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Organic Wheatgrass

Also known as: Triticum aestivum, Wheatgrass, Green wheat, Wheat sprouts

Overview

Wheatgrass refers to the young shoots of the common wheat plant, *Triticum aestivum*. It is typically consumed as a juice, powder, or in tablet form and is often marketed as a whole-food supplement and functional food. Wheatgrass is characterized by its high chlorophyll content, as well as the presence of flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, and vitamins C and E. Primary uses include adjunct therapy for chronic conditions such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, antioxidant support, and general nutritional supplementation. Research on wheatgrass is still emerging, with most evidence stemming from preclinical studies and small clinical trials. The quality of evidence is moderate for in vitro and animal models but limited in human studies due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations.

Benefits

Wheatgrass exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have demonstrated antioxidant activity, showing reductions in oxidative stress markers, such as increased glutathione levels in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Some small human trials suggest that wheatgrass may act as a beneficial adjunct to chemotherapy, potentially reducing myelotoxicity and improving quality of life. Additionally, an open-label trial indicated anti-inflammatory effects, with modulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with ulcerative colitis. Animal models also suggest a potential for lowering total cholesterol, although human data is currently lacking. It's important to note that the clinical significance of these effects is modest, and there is insufficient evidence to support the use of wheatgrass as a standalone therapeutic agent.

How it works

Wheatgrass exerts its effects through several mechanisms of action. Fermented wheat germ extract has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase-3. Additionally, wheatgrass can activate the Nrf2 pathway, leading to the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. The bioavailability of wheatgrass components, such as chlorophyll derivatives and flavonoids, is not fully understood, but they likely undergo phase II metabolism. These pathways contribute to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer effects of wheatgrass.

Side effects

Wheatgrass is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed at typical doses, such as 3–15 mL of juice daily. Common side effects reported in clinical trials include nausea and headache, occurring in approximately 5–10% of participants. Rare risks include allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with known wheat or grass allergies. There is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulants due to the vitamin K content of wheatgrass, although no confirmed cases have been reported. Wheatgrass is contraindicated in individuals with celiac disease due to the potential presence of gluten traces, although typically these are below 20 ppm. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions when starting wheatgrass supplementation.

Dosage

While a minimum effective dose of wheatgrass has not been definitively established, clinical trials have used dosages ranging from 3.5 to 15 mL of fresh juice daily. A common recommendation is 10–15 mL of juice or 3–5 g of powder per day. No toxicity has been reported with short-term use of up to 100 mL per day. Fresh juice is believed to have a higher bioactive content compared to powders, and heat processing should be avoided to preserve these compounds. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosage and long-term safety.

FAQs

Does wheatgrass cure cancer?

No, wheatgrass is not a cure for cancer. Preliminary evidence suggests it may offer adjunctive benefits in cancer treatment, such as reducing side effects of chemotherapy, but it should not be used as a primary treatment.

What is the best time to take wheatgrass?

Some suggest taking wheatgrass in the morning on an empty stomach to enhance absorption, but this has not been scientifically proven. Consistency is more important than timing.

Is organic wheatgrass better than conventional?

There are no comparative studies on organic vs. conventional wheatgrass. Choosing organic may help avoid pesticide residues, but both forms can offer similar nutritional benefits.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26156538/ – This narrative review highlights the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory potential of wheatgrass based on preclinical models. It also notes that human trials have shown attenuated chemotherapy side effects with wheatgrass supplementation. However, the review acknowledges limitations such as heterogeneous methodologies and small sample sizes in the included studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8468175/ – This article discusses the medical uses of wheatgrass, including its potential benefits for various conditions. It highlights the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties observed in preclinical models, as well as the attenuation of chemotherapy side effects seen in human trials. The review also points out the limitations of current research, such as heterogeneous methodologies and small sample sizes.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/10/5166 – This mechanistic review explores the potential role of wheatgrass in colorectal cancer (CRC) models. It suggests that wheatgrass may modulate NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, which are involved in inflammation and cancer development. The review is limited by its focus on in vitro studies and the absence of human CRC trials.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/3/445 – This study investigates the effects of wheatgrass on various health parameters. While specific details of the study are not provided in the given context, it is part of a broader collection of research on the potential benefits of wheatgrass.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits – This article summarizes the antioxidant effects of wheatgrass in rabbits. The study cited reports a 20–30% reduction in oxidative stress markers with wheatgrass supplementation in a high-fat diet model. The findings are limited by the use of an animal model and the specific context of a high-fat diet.