Research & Studies

What the Science Says About Barley Grass

Explore a curated collection of peer-reviewed scientific studies highlighting the health benefits of young barley grass and its juice powder. From antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to metabolic support, detoxification, and disease prevention, these evidence-based citations offer deep insight into barley grass as a powerful functional food. All studies are properly cited for transparency and credibility.

Barley Grass Extract Exhibits Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Journal: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2020

Study Overview:

This study evaluated the bioactivity of different fractions of barley grass leaf extracts, focusing on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Key Findings:

Barley grass extracts showed high total phenolic and flavonoid content, correlating with strong antioxidant activity. The extracts also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects by stabilizing red blood cell membranes and exhibited cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp, suggesting potential anticancer properties.

Conclusion:

Barley grass possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting its use as a functional food with potential health benefits.

Barley Grass Juice Reduces Obesity and Improves Liver Health in High-Fat Diet Rats

Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019

Study Overview:

This study evaluated the effects of barley grass juice on rats fed a high-fat diet over 60 days. Researchers assessed body weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, liver function markers, and gene expression related to fat accumulation and liver health.

Key Findings:

Barley grass juice supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight gain and BMI.

Improved lipid profiles were observed, including decreased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Liver function markers such as AST, ALT, and ALP were significantly reduced, indicating improved liver health.

Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of PPAR-γ and caspase-3, suggesting reduced fat accumulation and apoptosis.

Histological examination revealed preserved liver cells and reduced signs of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

Barley grass juice demonstrates potential as a nutraceutical for managing obesity and preventing liver damage induced by high-fat diets.

Barley Grass: A Functional Food for Preventing Chronic Diseases

Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2018

Study Overview:

This comprehensive review analyzed the functional ingredients in barley grass and their roles in preventing and treating chronic diseases.

Key Findings:

Barley grass contains over 30 functional ingredients, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamins, and minerals.

These compounds contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immune-enhancing properties.

Barley grass consumption has been linked to benefits in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion:

Barley grass is a nutrient-dense functional food with multiple health-promoting properties, making it beneficial for preventing and managing various chronic diseases.

Barley Grass Extract Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells via ROS Generation

Journal: Biomedical Reports, 2017

Study Overview:

This study investigated the effects of barley grass extract (Bex) on the viability of breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate (DU145) cancer cell lines. The research focused on assessing cell viability, apoptosis induction, and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these processes.

Key Findings:

Bex treatment significantly reduced the viability of both breast and prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Apoptosis was confirmed through Annexin V staining and the activation of caspases, as well as the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP).

Bex increased intracellular ROS levels, and the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibited Bex-induced apoptosis, indicating that ROS generation is a key mechanism in Bex-induced cell death.

Conclusion:

Barley grass extract promotes apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells by elevating intracellular ROS levels, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer agent.

Nutritional Composition of Young Barley Grass: A Rich Source of Antioxidants and Nutrients

Journal: Czech Journal of Food Sciences, 2007

Study Overview:

Researchers analyzed young barley grass for its content of vitamin C, polyphenols, amino acids, sugars, and catalase activity across different growth stages and preservation methods.

Key Findings:

Young barley grass contained high levels of vitamin C (0.107–6.357 g/kg dry matter), total polyphenols (17.167–35.559 g/kg dry matter), and essential amino acids like aspartic and glutamic acids. Catalase activity, an important antioxidant enzyme, was highest in early growth stages. Preservation methods like freezing retained the highest levels of nutrients and antioxidant activity.

Conclusion:

Early-harvested barley grass is a potent source of antioxidants and essential nutrients, making it valuable for dietary supplements.

Young Barley Leaf Powder Improves Gastrointestinal Health in Rats

Journal: Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 2004

Study Overview:

This study investigated the impact of young barley leaf powder on gastrointestinal function in rats. Researchers measured intestinal transit, fecal moisture, and fecal weight to assess digestive improvements. The physicochemical properties (e.g., water-holding capacity and viscosity) of the powder were also analyzed to understand its functional effects.

Key Findings:

Barley leaf powder significantly accelerated intestinal transit time compared to cellulose and reduced gastrointestinal stagnation.

Fecal weight and moisture content increased, indicating improved bowel movement and stool consistency.

The powder exhibited high water-holding capacity and viscosity, which correlated with its ability to promote gastrointestinal motility and hydration.

Conclusion:

Young barley leaf powder enhances gastrointestinal health by improving intestinal movement and stool quality. Its beneficial effects are attributed to its favorable physicochemical properties, making it a promising ingredient for digestive wellness.

Impact of Drying Methods on Antioxidant Activity in Young Barley Leaves

Journal: Nippon Shokuhin Kagaku Kogaku Kaishi, 2001

Study Overview:

This study examined how different drying techniques affect the antioxidant properties of young barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare). The researchers aimed to determine which drying method best preserves the leaves' antioxidant compounds, crucial for their health benefits.

Key Findings:

Preservation of Antioxidant Activity: Freeze-dried barley leaves retained higher antioxidant activity compared to those dried using hot air.

Temperature Sensitivity: Higher temperatures during hot air drying led to a significant reduction in antioxidant compounds, indicating that heat-sensitive nutrients degrade with increased drying temperatures.

Optimal Drying Method: Freeze-drying was identified as the most effective method for preserving the antioxidant properties of young barley leaves.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that the method of drying significantly influences the antioxidant activity of young barley leaves. Freeze-drying is recommended to maintain the nutritional and health-promoting qualities of barley leaf products.

Disclaimer: The articles, studies, and other materials shared under the resources section are independently curated and compiled through our own research. These resources are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not created, endorsed, or officially affiliated with IAM Worldwide nor Olhelti. Any views, data, or content expressed in these materials do not necessarily reflect the official stance or opinions of IAM Worldwide. We encourage readers to consult trusted health professionals for verified information.