Coix lacryma-jobi
Job's tears
Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as Job's Tears, is a versatile medicinal plant prized in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this grain is used to support kidney health, reduce swelling, and improve skin conditions. It serves as both a nutritional staple and a powerful therapeutic agent.
- Scientific name: Coix lacryma-jobi
- Family: Poaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, falling under the family Poaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Coix.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Poaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Coix | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Coix lacryma-jobi, is recognized by various traditional and local names across different regions and languages. In Chinese contexts, including Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and the Hong Kong dialect (zh-hk), it is commonly referred to as 薏苡. In the Pamati language (pam), it is called Balantakan, while in Javanese (jv), it is known as Jali.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 薏苡 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 薏苡 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 薏苡 | Wikidata |
| pam | Balantakan | Wikidata |
| jv | Jali | Wikidata |
| pl | Łzawnica ogrodowa | Wikidata |
| qu | Kuymi | Wikidata |
| su | Hanjeli | Wikidata |
| ko | 염주 | Wikidata |
| th | ลูกเดือย | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of both Austria and Germany. Moving toward the coast, its presence extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically throughout France and Spain. Additionally, the species reaches into Southeastern Europe, where it is documented in Greece. Consequently, its range spans a significant longitudinal stretch from the western Mediterranean to the eastern Balkan Peninsula.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Job's tears, is a versatile medicinal grain where various components offer unique benefits. The most notable part is the seed, which is harvested for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. These hard, pearl-like seeds are often used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and support kidney health. Additionally, the roots of the plant are sometimes utilized in herbal preparations to address different physiological ailments, making the entire organism a valuable resource in holistic healing.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Coix lacryma-jobi has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 41 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include zearalenone, flavonoids, starch, AFB1, Aflatoxins.
- Total chemicals
- 35
- Scientific sources
- 41
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| zearalenone | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| starch | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AFB1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aflatoxins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| OP | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ZEN | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zearalenone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aflatoxin B1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arachidic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Coix lacryma-jobi has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging, Gastroprotective, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Free-Radical Scavenging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Coix lacryma-jobi has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, NAFLD, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Toxoplasma gondii, cancer.
- Total uses
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NAFLD | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Toxoplasma gondii | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heart disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypoglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |