Corn Silk (Zea mays) and Inflammation (general): evidence and sources

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a widespread metabolic disease marked by an elevated level of uric acid, and is a risk factor for premature death. The protective effect of corn silk flavonoids (CSF) against HUA and its potential mechanisms were explored. Five important apoptosis and inflammation-related signaling pathways were identified by network pharmacological analysis. The CSF exhibited significant uric acid (UA)-lowering activity in vitro by decreasing xanthine oxidase (XOD) and increasing hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase levels. In a potassium oxonate-induced HUA in vivo , CSF treatment effectively inhibited XOD activity and promoted UA excretion. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and restored pathological damage. In summary, CSF is a functional food component to improve HUA by reducing inflammation and apoptosis through the down-regulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway.

Treatment of human endothelial cells with cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) or E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the expression of several adhesion molecules and enhances leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cell surface. Interfering with this leukocyte adhesion or adhesion molecules upregulation is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of bacterial sepsis and various inflammatory diseases. In the course of screening marketed European anti-inflammatory herbal drugs for TNF antagonistic activity, a crude ethanolic extract of corn silk (stigma of Zea mays) exhibited significant activity. The extract at concentrations of 9-250 micrograms/ml effectively inhibited the TNF- and LPS-induced adhesiveness of EAhy 926 endothelial cells to monocytic U937 cells. Similar concentration ranges of corn silk extract did also block the TNF and LPS but not the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced ICAM-1 expression on EAhy 926 endothelial cell surface. The extract did not alter the production of TNF by LPS-activated macrophages and failed to inhibit the cytotoxic activity of TNF. It is concluded that corn silk possesses important therapeutic potential for TNF- and LPS-mediated leukocyte adhesion and trafficking.

Corn silk, the stigmas and styles of maize, is a traditional medicinal herb with promising anti-aging potential. This review systematically examines its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and sterols, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and metabolic regulatory effects. These properties support its potential therapeutic applications in aging-related conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), cardiovascular disorders, metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes and obesity), and kidney dysfunction. Preclinical studies highlight corn silk's role in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation-key drivers of aging. Additionally, preliminary clinical trials, particularly on its anti-diabetic effects, show promise, but larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish its safety and efficacy. Future research should focus on standardizing extraction methods, elucidating mechanisms of action, and exploring synergistic interactions among its bioactive constituents. Together, this review emphasizes the need for continued investigation into corn silk as a natural, multi-target therapeutic agent for aging and age-related diseases, and advancing its potential for clinical applications.

Inflammation is an important immune response in our organism, the intervention of anti-inflammatory substances is critical to control inflammation, in which Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) serves as a key target to inhibit inflammatory factors. This study employed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) to prepare isoorientin from corn silk (Zea mays L.), optimizing extraction parameters to achieve a maximum yield of 1.26 mg/g isoorientin under optimal conditions. A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was utilized to screen four potential COX-2 inhibitors, including isoorientin, whose excellent inhibitory activities were validated through in vitro COX-2 inhibition assays. Notably, isoorientin demonstrated significant COX-2 inhibitory potency with an IC 50 value of 18.38 ± 0.38 μg/mL. Oral toxicity testing revealed that isoorientin exhibited non-toxic or low-toxic characteristics compared to the other three compounds, indicating superior safety profiles. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were combined to elucidate the binding mechanism of isoorientin with COX-2, confirming that stable interactions were mediated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects. This work provides a theoretical framework for the rapid screening of COX-2 inhibitory compounds, establishes a high-value utilization pathway for corn silk, thereby contributing to the advancement of green and sustainable development.