Barley Grass Top Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Barley grass, barley leaf extract, barley grass juice, barley grass powder, Hordeum vulgare
Overview
Barley grass, derived from the young leaves of the *Hordeum vulgare* plant, is a functional food ingredient and botanical supplement. It is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), saponarin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). This supplement is primarily valued for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and bone health-promoting properties. The glycerite liquid extract form is a concentrated oral supplement where active compounds are extracted using glycerin as a solvent, which may enhance bioavailability and palatability compared to dry powders. While research on barley grass is ongoing, existing studies, including animal models and small human trials, support its potential health benefits. It is important to note that some robust meta-analyses exist for barley grain β-glucan, which is related but distinct from barley grass extract.
Benefits
Barley grass offers several evidence-based benefits, though the strength of evidence varies. Its **antioxidant and antidiabetic effects** are supported by animal studies, where barley grass juice significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and lowered blood glucose and HbA1c levels in diabetic rats over four weeks. This suggests a potential role in managing diabetes and oxidative damage. For **cardiovascular health**, barley grass contains compounds like saponarin and GABA, which have been linked to reduced LDL oxidation and improved lipid profiles. One study showed that 15g of barley leaf extract for four weeks reduced LDL oxidation and total cholesterol, though more human data are needed. In terms of **bone health**, a controlled trial involving 45 osteoporotic women demonstrated that 5-10g/day of barley grass powder for 60 days significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) compared to controls, indicating a promising role in bone health support. Other reported benefits, such as improved sleep, liver protection, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, detoxifying, and cognitive benefits, are primarily based on its rich bioactive profile and some preclinical evidence, requiring further robust human trials for confirmation. The observed benefits in animal studies typically manifest within four weeks, while human bone density improvements were noted after 60 days of supplementation.
How it works
Barley grass exerts its beneficial effects through multiple mechanisms. Its potent antioxidant activity stems from its ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thereby reducing oxidative DNA damage and scavenging free radicals. Bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols directly contribute to this by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and saponarin present in barley grass may modulate neurotransmission and vascular function, potentially contributing to improved sleep and blood pressure regulation. Furthermore, the fiber and polysaccharides found in barley grass may improve glycemic control by slowing carbohydrate absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The glycerite extraction method is believed to preserve water-soluble compounds and may enhance the absorption and bioavailability of these active components compared to dry powder forms.
Side effects
Barley grass is generally considered safe for consumption, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies at doses up to 15 grams per day. Rare, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, primarily due to its fiber content. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications extensively documented in the scientific literature. However, specific populations should exercise caution. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be wary, as some barley grass products, especially those not certified gluten-free, may contain trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination during harvesting or processing, despite barley grass itself being naturally gluten-free. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using barley grass supplements, as comprehensive safety data for these groups are limited. As with any supplement, it is advisable to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Dosage
The effective dosage of barley grass varies depending on the form and specific health goals, with studies employing different amounts. In human trials, dosages typically range from 5 to 15 grams per day of barley grass powder or equivalent extract. For instance, studies showing benefits for bone health used 5-10 grams per day of powder. While there is no firmly established optimal dose for all indications, a common and well-tolerated range in trials is 5-10 grams per day of powder or its equivalent in glycerite extract. The glycerite liquid extract form may offer better palatability and potentially enhanced absorption compared to dry powders. It is often recommended to administer barley grass before meals to potentially improve absorption and maximize glycemic effects. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses exceeding 20 grams per day are uncommon in research and lack sufficient study. Always adhere to the product's specific dosing instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Is barley grass glycerite extract effective for blood sugar control?
Animal studies show promising results for glucose lowering, but human evidence is still limited and requires more extensive research to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Can it improve bone health?
Yes, a small randomized controlled trial indicated that 5-10g/day of barley grass powder significantly increased bone mineral density in osteoporotic women after 60 days.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Barley grass is generally considered safe, but comprehensive long-term human safety data, especially for the glycerite extract form, are still limited. Consult a healthcare professional for prolonged use.
When is the best time to take barley grass extract?
It is often suggested to take barley grass extract before meals, as this timing may optimize its potential glycemic benefits and absorption.
Does barley grass interact with medications?
No significant drug interactions have been widely reported in the literature. However, it's always advisable to consult your doctor if you are on medication.
Research Sources
- https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/3076043 – This animal study investigated the effects of barley grass juice on diabetic rats. It found that barley grass juice significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA, 8-OHdG) and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, GSH), while also lowering blood glucose and HbA1c levels over four weeks. The study suggests barley grass has potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in animal models.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5904770/ – This systematic review synthesizes literature from 2008-2017, highlighting that barley grass is rich in antioxidants, GABA, and vitamins. It discusses multiple potential health benefits, including antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and antioxidant effects, primarily based on preclinical and observational data. The review emphasizes the need for more robust human clinical trials.
- https://www.jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/3590 – This human randomized controlled trial involved 45 osteoporotic women and found that supplementation with 5-10 grams per day of barley grass powder for 60 days significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) compared to a control group. The study suggests barley grass may be beneficial for bone health, though it was a small-scale trial.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27273067/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials focused on barley β-glucan (from barley grain, not grass extract) and concluded that it significantly reduces LDL-C and non-HDL-C. While not directly about barley grass extract, it provides high-quality evidence for the cholesterol-lowering effects of a related barley component, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits from the broader barley family.