Corn (Zea mays L.): A Comprehensive Reference
1. Identity: Botanical Classification, Natural Source, and Common Forms
1.1 Taxonomic and Botanical Identity
Corn (Zea mays Linnaeus), also known as maize, is a member of the family Poaceae (or Gramineae). Maize (Zea mays), also known as corn, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. The leafy stalk gives rise to male inflorescences or tassels which produce pollen, and female inflorescences called ears. The ears yield grain, known as kernels or seeds.
Zea mays (maize and relatives) consists of three clearly differentiated subspecies: the domestic Zea mays ssp. mays and two wild relatives collectively called teosinte: Zea mays ssp. mexicana and Zea mays ssp. parviglumis. Zea mays L. (maize) is not only one of the world's most extensively cultivated cereal crops but also a reservoir of pharmacologically active compounds with significant therapeutic potential.
1.2 Natural Source and Varieties
In modern commercial varieties, kernels are usually yellow or white; other varieties can be of many colors. The kernels can come in many colors, including yellow, white, red, blue, and multicolored varieties. Pigmented corn is a gramineae food of great biological, cultural, and nutritional importance for many Latin American countries, with more than 250 breeds on the American continent. Purple corn (Zea mays L.), a grain with one of the deepest shades in the plant kingdom, has caught the attention of the food industry as it could serve as a source for alternatives to synthetic colorants.
1.3 Common Forms and Preparations
In addition to its consumption as whole grains, maize (Zea mays L.) is widely processed into a variety of food products, which includes cornmeal, tortillas, flatbreads, starches, and breakfast cereals. Popcorn and sweet corn are popular varieties, but refined corn products are also widely consumed, frequently as ingredients in processed food. These include tortillas, tortilla chips, polenta, cornmeal, corn flour, corn syrup, and corn oil.
Medicinally, specific parts of the corn plant are prepared distinctly. Corn silk (CS) is made from stigmas — the yellowish thread-like strands from the female flower of maize. It is a waste material from corn cultivation and available in abundance. Cornsilk refers to the long, thread-like styles and stigmas of the Zea mays (corn) plant; it is harvested and dried for use in herbal teas and extracts. Corn is also consumed in the form of whole grain kernels, dried and ground meal, extracted oils (from the germ), and as standardized anthocyanin-rich extracts derived from pigmented varieties. Corn starch is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient.
2. Historical and Traditional Use
2.1 Origins and Mesoamerican Civilizations
Genetic and archaeological evidence together suggest that teosinte was the ancestor of modern maize, and that its domestication began around 9,000 years ago in the Balsas River region of Guerrero and Michoacán, Mexico. The oldest microremains of maize have been recovered from the Xihuatoxtla rock shelter in the Balsas Valley, dating back about 8,700 years. It is indigenous to Mesoamerica and was domesticated in Mexico some 9,000 years ago, then it spread throughout the American continents.
For many cultures in the Americas, maize fulfills not just nutritional requirements, but also important religious, spiritual, and ceremonial roles. For example, the central protagonists in the Popol Vuh, the origin story of the K'iche and Yucatec Mayans, are twins born from the god of maize from two types of maize (white and yellow). Deities of maize, such as the Aztec gods Centeotl and Chicomecoatl, were central to many societies.
By the time of European colonization, Indigenous groups throughout the Americas had bred and adapted maize to a wide variety of environments and a vast number of cultural and culinary uses. Scholar Adele Nozedar comments that maize proved to be nutritious and versatile, and foodstuffs taken from the grain include popcorn, hominy, flour, and meal, among others.
2.2 Indigenous North American Use
Corn is one of the most important crops cultivated by Indigenous peoples, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, for food, trade, and cultural practices. Native Americans planted it alongside beans and squashes in the Three Sisters polyculture. This agricultural practice, known as "the milpa" in Indigenous cultures, is also referred to as the three sisters.
