Exploring the Potential of Corn Silk from By-Product to Bioresource through its Nutritional, Pharmacological, and Industrial Uses

Introduction

Medicinal plants have historically formed the foundation of healthcare across civilizations, playing an essential role in both preventive and therapeutic strategies. Even in the age of modern pharmacology, traditional herbal remedies continue to be widely used, especially in low-resource settings. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of the global population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare, and a significant portion of these remedies are derived from plant sources.¹ Herbal medicines are generally favoured for their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and lower risk of adverse effects, fostering their integration into modern complementary health practices.²

One such promising plant-based remedy is corn silk, botanically referred to as Stigma maydis, the elongated stigmas of the female maize (Zea mays L.) flower. The yellowish-green or brown thread-like structures are harvested before pollination and can be used in fresh or dried form. Typically discarded as agricultural waste, corn silk has gained scientific attention due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals.³˒⁴ Historically, corn silk has played a prominent role in traditional medical systems around the world. In Chinese medicine, it is prescribed for urinary tract infections, jaundice, and hypertension due to its perceived diuretic and hepatoprotective actions.³ Native American communities used decoctions of corn silk to address kidney and bladder problems, malaria, and heart-related issues.⁵In Indian Ayurveda, corn silk is appreciated for its soothing properties on the urinary system and is used as a treatment for urinary obstruction, haematuria, and related inflammatory conditions.⁴ Its broad ethnomedicinal appeal is a testament to its therapeutic versatility.

Although corn silk has been traditionally used for centuries, systematic scientific investigations into its pharmacological mechanisms have only recently begun. The increasing interest in phyto-therapeutics and functional foods has propelled corn silk into the spotlight as a multifunctional botanical. However, current research has largely concentrated on immature and baby corn varieties, with minimal exploration of mature corn silk and other cultivars. Production data are similarly limited, being primarily available for baby corn, which leaves substantial gaps in understanding the potential of other varieties. Addressing these limitations through narrative and multidisciplinary research is essential for fully realizing the therapeutic and commercial value of corn silk.

Although research on corn silk has progressed, major gaps persist. Existing studies largely emphasize immature or baby corn silk; extraction techniques remain inconsistent, and clinical validation in humans is still lacking. Unlike earlier reviews that examine only one dimension at a time, this paper provides a holistic evaluation. It illustrates how corn silk can contribute to targeted physiological benefits without disrupting other metabolic pathways, making it promising for broad metabolic health and preventive nutrition.

This narrative review aims to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional composition, functional properties, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, safety profile, and potential applications of corn silk, while highlighting existing research gaps and priorities for future work.

Methods of Review

This review employed a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify peer-reviewed studies related to the composition, bioactivity, and safety of corn silk. Search terms included combinations of “corn silk/Stigma maydis,” “phytochemical profile,” “nutritional analysis,” “functional properties,” “pharmacological activity,” “toxicity,” and “agro-waste valorization.” All relevant articles published from 2000 to 2025 were screened.

Studies included in vitro experiments, animal studies, chemical and compositional analyses, and observational reports. Data extraction focused on methodological approaches, extraction conditions, phytochemical identification techniques, and reported biological activities. As this is a narrative review, no standardized systematic framework (e.g., PRISMA) was applied. Potential limitations include heterogeneity in experimental designs, differences in plant maturity and genotype, extraction variability, and possible publication or language bias.

Agronomic Traits and Production Potential of Corn Silk

Corn silk, the elongated style and stigma of the female maize inflorescence (Zea mays L.), is not only critical for fertilization in maize but also represents a valuable agricultural by-product with growing nutraceutical importance. Its agronomic characteristics, including emergence, length, biomass yield, and biochemical composition, are highly influenced by the maize variety, cultivation practices, and environmental conditions.

The emergence and growth of silk generally occur between 55 and 75 days after sowing, with silk elongation playing a key role in successful pollination. Morphological features such as silk length and density are variable across genotypes, impacting both yield and quality. Drought, high temperature, and nutrient stress can reduce silk emergence or cause desiccation, adversely affecting both fertilization and recoverable biomass.⁶

From a biomass perspective, corn silk production is substantial, particularly in maize-producing regions. According to recent estimates, silk accounts for approximately 3.5% of the total cob weight, and the average recovery is about 7.5 kg per 1000 kg of green corn.⁷ In India, with annual green corn production exceeding 25 million tonnes, the potential recoverable corn silk biomass is estimated at over 0.9 to 1.1 million tonnes per year, much of which remains underutilized. This represents a significant resource for value-added processing in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors.

