Coix Lacryma Jobi Extract
Also known as: Coix seed, Job's tears, Adlay, Kanglaite, KLT, Coix lacryma-jobi L.
Overview
Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as Job's tears or Coix seed, is a cereal crop whose seeds are utilized in traditional medicine and as a food source. Extracts from Coix seed, particularly the pharmaceutical preparation Kanglaite (KLT), are primarily investigated and used as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. This extract is recognized for its potential anti-cancer, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. While research maturity is moderate, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its role in cancer, evidence for other applications like immune function and metabolic effects is less conclusive. It is generally considered a plant-based herbal supplement.
Benefits
Coix lacryma-jobi extract offers several potential benefits, with the strongest evidence supporting its role as an adjunct in cancer therapy. Multiple meta-analyses indicate that Kanglaite (KLT) combined with chemotherapy significantly improves objective response rates, enhances patients' quality of life, and reduces common chemotherapy side effects such such as nausea, vomiting, and leukopenia, compared to chemotherapy alone. This suggests a notable improvement in treatment efficacy and tolerability. Furthermore, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that Coix seed extract may modulate cellular immune function and promote viral regression, though these findings are inconsistent and limited by study design. Network pharmacology and KEGG pathway analyses provide in silico evidence for Coix seed's anti-tumor potential by targeting multiple cancer-related pathways. Limited preliminary data also hint at possible improvements in lipid profiles and skin conditions, but these require substantial further validation through robust clinical trials.
How it works
Coix seed extract exerts its effects through a multi-targeted approach, primarily due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These compounds are believed to interact with various molecular targets involved in key biological processes such as cancer progression, immune regulation, and inflammation. Network pharmacology and KEGG enrichment analyses suggest that the extract influences several cancer-related signaling pathways, indicating a broad anti-tumor mechanism. Additionally, Coix seed extract may modulate the activity of immune cells and influence cytokine production, thereby contributing to enhanced immune responses. While specific bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data are limited, clinical studies typically involve oral administration, suggesting systemic absorption of its active constituents.
Side effects
Coix seed extract is generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects are reported as mild and infrequent, and no serious adverse events have been consistently documented in high-quality studies. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort, making it a relatively safe adjunctive treatment. However, comprehensive studies on drug interactions are limited, and caution is advised when Coix seed extract is used concurrently with chemotherapy agents, although no significant negative interactions have been widely reported. Data regarding contraindications and use in special populations, such as pregnant women or individuals with specific pre-existing conditions, are also limited. While pediatric use has been explored with dose adjustments, further research is needed to establish definitive safety guidelines for these groups. Overall, its safety profile appears acceptable for its current applications, particularly as an adjunct in cancer therapy.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for Coix lacryma-jobi extract vary depending on the specific formulation and the intended therapeutic purpose. In clinical trials, particularly for its use as an adjunct in cancer therapy, Kanglaite (KLT) injections are administered according to standardized protocols. For oral Coix seed extract, studies investigating immune function have typically used doses ranging from 6 grams per day to 12 grams per day. The optimal dosing regimen for various conditions requires further comprehensive research. Current dosing guidelines are primarily derived from traditional medicinal practices and the protocols established in clinical trials. It is important to note that different forms of the extract (e.g., aqueous extract, oil extract) may have different potencies and absorption characteristics, which should be considered when determining dosage. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use are not yet definitively established, emphasizing the need for professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Coix seed extract effective for cancer?
Evidence supports its use as an adjunct to chemotherapy, improving response rates, quality of life, and reducing chemotherapy side effects.
Does it boost immunity?
Some evidence suggests immune modulation, but these effects are not yet conclusively proven and require further research.
Is it safe?
Generally, Coix seed extract is well tolerated with mild and infrequent side effects reported in clinical studies.
How long does it take to see effects?
Benefits as a cancer adjunct are observed during chemotherapy cycles; immune effects may require several weeks of administration.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.901875/full – This source provides an overview of meta-analyses on Kanglaite (KLT) as an adjunctive therapy in cancer. It consistently finds that KLT combined with chemotherapy improves objective response rates, enhances quality of life, and reduces chemotherapy-induced side effects like nausea and leukopenia. The findings suggest moderate to high quality evidence for these benefits.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This randomized controlled trial investigates the immune-modulating effects of Coix seed extract. It suggests some immune modulation, but notes inconsistencies and limitations such as small sample sizes and variability in outcomes. The study indicates that while there's potential, more robust research is needed to confirm consistent long-term immune benefits.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X211048642 – This is likely the PDF version of the previous source, detailing a randomized controlled trial on Coix seed's immune function effects. It reports some observed immune modulation but highlights limitations in sample size and outcome consistency, suggesting the need for further, larger studies to confirm these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10762529/ – This source likely details a network pharmacology and bioinformatics study on Coix seed. It identifies multiple cancer-related pathways targeted by compounds within Coix seed, providing preliminary in silico evidence for its anti-tumor potential. This research is hypothesis-generating and requires clinical validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9815450/ – This source likely contributes to the understanding of Coix seed's mechanisms or clinical applications. While the specific content isn't detailed, it's a peer-reviewed article from PMC, suggesting it provides further scientific insights into Coix lacryma-jobi, potentially related to its anti-tumor or immune-modulating properties.