Overview

Corn silk is the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn (Zea mays). It's often discarded as waste but is also used in medicine.

Corn silk contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains chemicals that might have antioxidant effects, reduce blood pressure, and alter blood sugar levels.

People use corn silk for chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Corn Silk overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Corn silk is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when used in larger amounts as a medicine. Side effects seem to be rare but might include decreased potassium and sodium levels in the blood.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Corn silk is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when used in larger amounts as a medicine. Side effects seem to be rare but might include decreased potassium and sodium levels in the blood.

Breast-feeding: Corn silk is possibly safe when used in the amounts normally found in food while breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if corn silk is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Pregnancy: Corn silk is possibly safe when used in the amounts normally found in food while pregnant. But taking larger amounts as medicine is likely unsafe. Corn silk might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

Blood levels of potassium that are too low: Large amounts of corn silk might make this condition worse.

Surgery: Corn silk might interfere with blood sugar or blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using corn silk at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Corn Silk

    Corn silk might lower blood sugar levels. Taking corn silk along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Corn Silk

    Corn silk might lower blood pressure. Taking corn silk along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with Corn Silk

    Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Corn silk might also decrease potassium in the body. Taking corn silk along with some medications for inflammation might decrease potassium in the body too much.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Corn Silk

    Corn silk can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking corn silk along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Corn Silk

    Corn silk contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, corn silk might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of corn silk 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.
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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.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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