Corn silk is relatively easy to collect as it is manually or mechanically separated during post-harvest cob stripping. The low cost of collection and the absence of competing food use make it a suitable candidate for circular bioeconomy models. Integrating corn silk utilization into agro-industrial chains could enhance farmer income, reduce waste, and support sustainable resource management.

To further optimize production, future breeding programs could target dual-purpose maize varieties that offer both high grain yield and enhanced corn silk characteristics such as higher flavonoid or fiber content. Agronomic management strategies such as balanced fertilization, optimal planting density, and stress-resilient cultivars can also support better silk yield and quality.

Functional Properties of Corn Silk

Corn silk exhibits a range of functional characteristics that make it suitable for incorporation into diverse food products and nutraceutical applications. Its ability to interact with water, oil and other food components determines its value as a functional ingredient, particularly in fiber-enriched, low-fat, and moisture-retentive formulations.

Swelling Capacity: Swelling capacity is a vital parameter indicating the ability of dietary fiber to expand in aqueous environments, thus contributing to gastrointestinal bulk and satiety. Dried corn silk powder demonstrates high swelling capacities ranging from approximately 38.8 to 47.5 ml/g,⁸ which exceeds typical values reported for conventional flours such as wheat and rice, known to range between 15 and 18 ml/g.⁹ This indicates its superior capacity to retain water and increase volume, supporting its potential application in digestive health-promoting foods.

Water Absorption Capacity: Water absorption capacity (WAC) reflects the ability of fiber materials to retain water under restricted moisture conditions, influencing texture, yield, and mouthfeel in processed food systems. Corn silk exhibits WAC values between 3.20 and 6.36 ml/g,⁸comparable to or higher than values reported for traditional cereal flours and rice bran.¹⁰ Such high absorption characteristics make corn silk a promising ingredient in bakery products, soups and rehydrated formulations.

Water Holding Capacity:Water holding capacity (WHC) determines the ability of fiber to retain water against gravitational force, which impacts the moisture retention and structural integrity of food products. Corn silk shows WHC in the range of 2.14 to 4.73 g/g.⁸ similar to high-fiber sources like wheat bran, apple, and pear fibers.¹¹ High WHC supports the prevention of phase separation in emulsions and the development of moist, soft-textured food products.

Fat Absorption Capacity:Fat absorption capacity (FAC) indicates the affinity of fiber for lipid retention, affecting the mouth feel, aroma, and caloric density of foods. Corn silk has a moderate FAC, ranging from 1.76 to 3.73 ml/g,⁸ which is within the range observed in fiber-rich byproducts such as orange peel, mango seed, and sugarcane bagasse.¹²The lower FAC also suggests its applicability in low-fat formulations while retaining desirable sensory characteristics.

Proximate Analysis of Corn Silk

Corn silk (Stigma maydis) possesses a distinctive nutritional profile that makes it valuable for use in functional food and nutraceutical applications. Proximate analysis provides essential information on the fundamental macronutrients present in corn silk, such as moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates.

Moisture Content: The fresh corn silk taken from baby corn has 92.49 % of moisture. The moisture content of corn silk is a key factor in determining its shelf life and microbial stability. Dried corn silk typically contains 4.0% to 7.0% moisture, depending on the stage of harvest and drying methods used.^13,8 A low moisture level enhances storage potential and reduces the risk of microbial spoilage in powdered formulations.

Protein Content: Corn silk is relatively rich in protein with reported values ranging from 12.0to 17.0% on a dry weight basis.^4,5This makes it a significant source of plant-based protein among floral agricultural residues. The protein fraction may also contribute to bioactivity, supporting the therapeutic claims associated with corn silk.

Fat Content: The total fat content in corn silk is low, typically between 0.5% and 1.2%.⁸ Although minimal in quantity, the lipid content includes beneficial components such as phytosterols and tocopherols, which support cardiovascular health and antioxidative function.³ The low-fat nature of corn silk makes it compatible with dietary regimes aimed at reducing fat intake.

