Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Germinated Barley Foodstuff (GBF)

by MedlinePlus

Barley is a cereal used as a staple food in many countries. It is commonly used as an ingredient in baked products and soup in Europe and the United States. Barley malt is used to make beer, and as a natural sweetener called malt sugar or barley jelly sugar.

Recent data suggest that barley may be promising in reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in mildly hyperlipidemic patients. Barley has a high fiber content; a modest inverse association has been observed between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular disease in a recent large prospective cohort study, although results were not statistically significant.

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) is derived from the aleurone and scutellum fractions of germinated barley. GBF may play a role in the management of ulcerative colitis, although further controlled studies are warranted. GBF has also been suggested as a treatment for mild constipation. Barley bran flour accelerates gastrointestinal transit and increases fecal weight. High fiber barley may be useful in the diets of patients with diabetes, because of a low glycemic index and ability to reduce postprandial glucose.

Synonyms

Barley malt, barley oil, brewers spent grain, dietary fiber, germinated barley, high protein barley flour (HPBF), Gramineae (family), high fiber barley, hordeum, Hordeum distychum , Hordeum dislichon , Hordeum murinum , lunasin, Mai Ya, pearl barley, Poaceae (family), pot barley, scotch barley, wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp spontaneum), wild barley grass, wild barley ( Hordeum vulgare ssp spontaneum) .

Note: Most scientific studies have used foods containing barley rather then barley supplements.

Prowashonupana (Prowash) is a shrunken-endosperm, short awn, waxy starch, hull-less barley with low starch, high fiber, high protein, and a relatively high concentration of free sugars.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

High cholesterol

Several small studies suggest that high fiber barley, barley bran flour, and barley oil may reduce cholesterol by increasing the elimination of cholesterol from the body. Scientific research supports the use of barley along with a cholesterol-lowering diet in mild cases of high cholesterol. Larger and longer studies are needed to determine what dose is safe and effective. Lasting cardiovascular benefits need to be documented before a firm recommendation can be made.

Constipation

Barley has been used traditionally as a treatment for constipation, due to its high fiber content. However, there is limited scientific evidence in this area. Further research is necessary in order to establish safety and dosing recommendations.

High blood sugar/glucose intolerance

Preliminary evidence suggests that barley meal may improve glucose tolerance. Better research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Ulcerative colitis

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) comes from maturing barley, and has been suggested as possibly helpful in patients with ulcerative colitis. Scientific evidence in this area is preliminary, and further research is needed before GBF can be recommended for ulcerative colitis.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, appetite suppressant, asthma, boils, bowel/intestinal disorders, bronchitis, cancer, celiac disease, colon cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, improved blood circulation, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nutritional supplement, stamina/strength enhancer, sweetener, weight loss.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

High cholesterol: 1.5 milliliters of barley oil twice daily or 30 grams of barley bran flour daily by mouth has been used in studies.

Constipation: Limited research has used 9 grams of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) daily for up to 20 days.

Ulcerative colitis (mild-to-moderate): Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) 10 grams taken three times daily has been studied and reported as well tolerated.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific information to recommend barley for use in children.

About the Author

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