially in the field of oncology. The quality of evidence varies, with the strongest support for its use as an adjunctive cancer therapy.

Benefits

Coix seed has demonstrated anti-tumor effects, particularly when used as an adjunctive therapy for non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural effusion. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in these patients. Some evidence suggests that coix seed can modulate immune function, although the results are mixed. Additionally, studies have shown that coix seed consumption can increase the abundance of *Faecalibacterium* in the gut, potentially supporting gut health. In individuals with hyperlipidemia, incorporating coix seed into the diet has been shown to reduce triglyceride levels. These benefits are most pronounced in cancer patients, peritoneal dialysis patients, and individuals with elevated triglycerides.

How it works

Coix seed's mechanism of action involves multiple biological pathways. Its anti-tumor effects are attributed to the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of immune responses. It may also influence lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. The bioactive compounds coixenolide and coixol are thought to play a role in its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Coix seed interacts with the immune system by modulating cellular immunity, the gastrointestinal tract by altering gut microbiota, and the metabolic system by reducing triglycerides. However, the oral bioavailability of its key compounds is not well characterized.

Side effects

Coix seed is generally well-tolerated, with few serious adverse events reported in clinical studies. The most common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and diarrhea, which occur in a small percentage of users. Rare reports of allergic reactions have also been documented. There are no significant drug interactions reported in clinical studies, but data are limited. Individuals with known allergies to coix seed should exercise caution. Due to limited data, caution is advised for use in children and during pregnancy or lactation. Overall, coix seed appears to have a favorable safety profile, but monitoring for potential gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions is recommended.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of coix seed is not well established, but most studies use 30–60 g/day of whole seed or an equivalent extract. For metabolic effects, a dosage of 30–60 g/day of whole seed is typically used. In pediatric studies, an extract dosage of 6–12 g/day (equivalent to 6–12 g seed) has been used. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 60 g/day have been used without serious adverse effects. It is typically administered in divided doses throughout the day. Coix seed can be consumed as whole seed, powder, or standardized extract. The food matrix may affect bioavailability, but this is not well characterized. No specific cofactors are required for its use.

FAQs

Is coix seed safe?

Coix seed is generally safe, but monitor for gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. Limited data exist regarding drug interactions, so caution is advised when taken with other medications.

What are the expected results from taking coix seed?

Modest improvements in symptom control (cancer), gut microbiota, and lipid profiles may be observed. It is not a cure for cancer but may be used as an adjunctive therapy.

How should I take coix seed?

It is best taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Follow recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

What is coix seed used for?

Coix seed is primarily used as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, for immune modulation, and to support metabolic health, particularly lipid management. Evidence for other uses is limited.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10762529/ – This review discusses the potential of Coix lacryma-jobi in cancer therapy, highlighting its bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action. It suggests that Coix may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for further research in cancer treatment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8618347/ – This study investigates the impact of Coix seed on gut microbiota composition. The findings indicate that Coix seed consumption can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria like *Faecalibacterium*, suggesting a positive effect on gut health. This modulation of gut microbiota may contribute to the overall health benefits associated with Coix seed consumption.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.901875/full – This article reviews the pharmacological effects of Kanglaite, a Coix seed extract, in cancer treatment. It summarizes evidence from multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, indicating that Kanglaite can improve quality of life and symptom control in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural effusion. The review also acknowledges the heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, suggesting the need for more rigorous methodology in future research.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This study evaluates the effects of Coix seed on metabolic health, specifically triglyceride levels. The results show that replacing part of the carbohydrate source with Coix seed can reduce triglycerides, suggesting a potential benefit for individuals with hyperlipidemia. However, the study also notes that there was no significant effect on HDL-C levels.