Ash Content: Ash content reflects the total mineral residue remaining after combustion and serves as an indicator of the overall inorganic load. Corn silk has an ash content ranging between 6.0% and 10.0%, demonstrating its richness in mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.^13,3 A higher ash value correlates with higher mineral availability, contributing to corn silk’s nutraceutical potential.

Carbohydrate Content: Carbohydrates in corn silk range from 27.0% to 56.0%, forming the major component of its dry matter.^3,4 These carbohydrates include complex polysaccharides such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and glucan, which provide structural and functional benefits. While not directly contributing to digestible energy, these constituents aid in bulk formation and promote favourable gastrointestinal effects.

Dietary Fiber Content: Dietary fiber, comprising both soluble and insoluble components, is a major nutritional attribute of corn silk and contributes to its physiological and functional relevance in health management. The total fiber content in corn silk ranges broadly depending on the plant’s maturity and variety, with reported values between 14.8 and 53.3 g/100 g on a dry weight basis.^14,8Specifically, immature corn silk has been shown to contain approximately 49.5 g/100 g, while mature corn silk may contain even higher levels at 53.3 g/100 g.¹⁴

This high dietary fiber content includes both soluble fibers like pectin, glucomannan, and β-glucan, and insoluble fibers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are known for their gastrointestinal benefits including fecal bulk formation, prevention of constipation, and modulation of blood glucose and lipid levels.⁸The complex fiber matrix also plays a role in enhancing satiety, making corn silk a candidate for weight management formulations.

Moreover, its fibrous composition contributes significantly to its functional properties, including water-holding and fat-binding capacities, which are vital in developing functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.⁸ These properties underscore corn silk’s potential in managing metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, further supporting its potential for valorization as a dietary supplement.

Phytochemical and Bioactive Compounds of Corn Silk

Corn silk is a rich source of bioactive constituents that contribute to its functional and therapeutic attributes.

Flavonoids: Flavonoids are the most extensively studied phytochemicals in corn silk and play a critical role in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Singh et al⁸ quantified the total flavonoid content in dried corn silk as 163.93 ± 0.83 mg quercetin equivalents per 100 g. These compounds, including maysin, luteolin, and apigenin derivatives, scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), protect cellular components from oxidative damage, and modulate enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. Their anti-diabetic potential is linked to inhibition of α-glucosidase and enhancement of glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.¹⁵

Phenolic Compounds: Corn silk exhibits a robust phenolic profile, further contributing to its antioxidative potential. The total phenolic content reported by Singh et al⁸ was 94.10 ± 0.26 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram. Major phenolic constituents include chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid, which are associated with lipid peroxidation inhibition and cytoprotective activity. These compounds support the hepatoprotective, anti-aging, and cardiovascular benefits attributed to corn silk in both experimental and traditional systems.

Phytosterols and Other Minor Compounds: Corn silk contains minor yet functionally significant compounds such as β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, which have cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.^3,14 These compounds are commonly found in maize-derived parts and contribute to metabolic health. In addition, trace amounts of anthocyanins, terpenoids, and essential oils provide secondary antioxidative and diuretic support.⁸

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Activities of Corn Silk

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities: Corn silk is well recognized for its antioxidant effects, primarily attributed to its rich polyphenolic content, including flavonoids such as maysin and luteolin. These compounds are known to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting biological tissues from oxidative damage.^16,17 Studies have demonstrated that maysin reduces intracellular ROS levels dose-dependently while enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression, such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase.¹⁸ In inflammatory models, corn silk extract was observed to significantly suppress inflammatory markers and leukocyte migration in acute inflammation, confirming its potent anti-inflammatory efficacy.¹⁹

Diuretic and Nephroprotective Effects: Corn silk has been traditionally used as a natural diuretic, with modern evidence supporting its role in increasing urinary output and improving kidney function. Studies have reported that corn silk extract significantly reduced calcium deposition in the renal parenchyma and improved blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels, suggesting a diuretic effect and a reduction in kidney damage.²⁰This is accompanied by decreased calcium oxalate deposition, which may reduce the risk of kidney stones. Furthermore, the nephroprotective activity is associated with inhibition of lipid peroxidation and upregulation of renal antioxidant enzymes.²¹