Many Native American communities developed techniques like nixtamalization — soaking corn in an alkaline solution — to make nutrients more accessible to the body. This process increases the availability of niacin (vitamin B3) and improves the overall nutritional value of the grain.
Additional medicinal uses of corn include utilizing the silks from the tops of the emerging ears, collected during the growing season, to make into a decoction that can be used for bladder and urinary tract infections, kidney stones, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Cornmeal has been known to treat diaper rash, rheumatism, and eczema. The dried corn cobs can also be soaked in water and rubbed on the skin to treat poison ivy.
2.3 Traditional Use in China, Turkey, France, and Other Cultures
Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is an important herb used traditionally by the Chinese and Native Americans to treat many diseases. It is also used as traditional medicine in many parts of the world such as Turkey, United States, and France. It is used for the treatment of cystitis, edema, kidney stones, as a diuretic, for prostate disorders, and urinary infections, as well as bedwetting and obesity. In France, it has been used traditionally to stimulate weight loss.
Traditionally, the aqueous extraction of corn silk has been used to treat patients with urinary tract disorders due to its high concentration of potassium in many countries, including China and the United States. Considered to have a soothing diuretic action, corn silk is used for any irritation of the urinary system, such as dysuria, cystitis, nocturnal enuresis, prostatitis, and gonorrhea.
In South America — particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador — pigmented (purple and blue) corn varieties have historically been used both as food and in the preparation of chicha morada, a traditional beverage consumed for nutritional and purported health-maintaining purposes. Corn (Zea mays L.) is part of the biological and cultural heritage of several Latin American countries, including Mexico.
3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds
3.1 Macronutrient Composition
Nutritionally, maize provides about 365 kcal per 100 g and comprises primarily of 72% starch, 10% protein, 4% fat, and considerable amounts of fiber, sugar, and minerals. In a 100 gram serving, maize kernels provide 86 calories and are a good source (10–19% of the Daily Value) of the B vitamins: thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5), and folate (USDA Nutrient Database). Maize is a good source of dietary fiber and protein, while being very low in fat and sodium. However, maize is naturally deficient in lysine and tryptophan, which are two of eight amino acids regarded as essential for humans, so it needs to be part of a balanced diet.
The seed of the corn has three layers. The first layer starting from the outside is the pericarp, which is the part rich in fiber. The second layer is the endosperm, which mainly contains carbohydrates. The third is the embryo, where protein, vitamins, and minerals are present.
3.2 Minerals and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Depending on the variety, maize may contain a number of important B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, and provitamin A (a precursor to vitamin A). Maize is also rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, and has small amounts of potassium and calcium. The most abundant mineral is phosphorus, found as phytate of potassium and magnesium. The maize kernel contains two fat-soluble vitamins: provitamin A (carotenoids) and vitamin E.
The water-soluble vitamin nicotinic acid has attracted much research because of its association with niacin deficiency or pellagra, which is prevalent in populations consuming high amounts of maize. Niacin content varies among varieties, with average values of about 20 µg per gram. A feature peculiar to niacin is that it is bound and therefore not available to the animal organism. This is the biochemical basis for traditional nixtamalization practices, which liberate the bound niacin.
3.3 Phenolic Acids and Ferulic Acid
Phytochemical constituents of maize include polyphenols, phenolic acids (notably ferulic and p-coumaric acid), flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, and tannins, distributed across its anatomical parts. Ferulic acid, a key secondary metabolite biosynthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway, exhibits broad-spectrum bioactivity including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Ferulic acid is one of the main polyphenol antioxidants in corn, which contains higher amounts of it than other cereal grains like wheat, oats, and rice.
HPLC and ESI-MS/MS analyses indicate the presence of vanillic, syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and isoferulic acids along with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol, and quercetin. Germs of maize samples contain significantly higher free phenolics than pericarps, whereas pericarps contain 74–83% of bound ones.
