6 Benefits of Corn Silk & Its Side Effects

Long silky strands present on the corn are known as corn silk. These are often discarded while eating corn as not much is known about its health benefits. These shiny threads aid pollination and growth of corn as well. Corn silk has been used as a herbal remedy traditionally and is still used in many countries including China, France, the United States, and turkey.⁽¹⁾ It is effective in treating a variety of ailments including malaria, urinary tract infection, and prostate problem. Recently it is also found to be effective in reducing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation.

These silk threads are dried before being consumed as tea or extract and are also available in the form of pills. It can also be consumed in a fresh state, but this way it needs to be stored in an airtight container. Depending on the weather condition the corn threads need to be dried, after which they can be stored for a longer time.

Corn silk has been in use as an herbal remedy for a long, still, but has very few studies to back its benefits.

1. Treats Urinary Tract Infection

   Corn silk has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Studies show that it may reduce inflammation by suppressing the activity of two major inflammatory compounds.⁽¹⁾ The fibers also contain magnesium which can help in regulating the body’s inflammatory response.^{(2, 3)}

2. Works as a Diuretic Agent

   Corn silk tea is been in use as a diuretic agent for a long. It plays a role in removing excess water and waste from the body reducing complications that are related to water retention.⁽⁴⁾ It is well known that diuretics can be helpful in getting rid of several health conditions including congestive heart failure and kidney diseases.

3. Has Antioxidant Properties

   Antioxidants help in protecting the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress. Corn silk is known to be a rich source of an antioxidant known as flavonoids. Studies show that flavonoids protect the body against free radical damage.⁽¹⁾

4. Manages Blood Sugar

   Research shows that corn silk can be beneficial in lowering the blood sugar level and help in managing the symptoms of diabetes. In a study, diabetic mice were given corn silk flavonoids. It was found that they had a significant reduction in blood sugar compared with the control group.⁽⁵⁾ There is also a recent test-tube study showing the significance of corn silk in reducing diabetic kidney disease.⁽⁶⁾

5. Lowers Blood Pressure Level

   Corn silk can also be effective in treating high blood pressure. Being known as a natural diuretic it helps in eliminating excess fluid from the body, reducing blood pressure.

   An eight weeks study was performed in which 40 people with high blood pressure were given an increased amount of corn silk extract until the dose reached 118 mg. it was found that the blood pressure dropped significantly compared to the control group.⁽⁷⁾ Still more human research is needed in it.

6. Helps in Reducing Cholesterol Level

   Corn silk is also known to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.⁽⁸⁾ A study was done in which the mice were given corn silk extract and were found to have a significant reduction in the total and LDL cholesterol level. There was also an increase in good cholesterol levels.⁽⁹⁾

   Another study on mice was done in which they were few with a high-fat diet. It was observed that the mice receiving corn silk extract had significantly lower cholesterol than those who did not.⁽¹⁰⁾

Corn silk has very few adverse effects. But, if anyone experienced an allergic reaction to it, they should avoid its usage.

If taking diuretics, blood pressure drugs, diabetic medicine, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinners, the use of corn silk should be avoided. Otherwise, it is recommended to take it with a doctor’s advice. Those with low potassium levels should also avoid taking corn silk as it may increase the excretion of minerals.⁽¹⁾

Corn silk is a beneficial compound that promotes overall health. It has limited research that further limits its usage. It is mostly safe for people but one needs to consult a doctor before using it, especially those with chronic health conditions.