Zea Mays: Complete Medicinal Profile
Zea mays, also known as corn, is a domesticated plant native to the Americas and a member of the grass family.
The medicinal properties of Zea mays include its ability to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and aid in the management of diabetes.
The health benefits of consuming Zea mays include providing essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as supporting heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Zea mays can be prepared as various herbal remedies, including teas, infusions, and tinctures, which can be used to address a range of health issues.
Study of the Day
According to Plants (Basel, Switzerland), Zea mays, commonly known as corn, was identified as a plant with a variety of uses, specifically including medicinal purposes.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Zea mays.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Zeal mays is used to provide numerous health benefits and medicinal uses due to its rich nutritional content.
The plant is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even aid in weight management.
Consuming zea mays, commonly known as corn, has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, improved digestion, and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, the plant's high fiber content can help regulate blood sugar levels, promote healthy gut bacteria, and support a strong immune system.
The health benefits of Zea mays are listed below.
- High in antioxidants: Zea mays contains antioxidants that help protect against cell damage and oxidative stress, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
- Good source of fiber: Zea mays is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Zea mays is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin c, vitamin b6, folate, manganese, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
- May help regulate blood sugar: The fiber and antioxidants in zea mays may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a good option for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Supports healthy gut bacteria: Zea mays contains prebiotic fibers that can help feed the good bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and supporting immune function.
- May help reduce inflammation: The antioxidants in zea mays may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of conditions like arthritis, asthma, and other chronic diseases.
- Can help lower cholesterol: The fiber in zea mays can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Here are the best health benefits of Zea mays.
Actions
Zea mays has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties, which can affect the cardiovascular system by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing platelet aggregation.
Its nervine and sedative actions can impact the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, while its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects can influence the urinary and musculoskeletal systems.
Additionally, the plant's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can impact the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, reducing inflammation and fighting off infections.
Zea mays also exhibits antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory actions, affecting various bodily systems including the endocrine system and the immune system.
The therapeutic actions of Zea mays are listed below.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Antibacterial: Has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and combat infections.
- Antioxidant: Helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Demulcent: Forms a protective barrier on the skin or mucous membranes to soothe and calm irritation.
- Diuretic: Increases urine production to help remove excess fluids and toxins from the body.
- Expectorant: Helps to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways.
- Hemostatic: Helps to stop or prevent bleeding by constricting blood vessels and promoting clotting.
Constituents
Zeal mays has been found to contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhapontigenin, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant also contains tannins like gallic acid and ellagic acid, which have been shown to possess antimicrobial and antiviral activities.
Additionally, Zea mays is rich in phenolic acids like ferulic acid and sinapic acid, which have been demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Furthermore, the plant contains saponins, lignans, and phenolic glycosides, which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities.
The bioactive constituents of Zea mays are listed below.
- Silica: A compound made of silicon and oxygen, essential for the structural integrity of plant cells, particularly in the cell walls of zea mays.
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, found in various parts of the zea mays plant.
- Carotenoids: Pigments responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors in plants, also have antioxidant properties, and help protect zea mays from oxidative stress.
- Saponins: Natural compounds that can create a soap-like effect in water, found in various plant parts, and have been reported to have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in zea mays.
- Phenolic acids: Compounds that contribute to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of zea mays, and have been reported to have health benefits when consumed.
- Terpenoids: A class of compounds that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, found in various plant parts, including zea mays.
- Glycosides: Compounds that consist of a sugar molecule attached to a non-carbohydrate molecule, found in various plant parts, and have been reported to have medicinal properties in zea mays.
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Zea mays are its roots, leaves, and seeds, which have been utilized for various health purposes for centuries.
The roots of Zea mays, also known as corn roots, are used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation, due to their high fiber content.
The leaves of the plant, or corn leaves, are used in teas and infusions to alleviate symptoms of fever, cough, and cold.
The seeds, or corn kernels, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are used in various forms, including as cornmeal, corn flour, and corn oil, to treat a range of health conditions, including high cholesterol, inflammation, and digestive issues.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Zea mays and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Roots | Inflammation, diarrhea, fever |
| Leaves | Wounds, burns, insect bites |
| Silks | Cough, asthma, respiratory issues |
| Husk | Digestive issues, constipation, skin problems |
Preparations
Zea mays most common herbal preparations are used for various health purposes, including the relief of digestive issues, colds, and fever.
Infusions, made by steeping the leaves and stalks in hot water, are commonly used to ease digestive discomfort, reduce inflammation, and act as a diuretic.
Tinctures, which are concentrated liquid extracts, are used to treat respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Additionally, decoctions, which are made by simmering the plant's parts in water, are used to create a soothing expectorant for coughs and congestion, while also serving as a natural remedy for sore throats and mouth sores.
The herbal preparations of Zea mays are listed below.
- Zea mays infusion: An herbal infusion made by steeping dried zea mays leaves in hot water, traditionally used to support digestive health.
- Zea mays tincture: A concentrated herbal extract made by soaking dried zea mays roots in a solvent, often used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Zea mays salve: A topical herbal preparation made by infusing dried zea mays leaves in oil, traditionally used to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing.
- Zea mays decoction: A strong herbal tea made by boiling dried zea mays stalks in water, often used to support respiratory health.
- Zea mays syrup: A sweet herbal preparation made by infusing dried zea mays flowers in a sugar water solution, traditionally used to soothe coughs and promote throat health.
- Zea mays infused oil: A herbal oil made by infusing dried zea mays leaves in a carrier oil, often used to support skin health and reduce inflammation.
- Zea mays vinegar tincture: A herbal preparation made by infusing dried zea mays leaves in vinegar, traditionally used to support digestive health and reduce acidity.
Side Effects
Zea mays side effects are generally mild and temporary, but can be experienced by individuals who are sensitive or allergic to the plant's compounds.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as skin irritation, hives, and allergic contact dermatitis.
People with pre-existing conditions like celiac disease, eczema, or other autoimmune disorders may be more likely to experience these side effects.
Precautions include avoiding direct contact with the plant, washing hands thoroughly after handling, and keeping the plant out of reach of children and pets to minimize exposure.
The possible side effects of Zea mays are listed below.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to corn, including skin irritation, itching, and respiratory problems.
- Digestive issues: Consuming large amounts of corn can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain in some individuals.
- Insecticide exposure: Zea mays plants may be treated with insecticides, which can be hazardous to human health if ingested or inhaled.
- Phytic acid intoxication: Phytic acid, a compound found in corn, can cause intoxication and other health problems if ingested in large quantities.
- Skin irritation: The sap of the zea mays plant can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Thyroid problems: Consuming large amounts of corn can lead to thyroid problems, as the plant contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function.
- Urticaria: Some people may experience urticaria, a skin condition characterized by hives and itching, after consuming corn or being exposed to the plant's sap.