Antihypertensive and Cardiovascular Effects: Recent studies have highlighted the antihypertensive effect of corn silk, mediated by inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).²² A novel ACE-inhibitory peptide named CSBp5 was isolated from corn silk and shown to significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in hypertensive rats.²³ Additionally, its high potassium content enhances natriuresis and vasodilation, contributing to blood pressure regulation. Corn silk also improves lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels, supporting its cardiovascular protective properties.²⁴

Antidiabetic Potential: Corn silk exhibits significant antidiabetic effects, primarily through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, delaying carbohydrate digestion and lowering postprandial glucose spikes. In diabetic mouse models, corn silk extract reduced blood glucose levels by promoting insulin secretion and preserving pancreatic β-cell function.²³ The ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of corn silk demonstrated potent antioxidant and glucose-lowering properties, suggesting their therapeutic relevance in managing both hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy.¹⁹

Hepatoprotective Effects: Corn silk has shown hepatoprotective effects in experimental models by reducing liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT) and improving histopathological outcomes. These benefits are attributed to its antioxidant potential, which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in hepatic tissue.²⁵ Supplementation with corn silk extract improved liver morphology and restored antioxidant enzyme activities, further indicating its hepatoprotective utility.²⁶

Antimicrobial Properties: Corn silk contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids that contribute to its antimicrobial spectrum. Extracts have demonstrated activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and fungi like Candida albicans, suggesting utility in treating skin and urinary tract infections.^27,25These effects are enhanced when ethanol or methanol is used as the solvent, indicating the lipophilic nature of its antimicrobial agents.

Anti-obesity Effects: The anti-obesity potential of corn silk is largely attributed to its ability to inhibit adipogenesis. Maysin, a major flavonoid in corn silk, suppresses the expression of adipogenic transcription factors such as PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α, thereby reducing lipid accumulation in preadipocyte cells.²⁶ Animal models fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with corn silk showed reduced body weight, fat mass, and serum lipid levels, highlighting its potential as a natural anti-obesity agent.²⁸

Anticancer Potential: Corn silk exhibits anticancer potential through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant protection, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest. The flavonoid maysin has been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including liver and colon cancer cells, by activating caspase pathways and disrupting mitochondrial integrity.²⁹ Additionally, polysaccharides from corn silk have shown immune-modulatory effects, further enhancing the anticancer response.¹⁷

Utilisation of Corn Silk

Corn silk, traditionally considered agricultural waste, has gained significant attention for its potential in both food and non-food sectors due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. In the food industry, corn silk has been successfully incorporated into a range of products owing to its content of dietary fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants.

Food Applications: Corn silk powder has been successfully incorporated into bakery formulations like crackers and yeast bread. Its inclusion up to 2% in bread has shown to enhance protein, dietary fiber and mineral content without negatively impacting sensory properties.³⁰Bread containing 10% corn silk extract demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and elevated total phenolic and flavonoid content, making it an ideal ingredient for functional bakery goods.³¹ Corn silk is popularly used to formulate herbal teas and functional beverages. Corn silk tea (CST) has undergone clinical evaluations and has shown potential antihypertensive effects.³²Commercial CSTs enriched with corn silk and other herbal extracts have received favorable consumer responses for flavor and higher antioxidant content.^33,34 Additionally, fermented products like corn silk wine and vinegar have been prepared, which contain bioactive volatiles with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, enhancing their appeal as functional beverages.³⁵

Incorporating corn silk into beef patties and meatballs enhances the nutritional quality, particularly in terms of protein, ash, and fibre content, while reducing fat levels. In virgin coconut oil, infusion with corn silk extract enhances oxidative stability and prolongs shelf life due to the presence of natural antioxidants, outperforming even synthetic preservatives like BHT.^36,37 Additionally, Indian traditional foods like chapatti, parantha, ladoo, raitaand dal have been enriched with corn silk in the range of 5 to 10 per cent, significantly increasing their fiber and mineral content and making them functional foods with therapeutic benefits.³⁸

