Coix lacryma-jobi
Coix lacryma-jobi · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coix lacryma-jobi is a versatile plant known for its medicinal properties derived primarily from its seeds and roots. Various preparations, including sprout extracts and Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs), are utilized to harness its diverse biological activities. The presence of key chemicals like Coixol allows the plant to function as a potent neuroprotective agent and a 5-Alpha-Reductase inhibitor. Furthermore, it offers therapeutic potential against conditions such as oxidative stress, lipid droplets, Type 2 Diabetes, and Toxoplasma gondii infections. By acting as an ACE-inhibitor and an absorbent, this plant serves as a significant subject in pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Lithagrostis Lacryma-Jobi
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Root
Classification
Common Names
Coix lacryma-jobi is a versatile plant recognized by a wide variety of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as Adlai or Hanjeli in many parts of the world. In certain contexts, it is also known by the name Hiobsträne, reflecting its unique botanical characteristics. Many people simply call it Jali, a name that carries its own cultural significance. Most famously, the plant is celebrated globally under the poetic moniker Jacob's Tears.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Coix lacryma-jobi is a unique botanical species that is often identified by various scientific names depending on the taxonomic classification used. In many botanical records, it is recognized by its synonym, Lithagrostis lacryma-jobi. Understanding these nomenclatural connections is essential for researchers and gardeners who wish to accurately document the plant's lineage. While the names may differ, they both refer to the same resilient species known for its distinctive ornamental seeds. Recognizing these synonyms ensures clarity and consistency within the scientific community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Coix lacryma-jobi is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Poales, a group that highlights its structural characteristics. As a member of the family Poaceae, it shares evolutionary ties with many well-known grasses. Ultimately, this species is defined by its specific placement within the genus Coix.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Coix |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coix lacryma-jobi is a versatile plant with a widespread distribution spanning several key regions across Africa. In East Tropical Africa, it is commonly found throughout the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its presence also extends westward to the Atlantic islands within the Macaronesia region. Specifically, the species can be located throughout the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde archipelago. This diverse range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various tropical and subtropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coix lacryma-jobi is a distinctive herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 2.5 meters as it matures. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature generally ranges from a minimum of 0.9 meters to 1 meter. This variability in size allows it to adapt effectively to its growing surroundings. Overall, its robust structure makes it a notable feature in any botanical landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Coix lacryma-jobi contains a natural compound known as coixol that demonstrates significant neuroprotective potential. Research utilizing both in vitro assays and molecular simulations indicates that coixol can effectively inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Furthermore, the compound has shown a remarkable ability to protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced by Aβ1-42 protofibrils. By disrupting the structural integrity of these protofibrils, coixol helps prevent the harmful aggregation processes associated with neurodegeneration. These multi-target therapeutic effects suggest that this plant could play a vital role in the future development of neuroprotective drugs.
Compounds
Coix lacryma-jobi is the natural source of the bioactive compound known as coixol. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted coixol's significant potential as a multi-target neuroprotective agent. Through both in vitro assays and computational simulations, researchers discovered that the compound can effectively inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Furthermore, coixol demonstrates the ability to protect neural cells from oxidative stress and disrupt the structural integrity of Aβ1-42 protofibrils. These findings suggest that this specific relationship offers a promising foundation for the development of new therapeutic drugs for neurological disorders.
Conditions
Coix lacryma-jobi demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by inhibiting Aβ aggregation and disrupting Aβ1-42 protofibril interactions. Through its natural compound coixol, the plant provides protection against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity in cell models. It also effectively treats H2O2-induced neurotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress. Additionally, seed-derived exosomes from the plant serve to treat DSS-induced colitis by suppressing inflammation and mucosal damage.
Preparations
Coix lacryma-jobi is utilized in various forms, including its preparation as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). Research indicates that when consumed as a CHM, the health risks associated with its polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content fall within acceptable ranges. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a sprout extract, specifically identified as Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen Stapf sprout extract. This specific sprout extract has demonstrated significant biological activity by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human cervical carcinoma cells. Through the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, the sprout extract shows potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
Parts used
Coix lacryma-jobi is a versatile plant that offers significant medicinal potential through various of its anatomical parts. Research into the seed of the plant reveals its ability to exert biostatic activity against Toxoplasma gondii and reduce lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, seed-derived exosomes have shown promise in treating ulcerative colitis by modulating inflammatory responses. Beyond the seeds, the roots of Coix lacryma-jobi are also utilized in agricultural studies, specifically regarding crop rotation practices. Together, these findings highlight how both the seeds and roots of the species contribute to diverse therapeutic and horticultural applications.