3.4 Anthocyanins (Pigmented Varieties)
Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins are some of the most studied and representative compounds in these grasses, with a wide range of health properties, mainly the reduction of pro-oxidant molecules. Purple corn (≥1,500 mg/100 g fresh fruit) has among the highest anthocyanin contents of any known food source. About 35.6–54.0% of the anthocyanins in purple corn are acylated, which has a positive effect on maintaining in vitro stability.
The principal anthocyanins identified in purple/blue corn are cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and its acetylated and malonated derivatives, including pelargonidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and delphinidin-3-glucoside. An anthocyanin-rich diet from purple corn, which mainly contains cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and its acetylated derivatives, has been studied for several biological effects.
3.5 Carotenoids: Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Carotenoids are a group of molecules belonging to the terpenic compounds, present in a large number of pigmented corn breeds, mainly the yellow ones, whose biological activity incorporates a wide spectrum. The average xanthophyll concentration in corn (the sum of lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) is 21.97 µg/g corn. Lutein is 15.54 µg/g corn, zeaxanthin is 5.84 µg/g corn, and β-cryptoxanthin is 0.54 µg/g corn.
Unlike other carotenoids, xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) cannot be converted into vitamin A. Lutein and zeaxanthin are selectively taken up into the macula region (yellow spot) in the eye, where they absorb 90% of blue light (450–470 nm), thus reducing the short-wavelength light from reaching the critical part of the eye and causing oxidative damage and stress. The term "zeaxanthin" is derived from the Greek root zea, which refers to corn or maize, and xanthose, which means yellow.
3.6 Corn Silk (Stigma Maydis) Constituents
Corn silk (CS) is rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids. It also consists of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium salts, volatile oils, and steroids such as sitosterol and stigmasterol, alkaloids, and saponins. Cornsilk contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, which are thought to contribute to its medicinal properties. The potential medicinal use of corn silk is related to its properties and mechanism of action of its plant's bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and terpenoids.
Cornsilk also contains vitamin K, which has potential relevance for interactions with anticoagulant drugs.
3.7 Corn Polysaccharides
Research studies have shown that corn polysaccharide exhibits antitumor, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and various other beneficial effects. Polysaccharides of particular interest include corn silk polysaccharides (CSPs) and corn bran arabinoxylan, which have been studied in animal models for their effects on gut microbiota and metabolic homeostasis.
4. Mechanisms of Action
4.1 Antioxidant Mechanisms
Potential antioxidant and healthcare applications of corn silk as a diuretic agent, in hyperglycemia reduction, as an anti-depressant, and anti-fatigue use have been claimed in several reports. The antioxidant activity of corn compounds is primarily attributed to direct radical scavenging by phenolic acids (particularly ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid), anthocyanins (in pigmented varieties), and carotenoids. The antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds including anthocyanins increased with the maturity of purple corn, which was largely attributed to the change of structure rather than content.
4.2 Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Secretion
Anthocyanins have been shown to have positive effects by inhibiting digestive enzymes, enhancing insulin secretion, reducing apoptosis, promoting proliferation of pancreatic β-cells, and improving hyperglycemia through regulation of glucose metabolism in hepatocytes. They may also decrease insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in muscle and fat, while enhancing glucose uptake in both skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue.
Mechanistic in vitro research using purple corn anthocyanins provides more specific data. At 100 µM, pure anthocyanins from purple corn enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in INS-1E cells ranging from 18% to 40% compared to untreated cells. The purple corn whole extract (PCW) increased GSIS by 51%. Treatment with 100 µM of peonidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside increased glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by 19% and 31%, respectively. PCW increased glucose uptake in HepG2 cells by 48%. These are in vitro findings; human confirmation is not yet fully established.
4.3 Diuretic and Renoprotective Mechanisms
Corn silk soothes and relaxes the lining of the bladder and urinary tubules, hence reducing irritation and increasing urine output. Corn silk, as a diuretic, can increase the flow of urine from the body and may reduce the risk of new stones developing. It was indicated that corn silk might reduce or even prevent renal damage by defending the kidney against oxidative stress.
