Coix Extract
Also known as: Coix Seed Extract, Job's tears, adlay seed, coix seed, Kanglaite, Coix lacryma-jobi
Overview
Coix seed extract is derived from the seeds of Coix lacryma-jobi, a grass species widely cultivated in East Asia for both dietary and medicinal purposes. The extract is typically prepared as a water or ethanol extract, concentrating various bioactive compounds. It is primarily utilized for its purported anti-cancer, immune-modulatory, and skin health benefits. A specific pharmaceutical preparation, Kanglaite, which is a Coix seed extract formulation, is used adjunctively in cancer therapy in China. The extract contains multiple bioactive compounds believed to possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties. Research into Coix seed extract is moderately mature, with several clinical trials and meta-analyses, particularly in oncology, though many studies are concentrated in China and vary in methodological quality.
Benefits
Coix seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits. As an anti-cancer adjunct, meta-analyses of Kanglaite combined with chemotherapy have shown improved efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural effusion, and digestive system cancers. These analyses, pooling data from 7 to 34 RCTs involving up to approximately 3,000 patients, report improved tumor response rates and quality of life, without significantly increasing severe adverse events like thrombocytopenia or neurotoxicity. For skin health, RCTs in healthy females demonstrated that coix seed extract (e.g., 4 g/day) significantly reduced facial pigmentation and erythema compared to placebo after 8 weeks (p=0.006). Another study reported reduced sebum production at 12 weeks with 1500 mg/day dosing. Some evidence also suggests coix seed extract may modulate cellular immune function, with one study noting a temporary improvement in a marker related to immune response at 4 weeks, though this effect was not sustained. Potential anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in skin moisture and elasticity have also been reported, but require further confirmation. Benefits are primarily observed in cancer patients (as an adjunctive therapy) and healthy adults for skin improvements, with skin benefits typically appearing within 8-12 weeks.
How it works
The anti-tumor effects of Coix seed extract are thought to involve the modulation of multiple cancer-related pathways. This includes the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and activation of the immune system. The extract interacts with immune cells, cancer cells, and skin cells, influencing inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. While the exact mechanisms of immune modulation are not fully elucidated, it may involve the enhancement of cellular immunity markers. Network pharmacology studies have identified multiple molecular targets, including genes involved in various cancer pathways. The oral bioavailability of the active ingredients is considered moderate to high, meaning a significant portion of the active compounds can be absorbed into the bloodstream, though detailed pharmacokinetic data are limited.
Side effects
Coix seed extract is generally well tolerated in clinical studies, including those involving cancer patients and healthy volunteers. The most commonly reported side effect, though infrequent, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no consistent reports of significant adverse events (1-5% frequency) in randomized controlled trials. Serious adverse events clearly attributable to coix seed extract have not been reported in high-quality trials, indicating a low incidence of rare side effects (<1%). No well-documented drug interactions have been established; however, caution is advised when combining Coix seed extract with chemotherapy due to the potential for additive effects. Contraindications are not well-defined, and caution is recommended for pregnant or lactating individuals, and in pediatric populations, due to limited research in these groups. While pediatric use has been studied for immune function, the efficacy is limited, and cancer patients using it adjunctively are typically monitored closely.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for skin benefits has been observed at 2-4 g/day of water extract. For skin health, optimal dosage ranges from 1000–1500 mg/day of extract, typically taken for 8-12 weeks. In cancer adjunctive therapy, Kanglaite doses vary, with standardized formulations used in clinical trials. The maximum safe dose is not clearly established, but doses up to 12 g/day of extract powder have been used in pediatric immune studies without severe adverse effects. Dosing is often divided into 2-3 times daily in clinical studies. Water extracts and pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., Kanglaite injection) are used depending on the specific indication. Oral bioavailability is moderate, and formulation type may influence absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Coix seed extract safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term safety data exist; however, short to medium-term use appears safe in studied populations, including cancer patients and healthy individuals.
Can Coix seed extract replace chemotherapy?
No, Coix seed extract is used as an adjunctive therapy alongside chemotherapy to enhance its effects or improve quality of life, not as a standalone replacement.
How soon can skin benefits be expected?
Based on randomized controlled trials, noticeable skin benefits such as reduced pigmentation and sebum production can typically be expected within 8-12 weeks of consistent use.
Are there any known allergies?
No common allergenic reactions have been widely reported, but individuals with known allergies to seeds or grains should exercise caution.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This study investigated the immune-modulating effects of Coix seed extract in pediatric patients. It found temporary immune modulation at 4 weeks, with no sustained effect, and noted a better effect in males. The study had some methodological limitations and a small sample size per subgroup.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9413959/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of Kanglaite (Coix seed extract) combined with chemotherapy in cancer patients. It concluded that Kanglaite + chemotherapy improves tumor response and quality of life without significantly increasing severe adverse events, though it noted regional bias and heterogeneity in included trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10762529/ – This research explored the molecular targets and pathways of Coix seed extract, identifying multiple targets via network pharmacology. It highlighted genes involved in cancer pathways, providing insight into the extract's anti-tumor mechanisms.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This RCT investigated the effects of Coix seed extract on skin conditions in healthy female adults. It reported significant reductions in facial pigmentation, erythema, and sebum production with Coix seed extract compared to placebo, though it was limited to healthy females and had small sample sizes.
Supplements Containing Coix Extract
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