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Coix Seed Extract

Also known as: Coix lacryma-jobi, Job's tears, Coix seed, Job's tears seed, Kanglaite (KLT)

Overview

Coix Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of the Coix lacryma-jobi plant, also known as Job's tears, a plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine. The extract is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. It is most notably formulated as Kanglaite (KLT) for use as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. Research suggests potential benefits in improving immune function and modulating gut microbiota. While studies, including meta-analyses, have explored its role in cancer therapy, the methodological quality of much of the research is considered low to critically low. The extract contains bioactive compounds that may contribute to its observed effects.

Benefits

Coix Seed Extract, particularly Kanglaite, has shown potential as an adjunctive cancer therapy. Meta-analyses suggest it may improve disease response rates, quality of life, and immune indicators while reducing adverse reactions like nausea and leukopenia in cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the evidence quality is limited by methodological flaws in the meta-analyses. Some clinical studies suggest it may modulate cellular immune function, though evidence is inconsistent. Preliminary research indicates short-term consumption can increase beneficial gut bacteria like Faecalibacterium, potentially contributing to gut health, but further research is needed.

How it works

Coix Seed Extract appears to exert its effects through multiple mechanisms. It may modulate cellular immune function, potentially enhancing immune surveillance and response, particularly in cancer patients. The extract can also affect gut microbiota composition, which can indirectly influence systemic immunity and inflammation. While the exact molecular targets remain poorly defined, the extract contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-cancer properties. These compounds may interact with various signaling pathways to produce the observed effects.

Side effects

Coix Seed Extract is generally considered safe when used as an adjunctive therapy in clinical cancer settings. Studies have reported a reduction in chemotherapy-related adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, leukopenia, and anemia. However, limited data is available on the long-term safety and use in non-cancer populations. While no significant safety concerns or severe adverse effects have been reported in the reviewed studies, caution is advised when combining it with chemotherapy due to potential interactions. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile, especially for long-term use and in diverse populations.

Dosage

In clinical studies, Kanglaite doses have varied. For example, Coix seed extract powder Kotaro was administered at 6 g/day for patients ≤30 kg body weight and 12 g/day for those >30 kg, divided into two or three doses daily. Optimal dosing for immune modulation or gut microbiota effects is not well established. Dosing in cancer adjunctive therapy is typically standardized in clinical trials but may vary by formulation. It is important to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional when determining the appropriate dosage.

FAQs

Is Coix Seed Extract effective for cancer treatment alone?

No, Coix Seed Extract is used as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments to potentially improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Some improvements in immune function and quality of life have been reported within weeks, but sustained benefits typically require longer treatment durations.

Are there any drug interactions?

No significant interactions have been widely reported, but caution is advised when combined with chemotherapy due to the potential for additive or synergistic effects.

Is it safe for children?

Limited data is available on the safety of Coix Seed Extract in children. One study included patients under 15 years with no major safety issues reported, but further research is needed.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36034785/ – This overview of 13 meta-analyses (n=488 to 2,964 patients) found that Kanglaite adjunctive therapy improves disease response, quality of life, and immune indicators, and reduces adverse effects in cancers such as lung and digestive system cancers, and malignant pleural effusion. However, most meta-analyses were rated as low or critically low quality due to methodological flaws, limiting the strength of the evidence.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.901875/full – This study provides a comprehensive review of Kanglaite's role as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. It highlights the potential benefits in improving clinical outcomes and reducing chemotherapy side effects, while also acknowledging the methodological limitations in existing meta-analyses that warrant further high-quality research.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/4079 – This controlled trial investigated the impact of Coix seed consumption on gut microbiota composition. The findings indicated an increased abundance of the beneficial gut bacteria Faecalibacterium after one week of Coix seed consumption, suggesting a potential role in promoting gut health, although the study was limited by its short duration and small sample size.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effect of Coix Seed Extract Kotaro on immune function. The study observed some immune function modulation, with lower residual tuberosity ratio at 4 weeks but no difference at 8 and 12 weeks, and noted sex-specific effects, suggesting moderate evidence with some inconsistency and methodological limitations.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This abstract describes a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of Coix Seed Extract on immune function. The study, involving 29 institutes, found some evidence of immune modulation and sex-specific effects, but the overall results were mixed and the effect size was limited, indicating moderate evidence with some inconsistency.