CORN SILK EXTRACT

Corn Silk Extract is a key part of the vegetable’s reproductive system and essential to crop pollination. 
Corn Silk Extract also contains chemicals that might have antioxidant effects, reduce blood pressure, and alter blood sugar levels.

CAS Number: 84696-19-5
EC Number: 232-490-8
Molecular Formula: C12H12O5

SYNONYMS:
Cornsilk, Zea mays silk, Maize silk, Silk of corn, Corn hair, Zea mays L. silk, Cornstalk silk, Corn silk powder

The thread growing from fresh corn on the cob is often discarded and never thought of again. 
But that thread, known as Corn Silk Extract, can be of use. 
Research has shown that Corn Silk Extract has many nutrients and other health benefits. 

The silk is edible, with simple nutrients, and can provide a bountiful amount of vitamins c, k, potassium, and more. 
Corn Silk Extract is wispy and gold, and most people usually just toss the tiny, delicate strands. 
But, they can be brewed into corn silk tea. 

It is believed that the Aztecs and Mayans originally used this tea. 
For over 6000 years, evidence shows this tea being used for medicinal purposes. 
Corn Silk Extract is the long, silky threads that grow on corncobs.

Corn Silk Extract (Stigma maydis) is the layer of glossy, thread-like strands found between the corn husk and ear. 
An ear of corn may have 300 to 600 Corn Silk Extracts. 
Corn Silk Extract is a key part of the vegetable’s reproductive system and essential to crop pollination. 

The fibers trap the pollen that fertilizes the cob and helps kernels grow. 
Along with the husk, Corn Silk Extract also protects kernels, helping the ear of corn retain its moisture and sweetness.
Corn Silk Extract is the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn (Zea mays). 

Corn Silk Extract contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 
Corn Silk Extract also contains chemicals that might have antioxidant effects, reduce blood pressure, and alter blood sugar levels.
Corn Silk Extract is the long, silky threads that grow on corncobs.

USES and APPLICATIONS of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
Corn Silk Extract's often discarded as waste but is also used in medicine.
People use Corn Silk Extract for chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Though it’s often discarded when corn is prepared for eating, Corn Silk Extract may have several medicinal applications.
As an herbal remedy, Corn Silk Extract has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. 
Corn Silk Extract’s still used today in many countries, including China, France, Turkey, and the United States.

HOW IS CORN SILK EXTRACT USED?
In Asia, Corn Silk Extract has traditionally been used as an herb. 
Native Americans used Corn Silk Extract for disease treatments. 
In modern times, you can find Corn Silk Extract used in traditional medicine in areas of the US, France, and Turkey. 

Corn Silk Extract can potentially provide major antioxidant benefits and function as a diuretic. 
Some claim Corn Silk Extract helps with energy, and some claim antidepressant properties. 

Corn Silk Extract can be taken as edible supplements or steeped as tea. 
But ultimately Corn Silk Extract is used for its antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects.

USES, BENEFITS, AND DOSAGE OF CORN SILK EXTRACT:
*May lower blood pressure
Corn Silk Extract may be an effective treatment for high blood pressure.

First, Corn Silk Extract encourages the elimination of excess fluid from your body. 
As such, Corn Silk Extract could be a natural alternative to prescribed diuretics, which are often used to reduce blood pressure.

What’s more, a recent study in rats discovered that Corn Silk Extract significantly reduced blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

In one 8-week study, 40 people with high blood pressure were given increasing amounts of this supplement until they reached a dose of 118 mg per pound of body weight (260 mg per kg).

Their blood pressure dropped significantly compared to that of a control group, with those given the highest dose experiencing the greatest reduction.
Still, more human research is needed.

FOUR BENEFITS OF CORN SILK EXTRACT FOR YOUR HEALTH INCLUDE:
1. Keeps your urinary system healthy
Corn Silk Extract can act as a powerful diuretic, making you pee more. 

Increased urine flow can prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections.
And if you do get a UTI or bladder infection, Corn Silk Extract soothes inflammation to ease pain.