4.4 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Anthocyanins (ACNs) are polyphenols found in pigmented plants, widely acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Positive effects of anthocyanins have been described in epidemiological, clinical, and pre-clinical studies, and include reduction of LDL cholesterol, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular diseases. Corn silk has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive effects when extracted in various solvents.
4.5 Gut Microbiota Modulation
Studies focused on the effects of black corn (Zea mays) anthocyanin-rich extract on intestinal functionality found that intraamniotic administration of black corn extract (BCE) promoted a significant improvement in cecal Bifidobacterium and Clostridium populations, and reduced E. coli populations. These findings are from an avian (Gallus gallus) model and require human validation.
5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use
5.1 Eye Health (Lutein and Zeaxanthin)
Numerous studies have identified lutein and zeaxanthin as essential components for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that impart yellow or orange color to various common foods including corn. Their role in human health, in particular the health of the eye, is well established from epidemiological, clinical, and interventional studies. They constitute the main pigments found in the yellow spot of the human retina, which protect the macula from damage by blue light, improve visual acuity, and scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species. They have also been linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Dietary intake of antioxidants, most notably carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein, may boost eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the predominant carotenoids in corn, especially yellow and orange corn; however, their levels are generally low in white corn. Commonly known as macular pigments, these compounds exist in the retina, the light-sensitive inner surface of the eye, where they protect against oxidative damage caused by blue light. High levels of these carotenoids in the blood are strongly linked to a reduced risk of both macular degeneration and cataracts. Observational studies likewise suggest that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin may be protective, but not all studies support this.
Evidence strength: Moderate to good from epidemiological and some interventional data; corn-specific clinical trials are limited, as most evidence is derived from combined dietary sources or supplemental lutein/zeaxanthin rather than corn alone.
5.2 Urinary Health and Diuresis (Corn Silk)
Maydis stigma (corn silk) is a herbal drug reputed for the treatment of urinary ailments in various traditional medicine systems. To determine its influence on urinary volume and the excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride, 5% and 10% decoctions were administered daily to adult male Wistar rats for eight days. Daily oral administration of 5% decoction at the dose of 10 ml/kg led to a significant and acute diuresis in rats, reaching the peak value in the first 24 hours of treatment.
The diuresis activity of the corn silk aqueous extract supports its traditional use as a diuretic agent. Diuretic activity has also been investigated by other studies and the results indicated that there was an increase in urinary output by 159% with corn silk extract. However, another study showed no significant difference in urine output, indicating some inconsistency in findings.
Human clinical evidence for corn silk as a urinary therapeutic specifically is sparse, with most data derived from animal and in vitro studies. Corn silk has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive effects when extracted in various solvents. Corn silk has medicinal characteristics and has long been used as a traditional medicine in many nations, although the mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Evidence strength: Primarily animal and pre-clinical. Human clinical data are limited. Traditional use is well-documented across multiple cultures.
5.3 Glycemic Control and Diabetes (Corn Silk and Anthocyanins)
Potential healthcare applications of corn silk as a diuretic agent and in hyperglycemia reduction have been claimed in several reports. In an animal model, traditional Chinese medicine believes that corn silk has a significant diuretic effect. Compared with untreated diabetic nephropathy (DN) models, albuminuria-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) values were significantly lower in each corn silk polysaccharide (CSP) dose group (P<0.001).
For purple corn anthocyanins and type 2 diabetes, they have been shown in cellular and animal models to have positive effects by inhibiting digestive enzymes, enhancing insulin secretion, reducing apoptosis, promoting proliferation of pancreatic β-cells, and improving hyperglycemia through regulation of glucose metabolism in hepatocytes. They may decrease insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in muscle and fat, while enhancing glucose uptake in both skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue.
