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Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) : Safety, Interactions
(Page 2 of 2) Safety The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects. Allergies Individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity to barley flour or beer should avoid barley products. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and skin rashes have been reported from drinking beer made with malted barley. Patients with allergy/hypersensitivity to grass pollens, rice, rye, oats or wheat may also react to barley. | ||||||||
"Bakers' asthma" is an allergic response from breathing in cereal flours among workers of the baking and milling industries, and can occur due to barley flour exposure. If an individual is allergic to one cereal (like barley), there is a possibility that other cereals may cause similar symptoms. Side Effects and Warnings Barley appears to be well tolerated in non-allergic, healthy adults in recommended doses for short periods of time, as a cereal or in the form of beer. Individuals with celiac disease (wheat allergy) may have a higher tendency to develop gastrointestinal (stomach) upset with barley products. Barley may cause a feeling of "fullness." Five infants fed with a formula containing barley water, whole milk, and corn syrup developed malnutrition and anemia, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies. Theoretically, eating large amounts of barley may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary. Hordenine, a chemical in the root of developing barley, may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The effects of hordenine from barley in humans are not clear, although theoretically increased heart rate or wakefulness may occur. Eye, nasal, and sinus irritation or asthmatic reactions can occur from exposure to barley dust. Some individuals may experience inflammation or irritation of the skin, eyelids, arms or legs. Contact with the malt in beer may cause skin rash. Evening "feverish episodes" have been reported in dockworkers and silo operators after handling barley products or dust. Contamination of barley with fungus has been associated with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), a bone disease estimated to affect 1 to 3 million people in rural China and Tibet. Another contaminant that has been found in barley is ochratoxin A. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Traditionally, women have been advised against eating large amounts of barley sprouts during pregnancy. Infants fed with a formula containing barley water, whole milk, and corn syrup developed malnutrition and anemia, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies. Interactions Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Interactions with Drugs Fiber in barley may decrease the absorption of medications taken by mouth and prevent full beneficial effects. Eating barley in large quantities may lower blood sugar concentrations. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional. Medication adjustments may be necessary. Barley has been associated with decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, and may act additively with other cholesterol-lowering agents such as lovastatin (Mevacor®) or atorvastatin (Lipitor®). Hordenine, a chemical in the root of the developing barley, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. In theory, taking hordenine with stimulant drugs may result in additive effects such as increased heart rate or wakefulness. Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements Fiber in barley may reduce the absorption of some herbs and supplements that are taken by mouth. In theory, barley may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. Possible examples include: Aloe vera , American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock,fenugreek, fish oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), marshmallow, milk thistle, Panax ginseng, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle and white horehound. Barley has been associated with decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, and may add to the effects of cholesterol-lowering agents such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, or niacin. Hordenine, a chemical in the root of the developing barley, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. In theory, taking hordenine with stimulant agents such as ephedra or caffeine may result in additive effects such as increased heart rate or wakefulness.
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