Increased urination can also help strengthen your bladder.
Healthcare providers sometimes recommend Corn Silk Extract or teas for children experiencing bedwetting and adults with urinary incontinence. 
Corn Silk Extract may also prevent kidney stones and protect against kidney damage caused by certain medications or cancer treatments.

The diuretic properties of Corn Silk Extract may also lower blood pressure. 
But Campbell cautions that people who already take diuretics or blood pressure medicine may be at risk for losing too much potassium. 

This could lead to low blood potassium levels or hypokalemia. 
Low potassium is concerning because it can affect the way your heart beats. 
It’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement.

2. Fights inflammation
The plant pigment or flavonoid that gives Corn Silk Extracts their light green, yellow, brown or red colors is also an antioxidant. 
In fact, Corn Silk Extracthas as much antioxidant value as vitamin C. 
Antioxidants protect against inflammation and the effects of aging, as well as diseases like cancer and diabetes.

3. Lowers blood sugar
Corn Silk Extracts are part of Native American and traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes management. 
The extract may lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications like diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage), according to one study. 
Other studies indicate that Corn Silk Extracts may slow your body’s absorption of starchy foods, preventing spikes in blood sugar.

But if you’re already taking medications to lower your blood sugar, Campbell advises checking with your provider before beginning to take a supplement. Blood sugar that is too low can be dangerous, too.

4. Improves cholesterol levels
The flavonoids in Corn Silk Extract may improve your cholesterol numbers by lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). 
These unhealthy forms of cholesterol cause plaque deposits to form inside your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

WHAT NUTRIENTS ARE IN CORN SILK EXTRACT?
Studies show that Corn Silk Extract contains:
*Carbohydrates.
*Fiber.
*Minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc and chloride.
*Protein.

BENEFITS OF CORN SILK EXTRACT:
Despite centuries of herbal remedy use, there are limited studies on the health benefits of Corn Silk Extract. 
Much of the existing research took place on animals and not humans. 
Still, certain studies suggest that consuming Corn Silk Extract and related products may be good for your health.

BENEFITS OF CORN SILK EXTRACT:
1. High blood pressure treatment: 
The properties of Corn Silk Extract may make it a good treatment for high blood pressure. 
Corn Silk Extract helps flush excess fluids from the body, and it acts as a diuretic. 

A diuretic is a supplement or medicine that helps to rid the body of water and salt/sodium. 
Sodium helps to get water out of the body and decreases fluid in the arteries and veins, thus reducing blood pressure. 
Prescription diuretics treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. 

Studies show Corn Silk Extract contains chemicals that hamper the work of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is known to increase blood pressure. 
People who were given corn silk supplementation ultimately had decreases in blood pressure, depending on the corn silk concentration.

2. Diabetes treatment: 
Elevation of insulin levels in diabetics has been shown to be a property of corn silk tea. 
The infused tea may help to keep blood sugars level in people with diabetes. 
It prevents major fluctuations in blood sugar readings throughout the day. 

Blood sugar levels should stay in the target range to help eliminate the risk of long-term health problems like vision loss, heart disease, or kidney disease. 
Level insulin and blood sugar levels also help to improve your mood and your energy. 

Blood sugar readings should be about 80 to 130 mg/dL before eating. 
Two hours after, it should be less than 180mg/dL. 
Depending on any other health issues, age, gender, or various other factors, your blood sugar target range may vary.  

3. Lower cholesterol levels: 
Though more studies are needed, some studies have shown Corn Silk Extract reduced levels of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol called LDL. 
Corn Silk Extract also increases good cholesterol, or HDL. 

Two different types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in between the cells. 
One is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and one is high-density lipoprotein {HDL). 
LDL is called bad cholesterol because it adds to the fatty build-up in the arteries that narrows the center and increases heart attack and stroke risk. 

HDL is good cholesterol because higher levels indicate protection against heart disease and stroke. 
Diets rich in fat increase levels of cholesterol in the body. 
Corn Silk Extract taken afterward still produced lower levels of total cholesterol. 

4. Help with inflammation: 
Corn silk tea's properties may help with inflammation in the arms, legs, and joints of the body. 
Traditionally, corn silk tea has been used as a treatment for arthritis and gout. 
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and gout is a type of arthritis additionally burdened by heat, swelling, and crystalline deposits in the joint. 

