Wheatgrass: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted shoot of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). It's native to Asia and the Mediterranean, but it's grown worldwide.

Wheatgrass contains large amounts of chlorophyll. High-chlorophyll diets are sometimes promoted to treat certain diseases, such as cancer. Wheatgrass also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids.

People use wheatgrass for a blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia), cancer, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheatgrass, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products. Don't confuse wheatgrass with similarly named wheat bran or couch grass. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

A blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia). Some early research suggests that drinking 100 mL of wheatgrass juice daily for 18 months or taking tablets containing 1-4 grams of wheatgrass daily for 12 months can reduce the need for blood transfusions in children with beta-thalassemia. But other early research suggests that taking tablets containing 100-200 mg/kg of wheatgrass daily for 12 months does not reduce the need for blood transfusions in children and adults with beta-thalassemia.
Heel pain. Early research suggests that applying a wheatgrass cream to the bottom of the feet twice daily for 6 weeks does not reduce heel pain.
High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking wheatgrass powder in a capsule daily for 10 weeks reduces total cholesterol and triglyceride cholesterol levels by a small amount in females with elevated cholesterol levels.
A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Early research suggests that freshly extracted wheatgrass juice might reduce overall disease activity and the severity of rectal bleeding in people with this condition.
Anemia.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
High blood pressure.
Preventing infections.
Preventing tooth decay.
Removing drugs, metals, toxins, and cancer-causing substances from the body.
Wound healing.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of wheatgrass for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Wheatgrass is commonly consumed in foods. Wheatgrass juice is possibly safe when consumed as medicine in amounts of 60-100 mL daily for up to 18 months. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use longer-term as medicine. It's generally well-tolerated. Side effects might include allergic reactions, anorexia, constipation and nausea.

When applied to the skin: Wheatgrass is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if wheatgrass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking wheatgrass as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar levels. Taking wheatgrass along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Wheatgrass
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Wheatgrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of wheatgrass might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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