A nutraceutical approach towards corn silk

Abstract

Corn silk is an herb plant used as traditional medicine throughout the world to treat many diseases. The scientific name of corn silk is Stigma Maydis. Corn silk consists, of carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins some calcium, Na salts, K, and Magnesium. Corn silk contains volatile oils, certain steroids such as stigmasterol and sitosterol, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Organic acids found in corn silk include formic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, and lactic acid. For decades, corn silk has been used as a diuretic, Antilithiatic, and uricosuric, as well as to treat cystitis, gout, and kidney stone and as an oral antidiabetic medication. The antioxidant potential of the corn silk and its healthcare applications as agents of diuretics, for the reduction of hyperglycemia, as an anti-fatigue, and as an anti-depressant, use have been claimed in many studies. Teas and supplements of corn silk are used to treat urinary-related problems. The present reviews will provide the complete health potential of corn silk.