Corn silk is a thread-like fiber found at the top of corn cobs. They are not usually eaten but are used by some as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and herbal remedy for certain conditions.
Corn silk is the long, silky threads that grow on corncobs.
Though it’s often discarded when corn is prepared for eating, it may have several medicinal applications.
As an herbal remedy, corn silk has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. It’s still used today in many countries, including China, France, Turkey, and the United States.
This article explains everything you need to know about corn silk, including its uses, benefits, and dosage.
Corn silk is the long, thread-like strands of plant material that grow underneath the husk of a fresh ear of corn.
These shiny, thin fibers aid the pollination and growth of corn, but they’re also used in traditional herbal medicine practices.
Corn silk contains a variety of plant compounds that may be responsible for various health effects.
In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, it’s used to treat a variety of ailments, including prostate problems, malaria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and heart disease.
More recent research indicates that it may also help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation.
Corn silk may be used fresh but is often dried before being consumed as a tea or extract. It may also be taken as a pill.
Although corn silk is routinely used in herbal medicine, studies on it are limited.
However, preliminary research suggests that it may have health benefits, especially for certain types of inflammatory conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Provides antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect your body’s cells against free radical damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of a number of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation.
Corn silk is a naturally rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.
It also contains various other antioxidants like:
- sterols
- saponins
- allantoin
- alkaloid
- vitamin K
- vitamin C
- polyphenols
- tannins
In some areas, it is used as a diuretic, and in other areas, it is used to treat bladder disorders.
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is part of your body’s natural immune response. However, excessive inflammation is linked to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.
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Another animal study from 2024 also found that corn silk had an anti-inflammatory response in mice.
This stringy plant fiber also contains magnesium, which helps regulate your body’s inflammatory response.
The results of these studies cannot be directly applied to humans, however. Clinical human trials are needed to verify the results and the anti-inflammatory nature of corn silk.
May manage blood sugar
Some research indicates that corn silk may lower blood sugar and help manage diabetes symptoms.
One animal study from 2024 on mice with type 1 diabetes showed that corn silk may help reduce gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation that are associated with the condition. It also noted that corn silk may be a potential therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes.
A review from 2023 also notes that was shown to increase the production of insulin in rats. It also helped to recover damage to the pancreas and control blood sugar levels in the rats. This means that corn silk may help to prevent hyperglycemia, which is an unusually high concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Although these results are promising, human studies are needed.
May lower blood pressure
Corn silk may be an effective treatment for high blood pressure.
First, it encourages the elimination of excess fluid from your body. As such, it could be a natural alternative to prescribed diuretics, which are often used to reduce blood pressure.
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Still, more human research is needed.
May reduce cholesterol
Corn silk may also lower cholesterol.
One animal study from 2020 found that mice given corn silk extract experienced significant reductions in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol alongside increases in HDL (good) cholesterol.
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More research and clinical human trials are needed to verify the effects of corn silk on cholesterol levels.
While very few adverse effects have been reported, corn silk may not be safe for everyone.
If you’ve experienced an allergic reaction to corn or corn products, you should avoid corn silk.
Furthermore, corn silk is not recommended if you take any of the following medications:
- diuretics
- blood pressure drugs
- diabetes medicine
- anti-inflammatory drugs, like steroids
- blood thinners
What’s more, you should avoid this product if you’re taking potassium supplements or have been treated for low potassium levels, as corn silk may increase the excretion of this mineral, according to
Additionally, it’s important to consider the quality of the supplement you buy.
In certain countries, including the United States, herbal supplements are not regulated. Therefore, it’s best to choose a brand that has been tested by a third party.
Be sure to check the ingredient list on the label, as other herbs are sometimes added.
If you’re uncertain whether corn silk is an appropriate supplement for your routine, consult your medical practitioner.
Corn silk is a natural corn fiber used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.
Research is limited, but some studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
While corn silk is likely safe for most people, you should consult your medical practitioner before taking it.
