Coix lacryma-jobi
What's the taxonomical classification of Coix lacryma-jobi?
Coix lacryma-jobi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it under the order Poales. As a member of the family Poaceae, this plant is further categorized into the genus Coix, with its specific designation being the species lacrymama-jobi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Coix |
| Species | lacryma-jobi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Coix lacryma-jobi has an erect, tufted growth habit characterized by long, linear leaves that can reach up to one meter in length and possess a prominent midrib. The plant features a robust, fibrous root system that supports its heavy, drooping panicles of flowers. These inflorescences produce distinctive, hard, pear-shaped seeds known as job's tears, which are covered in a smooth, lacquered coating. The seeds vary in color from white and tan to dark brown or even black depending on the cultivar. Each seed is encased in a stony endocarp that serves as a protective layer for the internal embryo.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a vast tropical and subtropical range spanning from Africa and Madagascar through South and Southeast Asia to parts of Oceania. It thrives in humid environments where warm temperatures and significant rainfall are consistently available. Due to its historical cultivation for bead making and grain production, it has been widely introduced to various tropical regions around the globe. It is frequently found growing in disturbed areas, roadsides, and along the edges of forests in these warm climates. The species continues to spread naturally through much of the tropical belt where ecological conditions remain suitable for its growth.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as Job's tears, is a tropical perennial grass that requires well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and full sunlight to thrive.
It is commonly cultivated in warm, humid climates or in containers for controlled growth. Farmers typically sow the seeds directly into the earth during the spring or early summer growing seasons. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive hard, tear-shaped seeds that are harvested for use in jewelry and food.
Proper care involves regular weeding and monitoring for pests to ensure a successful harvest of the decorative seeds.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Coix lacrymata-jobi offers medicinal benefits through its grain, kernel, root, leaf, and stem. The grain and its inner kernel are often processed into medicinal teas or powders to treat inflammation and skin conditions. Extracts from the root are utilized in traditional remedies to support kidney function and reduce swelling. The leaves can be brewed to alleviate fever or used as poultices for topical healing. Additionally, the stem provides various bioactive compounds used in holistic treatments to regulate bodily functions.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a traditional medicinal plant in east Asia and an important crop in Guizhou province, southwest China. The study examined metal(loid) accumulation in different plant parts under three pollution levels. While the stems showed high Tl bioconceconcentration factors, the translocation factors from stem to grain were very low. In highly polluted areas, total root length, number of root tips, number of branches, and number of root crosses increased by 44.2, 57.0, 79.6, and 97.2% compared to lightly polluted areas. Additionally, the As contents in the plant were all below the maximum limit of cereal food contaminants in China, which is As < 0.5 mg kg-1.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- grain
- kernel
- root
- leaf
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Coix lacrymosa-jobi, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent to treat edema and skin conditions. Known as Job's tears in various cultures, the seeds are frequently incorporated into nutritional porridges and herbal decoctions. In many East Asian traditions, the plant is valued for its ability to clear heat and resolve dampness within the body. Beyond its medicinal applications, the hard, tear-shaped seeds have been historically used for beadwork and decorative jewelry. These diverse uses highlight the plant's long-standing importance in both dietary and therapeutic practices across different regions.
According to a study published by "American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism", Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf. has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating dysmenorrhoea. This plant, also known as adlay, may be considered a feasible alternative therapeutic agent for this condition. Research into its methanolic extracts involved fractionating them using 4 different solvents: water, 1-butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. In vitro, subfractions of AHM-EA at 175 microg/ml inhibited uterine contractions induced by PGF(2alpha), the Ca(2+) channel activator Bay K 8644, and high K(+) in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, 375 microg/ml of AHM-EA inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent uterine contractions and suppressed increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Coix lacryma-jobi?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic pharmacological activities. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within cellular structures. The plant also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects by mitigating various inflammatory responses in the body. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful agent for metabolic regulation through its anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic actions that lower blood glucose levels. Finally, its hypolipidemic activity aids in managing cholesterol and lipid profiles to support cardiovascular health.
According to a study published by "Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry", the protective effects of Coix lacryma-jobi L. bran extract are addressed regarding its usefulness against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the skin. These beneficial effects are possibly due to its free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and skin protective properties. The researchers mined data for information from publications in the field from 1901 up to July 2020. This review focuses on the mitigation of acute radiation dermatitis in humans undergoing curative radiotherapy.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- anti-diabetic
- hypoglycemic
- blood lipid-lowering
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse profile of medicinal compounds including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and proanthocyanidin A2. These bioactive constituents contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the presence of chlorogenic acid and rutin supports metabolic health and cellular protection. The flavonoids and phenolic compounds work together to neutralize free radicals within the body. Additionally, the specific inclusion of proanthocyanidin A2 enhances the overall therapeutic potential of the seeds.