More and more scientific evidence has shown that regular consumption of whole grain corn lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, and improves digestive health.
Evidence strength: Animal and in vitro mechanistic data are promising. Human RCT evidence specifically for corn-derived compounds is limited; systematic review evidence for anthocyanins in type 2 diabetes is emerging but derived from broader anthocyanin sources, not exclusively corn.
5.4 Cardiovascular Health (Anthocyanins and Whole Grain)
Positive effects of anthocyanins have been described in epidemiological, clinical, and pre-clinical studies, and include reduction of LDL cholesterol, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular diseases. Meta-analytic and systematic review evidence suggests anthocyanin interventions can improve some cardiovascular risk markers (such as LDL cholesterol) in certain populations, though results can be heterogeneous across trials.
Anthocyanins are polyphenols belonging to flavonoids and have been highlighted for their beneficial effects on a multitude of diseases. In particular, they can prevent or reduce cardiovascular diseases and the risk of myocardial infarction in humans.
Evidence strength: The broader anthocyanin literature shows moderate evidence from human studies for improvement in select cardiovascular biomarkers. Evidence specific to corn-derived anthocyanins in human trials is currently limited; much of the mechanistic work is from animal or cell models.
5.5 Antihypertensive Effects (Corn Silk)
Because of its diuretic effect, corn silk can help lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume. Corn silk reduces blood lipids and blood pressure according to pharmacological review data. Recent research explores its potential cardiovascular benefits, including antihypertensive effects and lipid profile improvement.
Evidence strength: Pre-clinical and mechanistic. Human clinical trials specifically evaluating corn silk for blood pressure reduction are not yet abundant; further research is required, as noted in published reviews.
5.6 Digestive Health and Dietary Fiber
Whole grain corn is more nutritious, as it is rich in fiber and many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition to specific nutrients, maize contributes dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, and minerals that support gut health, metabolic regulation, and chronic disease prevention.
Evidence strength: The role of dietary fiber in gastrointestinal health is well-established from substantial human evidence; corn-derived fiber contributes to this effect in the context of a mixed diet. Whole grain corn as a specific vehicle for this benefit is supported by general whole grain evidence.
5.7 Hepatoprotective and Renoprotective Effects
Underexplored maize components such as corn silk, roots, bracts, and cobs demonstrate promising pharmacological actions including hepatoprotective, diuretic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Research studies have shown that corn polysaccharide exhibits antitumor, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects.
Evidence strength: Primarily animal and in vitro. Human clinical evidence is absent or highly limited for these specific effects.
5.8 Gut Microbiome Modulation
Studies focused on the effects of black corn (Zea mays) anthocyanin-rich extract on intestinal functionality found that administration promoted a significant improvement in cecal Bifidobacterium and Clostridium populations, and reduced E. coli populations.
Evidence strength: Animal model (Gallus gallus) only. No human trials on this specific endpoint have been published to date.
6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association
- Ocular system: Lutein and zeaxanthin are the two carotenoids present in the macula of the eye; their presence apparently protects the macula from oxidative damage that can result in macular loss as occurs with macular degeneration.
- Urinary / renal system: Corn silk is used for the treatment of cystitis, edema, kidney stones, as a diuretic, for prostate disorders, and urinary infections.
- Cardiovascular system: Corn bracts can reduce blood lipid levels. Corn silk reduces blood lipids and blood pressure.
- Metabolic / endocrine system: Corn stover has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. Corn cob can reduce blood sugar and regulate cholesterol levels.
- Gastrointestinal system: Dietary fiber from whole grain corn supports gut motility and microbiome diversity, supported by general whole grain and fiber research.
- Immune system / inflammatory pathways: Anthocyanins possess antioxidant properties that can effectively inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, which are often exacerbated by oxidative stress under conditions such as diabetes.
- Hepatic system: Corn polysaccharide exhibits hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects in pre-clinical studies.
