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Zea Mays Extract

Also known as: Zea mays, Corn leaf extract, Corn silk extract, UP165, Zea mays extract

Overview

Zea mays extract is a botanical supplement derived from parts of the corn plant, primarily the leaves or silk. Traditionally used in various cultures as remedies, these extracts contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics, which are believed to contribute to their physiological effects. Emerging research suggests its potential in improving sleep quality, enhancing mood, and assisting in the management of hypertension. While some clinical trials and systematic reviews are available, the overall quality and breadth of evidence vary. The extract is typically consumed orally, with specific standardized forms like UP165 showing promise in recent studies for their effects on stress and sleep.

Benefits

Zea mays extract shows promising benefits, particularly for sleep and mood improvement. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving a standardized corn leaf extract (UP165) demonstrated significant improvements in healthy adults. Participants experienced up to a 36% reduction in salivary cortisol (a stress marker), an increase of up to 30 minutes in deep sleep time, and a 10% increase in total sleep time. Sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, improved by up to 49%, and mood states improved by 36–58%. These effects were dose-dependent and statistically significant, indicating strong evidence for these benefits. For blood pressure management, a systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that corn silk tea, when combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs, might improve blood pressure lowering efficacy. However, the methodological limitations of the included trials reduce the confidence in these findings, suggesting this benefit is less strongly supported by high-quality evidence.

How it works

The mechanism of action for Zea mays extract's benefits is thought to involve several pathways. For sleep and mood improvement, the extract may modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to a reduction in cortisol levels, a key stress hormone. Bioactive compounds within the corn leaf extract are believed to influence neurotransmitter systems, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. In the context of blood pressure management, corn silk, a component of Zea mays, contains flavonoids and potassium. These compounds may exert diuretic effects, increasing urine output, and vasodilatory effects, relaxing blood vessels, thereby contributing to its potential antihypertensive activity. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, oral administration has proven effective in clinical studies.

Side effects

Current clinical evidence suggests that Zea mays extract, particularly the standardized UP165 corn leaf extract, has a favorable safety profile at studied doses. In a randomized controlled trial, no significant adverse effects were reported. Similarly, studies evaluating corn silk tea in combination with antihypertensive drugs did not indicate an increase in adverse events compared to drugs alone. Common side effects are not well-documented, suggesting they are minimal or rare. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been widely reported, caution is advised when Zea mays extract is used concurrently with antihypertensive medications due to the potential for additive effects on blood pressure. Individuals on blood pressure-lowering medications should consult a healthcare professional before using Zea mays extract to monitor for excessive blood pressure reduction.

Dosage

For sleep and mood improvement, a standardized corn leaf extract (UP165) is recommended at a dosage of 250-500 mg per day. This dose should ideally be taken approximately 60 minutes before bedtime. Efficacy has been observed with consistent use for at least 4 weeks. For blood pressure management, corn silk tea has been used adjunctively with conventional drugs in various studies. However, there is no standardized dosage for this application, and the exact amounts varied across the reviewed trials. It is important to note that Zea mays extract should not replace prescribed medications for hypertension but rather be considered as an adjunctive therapy under medical supervision. There is currently no established maximum safe dose; however, clinical studies have utilized moderate doses without reporting adverse effects.

FAQs

Is Zea mays extract safe?

Yes, current clinical evidence indicates that Zea mays extract, particularly the standardized UP165 corn leaf extract, is safe at the doses studied in research, with no significant adverse effects reported.

How soon do benefits appear?

For sleep and mood improvements, benefits from Zea mays extract were observed within 4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation in clinical studies.

Can it replace medications?

No, Zea mays extract should not replace prescribed medications, especially for conditions like hypertension. It is intended as an adjunctive supplement and should be used under medical supervision.

Are effects dose-dependent?

Yes, in studies on sleep and mood, higher doses of Zea mays extract (e.g., 500 mg) generally showed greater benefits compared to lower doses.

Research Sources

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2021.0197?doi=10.1089%2Fjmf.2021.0197 – This source describes a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT on UP165 corn leaf extract. It found significant improvements in sleep quality, deep sleep, mood, and a reduction in salivary cortisol levels in healthy adults over 4 weeks, supporting the extract's efficacy for stress and sleep.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9889011/ – This article provides further details on the clinical trial of UP165 corn leaf extract. It confirms the dose-dependent improvements in sleep parameters and mood states, highlighting the extract's potential as a natural intervention for stress and sleep disturbances.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6354158/ – This source is part of a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating corn silk tea for hypertension. It suggests that corn silk tea, when combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs, may enhance blood pressure lowering, though it notes methodological limitations in the included studies.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2019/2915498 – This abstract from a systematic review and meta-analysis on corn silk tea for hypertension indicates that while there might be an improvement in blood pressure efficacy when combined with drugs, the overall confidence in these findings is reduced due to heterogeneity and methodological weaknesses in the primary studies.