According to a study published by "Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)", Coix seed is a prevalent medicinal and food-homologous plant containing various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Researchers analyzed 30 batches of Coix seed from different temperature zones in China to confirm the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Through the established strategy, 12 characteristic chemical markers were identified within the seeds. From these, 5 valuable phenolic chemical markers were selected for distinguishing origin and evaluating the quality of defatted Coix seed. In subtropical regions, proanthocyanidin A2 was found to have the highest content in defatted Coix seed. Additionally, the contents of caffeic acid, naringin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid were observed to decrease from north to south.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- chlorogenic acid
- flavonoids
- phenolic compounds
- proanthocyanidin A2
- rutin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), gastric cancer, gastric carcinoma, and various forms of liver damage. Research suggests that its bioactive compounds may help mitigate the inflammation associated with NAFLD. Studies also indicate that extracts from the plant could play a role in inhibiting the progression of gastric carcinoma cells. Furthermore, the medicinal properties of Coix lacryma-jobi are often utilized to protect against oxidative stress that leads to liver damage. These diverse therapeutic applications highlight the plant's significant potential in managing complex gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of oleo science", Coix lacrymya-jobi seed oil (CLS0) is used for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This active component extracted from Coix lacrymya-jobi seed (CLS) is effective in reducing blood fat and providing antioxidative properties. In studies involving NAFLD rats, CLSO decreased the liver/body weight ratio and lowered total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) levels. It also elevated high density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum and reduced lipid deposition in the liver. Furthermore, CLSO can bring down the abnormal expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid and palmitic acid (OP) or tunicamycin (Tm), CLSO reduced the protein expression of SePP1, apoER, and p-AMPK.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- gastric cancer
- gastric carcinoma
- gastrointestinal issues
- liver damage
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Coix lacrymama-jobi, which is utilized to create diverse medicinal herbal preparations including Coicis Semen flour, Coix lacrymama-jobi seed oil, Shanyao-Fuling-Yiyiren decoction, Yimigao, and Yishi Gao. These formulations are frequently employed in traditional practices to address digestive issues and promote fluid metabolism. The flour and seed oil serve as versatile bases for various therapeutic applications depending on the required dosage and delivery method. Complex mixtures like the Shanyao-Fuling-Yiyiren decoction combine the plant with other herbs to enhance specific physiological effects. Additionally, prepared pastes such as Yimigao and Yishi Gao offer concentrated forms of the plant for targeted nutritional or medicinal support.
According to a study published by "Journal of food science", Coicis Semen and its related products, including Coicis Semen flour, Yimigao, and Yishigao, were analyzed using developed detection methods. For the ic-ELISA method, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for ZEN, α-ZEL, β-ZEL, ZAN, α-ZAL, and β-ZAL were 1.13, 1.69, 2.06, 0.66, 1.20, and 0.94 ng•mL-1, respectively. In the GICA method, the cutoff values for ZEN, α-ZEL, β-ZEL, α-ZAL, and β-ZAL in phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M, pH 7.4) were 0.5 ng•mL-1, while ZAAN was 0.25 ng•mL-1. The cutoff values of the test strips for Coicis Semen and related products were found to be between 10 and 20 µg∙kg-1. These results provided technical support for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins from herbal medicines.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Coicis Semen flour
- Coix lacryma-jobi seed oil
- Shanyao-Fuling-Yiyiren decoction
- Yimigao
- Yishigao
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can produce various physiological changes including anti-inflammatory effects, improved liver function, reduced food intake, hypoglycemia, and increased cholesterol contents of stools. The bioactive compounds within the seeds work to soothe inflammation and support the detoxification processes of the liver. However, regular consumption may lower blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia in sensitive individuals. It also appears to decrease appetite, which can assist with weight management. Finally, the plant can influence lipid metabolism by causing an increase in the cholesterol contents found in stools.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Romanet du Caillaud) Stapf exhibits numerous pharmacological effects demonstrated through modern research. These demonstrated effects include hypoglycemia, improving liver function, anti-tumor activity, regulating intestinal microbiota, improving spleen function, and anti-inflammatory effects. The plant is characterized as a natural anti-tumor drug. To gather information on these properties and chemical constituents, a literature search was conducted using both Chinese and English languages in 5 databases, which included PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Springer.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hypoglycemia
- increased cholesterol contents of stools
- reduced food intake
- anti-inflammatory effects
- improved liver function
What herbs are paired with Coix lacryma-jobi?
This plant, commonly known as Job's Tears, is frequently paired with barley, adzuki beans, and dried tangerine peel to enhance its diuretic and digestive benefits in traditional herbal formulas.
When combined with barley, the mixture helps to clear dampness and reduce swelling in the body. Adding adzuki beans creates a synergistic effect that promotes urinary health and eases edema. The inclusion of tangerine peel aids in regulating stomach Qi and improving the overall digestibility of the grain.
These combinations are often simmered together into a nutritious porridge or medicinal tea.