7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies
The following dosages are drawn directly from the sources cited. They represent research doses and do not constitute recommendations.
- Corn silk aqueous decoction (animal study): Daily oral administration of 5% decoction at the dose of 10 ml/kg led to a significant and acute diuresis in rats, reaching the peak value in the first 24 hours of treatment.
- Purple corn anthocyanins (in vitro): At 100 µM, pure anthocyanins enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells from 18% to 40%. Purple corn whole extract (PCW) increased GSIS by 51%.
- Corn silk extract subacute toxicity (animal study): The subacute toxicity test using 500 mg/kg of corn silk extract to treat male ICR mice for 4 weeks resulted in no toxicological changes.
- Corn silk teas and supplements (traditional use): Uses of corn silk include teas and supplements to treat urinary-related problems. Specific standardized clinical dosages for corn silk in human trials have not been consistently established in the literature reviewed.
- Whole grain corn (general dietary context): More and more scientific evidence has shown that regular consumption of whole grain corn lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity and improves digestive health. Specific gram quantities are not defined in the reviewed evidence for disease prevention.
8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions
8.1 General Safety Profile
Whole corn consumed as food has a well-established safety record across thousands of years of human use. Many studies have reported therapeutic efficacy of corn silk extract; however, research on its toxicity and safe dose range is limited. No death or abnormal findings in the acute and subacute studies were observed, and the subacute toxicity test using 500 mg/kg of corn silk extract to treat male ICR mice for 4 weeks resulted in no toxicological changes.
8.2 Diuretic-Related Electrolyte Concerns
Although corn silk has long been utilized for its possible health benefits, such as helping to control blood pressure, there are some hazards to be aware of. Because of its diuretic effect, it can help lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume. However, excessive use of it, especially when paired with other diuretics, can cause electrolyte imbalances including hypokalemia.
8.3 Interactions with Pharmaceutical Diuretics
There is an increased risk of hypokalemia through theoretical pharmacodynamic synergism when corn silk is combined with thiazide diuretics such as methyclothiazide. This synergistic interaction has been flagged for multiple loop and thiazide diuretics, including bumetanide, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, torsemide, and metolazone, based on pharmacodynamic potentiation of diuretic effects and associated hypokalemia risk. All of these are classified as theoretical interactions requiring caution and monitoring.
8.4 Interactions with Anticoagulants
Cornsilk decreases effects of phenindione by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Cornsilk contains vitamin K; a consistent daily intake amount is advised. This implies a potential interaction with vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, phenindione), whereby consistent consumption is recommended to avoid fluctuating effects on anticoagulation.
8.5 Interaction with Blood Pressure Medications
There is a chance that corn silk will interfere with medication, potentially altering the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs and leading to side effects. Further research is required for its toxicity studies and recommended doses for hypertensive patients.
8.6 Phytic Acid and Mineral Absorption
Manganese is poorly absorbed from corn due to its phytic acid content. This limitation is compounded by the presence of phytic acid, which chelates iron and reduces absorption. Phytic acid in corn may impair the absorption of dietary minerals such as zinc and iron. Nixtamalization and other processing methods can reduce phytic acid content.
8.7 Niacin Bioavailability and Pellagra Risk
Nicotinic acid has attracted much research because of its association with niacin deficiency or pellagra, which is prevalent in populations consuming high amounts of maize. Niacin content varies among varieties, with average values of about 20 µg per gram, but a feature peculiar to niacin in maize is that it is bound and therefore not available to the animal organism. Populations relying heavily on unprocessed maize without traditional alkaline treatment are at risk of niacin deficiency.
8.8 Allergenicity and Corn Allergy
Corn allergy, while less prevalent than other cereal allergies, is documented. Individuals with documented corn or grass family (Poaceae) allergies should exercise caution with corn-derived supplements and extracts. This is a recognized consideration in the herbal medicine literature but specific epidemiological data were not found within the reviewed sources.
References
Go back