5. Antioxidant benefits: 
Oxidative stress is a major aggressor in a number of medical ailments of the body. 
Antioxidants protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage. 

Corn Silk Extract is a rich source of the plant compound known as the antioxidant flavonoid. 
These flavonoids are the source of many of the benefits of Corn Silk Extract. 
They attack the stress and radical damages that can lead to conditions of inflammation, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  

6. Eye pressure relief: 
In a study, intraocular pressure was reduced in hypertensive patients when given levels of Corn Silk Extract. 
This was caused by the diuretic properties of elevated potassium levels in Corn Silk Extract supplementation in high doses. 

7. Urinary system benefits: 
Corn Silk Extract has shown promising benefits as a diuretic, uricosuric, and antilithiatic. 
In a study, the water extracted from Corn Silk Extract showed antioxidant properties that can be used to treat swelling and gout, kidney stones, cystitis, prostatitis, and nephriti

CAN YOU EAT CORN SILK EXTRACT?
4 Health Benefits of Corn Silk

If you’re like most people, you toss Corn Silk Extract straight into the compost bin or trash. 
These silky threads that cover ears of corn can be a nuisance to remove — from the cob, your hands and your teeth.

But Native Americans and people in China, Turkey and other countries think differently about Corn Silk Extract. 
For centuries, they’ve been using Corn Silk Extract as an herbal remedy for medicinal purposes. 

Today, Corn Silk Extract — and products like corn silk tea and supplements — are growing in popularity. 
Registered dietitian Susan Campbell, RD, LD, explains why you might want to keep (and not trash) Corn Silk Extract the next time you’re husking corn.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CORN SILK EXTRACT:
Although Corn Silk Extract is routinely used in herbal medicine, studies on it are limited.
However, preliminary research suggests that Corn Silk Extract may have health benefits, especially for certain types of inflammatory conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

*Provides antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect your body’s cells against free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of a number of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation.

Corn Silk Extract is a naturally rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.
Multiple test-tube and animal studies demonstrate that Corn Silk Extract's flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and protect against free radical damage.
These compounds may be responsible for many of Corn Silk Extract’s benefits.

*Has anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is part of your body’s natural immune response. 
However, excessive inflammation is linked to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

Test-tube and animal studies have found that Corn Silk Extract may reduce inflammation by suppressing the activity of two major inflammatory compounds.
This stringy plant fiber also contains magnesium, which helps regulate your body’s inflammatory response.
That said, human research is needed.

*May manage blood sugar
Some research indicates that Corn Silk Extract may lower blood sugar and help manage diabetes symptoms.
One animal study noted that diabetic mice given Corn Silk Extract flavonoids had significantly reduced blood sugar compared to a control group.

A recent test-tube study also revealed that antioxidants in Corn Silk Extract may help prevent diabetic kidney disease.
Although these results are promising, human studies are needed

WHAT IS CORN SILK EXTRACT, AND HOW IS CORN SILK EXTRACT USED?
Corn Silk Extract is the long, thread-like strands of plant material that grow underneath the husk of a fresh ear of corn.
These shiny, thin fibers aid the pollination and growth of corn, but they’re also used in traditional herbal medicine practices.
Corn Silk Extract contains a variety of plant compounds that may be responsible for various health effects.

In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, Corn Silk Extract’s used to treat a variety of ailments, including prostate problems, malaria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and heart disease.

More recent research indicates that it may also help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation.
Corn Silk Extract may be used fresh but is often dried before being consumed as a tea or extract. 
It may also be taken as a pill.

Summary
Corn Silk Extract is a type of natural fiber that grows on corn plants. 
Corn Silk Extract’s used as an herbal remedy for a variety of illnesses in traditional or folk medicine.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
EC Number: 232-490-8
CAS Number: 84696-19-5
Molecular Formula: C12H12O5
Molecular Weight: 236.22 g/mol
Appearance: Light yellow to greenish powder
Density: Approximately 1.0 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
pH: 5.0 - 7.0
Flash Point: Not available
Melting Point: Not available

FIRST AID MEASURES of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CORN SILK EXTRACT:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available