Industrial Applications: Corn silk has shown promising applications in the cosmetic industry due to its antioxidant and bioactive potential. The successful formulation of a stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion incorporating ethanolic corn silk (CS) extract was achieved using cold maceration extraction followed by optimization of emulsifying agents and excipients. The final 4% CS emulsion, composed of varying ratios of liquid paraffin, ABIL EM90, and water, was subjected to comprehensive physical stability testing under different storage conditions (8 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C, and 40 °C/75% RH) over 12 weeks. The optimized formulation exhibited high resistance to phase separation, maintained rheological consistency characterized by non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour, and retained mean droplet size (2.98 ± 1.32 μm) without statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) under ambient and refrigerated conditions. These findings underscore the formulation’s physical and structural stability, indicating its potential as a viable antioxidant-rich topical preparation for dermal application.³⁹

Environmental Relevance of Using Corn Silk: Additionally, corn silk has been effectively used in environmental remediation. Recent studies utilized oleic acid-treated corn silk (OTCS) as an oil absorbent for crude oil removal in aquatic environments.⁴⁰ The OTCS displayed high hydrophobicity and superior oil absorbency (10.7 g/g) for Tapis (low-viscosity) and 11.9 g/g for Arabian (high-viscosity) crude oil, compared to untreated corn silk and conventional sorbents like sawdust and oil palm leaves. This enhanced performance was attributed to esterification, where oleic acid modified hydroxyl groups into hydrophobic moieties, increasing oil affinity. Furthermore, corn silk has also been used in livestock feed formulations. Its supplementation, along with non-starch polysaccharide enzymes, improved gut health, nutrient absorption and immune organ development in broilers. It also reduced oxidative stress and blood lipid levels, supporting its value in enhancing poultry health and productivity.⁴¹

Toxicity and Safety Profile of Corn Silk

Corn silk, widely used in traditional medicine systems across the globe, has been the focus of increasing pharmacological and toxicological investigations in recent years. The present body of literature, though limited, highlights both the therapeutic potential and safety concerns associated with the prolonged or high-dose use of corn silk extracts.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity Studies: Toxicological investigations of corn silk indicate a favorable safety profile at tested doses. A summary of toxicity studies is presented in Table 1.

Most studies classify it as having low acute oral toxicity, according to the criteria of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), where substances with LD₅₀ values >2000 mg/kg fall under the lowest toxicity category (OECD, 2001).⁴²In acute toxicity evaluations, no mortality or serious clinical symptoms were observed in animal models, even at high doses. Peng et al⁴³ reported that mice administered a flavonoid-rich extract at a cumulative dose of 30 g/kg in 24 hours showed no signs of toxicity. Similarly, Zhao et al⁴⁴ demonstrated that a polysaccharide-rich extract administered at up to 20 g/kg caused no significant clinical or biochemical changes. A contrasting result was observed by Abudayeh et al⁴⁵ where signs of mild toxicity was noted including excitability and reduced motor activity in Wistar rats administered >5 mL/kg of a 40% ethanol extract. The LD₅₀ values were estimated at 5.15 mL/kg (males) and 5.64 mL/kg (females), indicating moderate acute toxicity at high concentrations. The corn silk liquid extract for toxicity testing was prepared by refluxing dried corn silk in 40% ethanol (1:1 ratio) at 80–90°C for 120 minutes. The extract was filtered, cooled, and administered intragastrically to rats at doses of 2.0–10.0 ml/kg for acute toxicity assessment.

In subacute and subchronic evaluations, Ha et al⁴⁶ found that oral administration of a 99% ethanol extract at doses ranging from 5 to 500 mg/kg/day for 28 days did not lead to adverse clinical or biochemical effects in ICR mice. Further, Peng et al⁴⁷ reported that aqueous extracts given to Kunming mice at 2500–10,000 mg/kg/day for 28 days caused no organ toxicity or genotoxicity. However, higher subchronic doses have shown potential hepatic effects. Ikpeazu et al⁴⁸ reported increased AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT, as well as decreased HDL and elevated LDL, in rats treated with aqueous decoction at 1000–2000 mg/kg/day. Similarly, Sabiu et al⁴⁹ found dose-dependent elevations in leukocyte and platelet counts, alongside increased liver enzyme activity at 500 mg/kg/day, indicating possible immune and hepatic modulation. By contrast, long-term dietary exposure to corn silk at 0.5%, 2%, and 8% of feed for 90 days caused no observable toxicity in Wistar rats.⁵⁰ Saheed et al⁵¹ even noted beneficial effects, such as improved lipid profiles and appetite stimulation, when administering aqueous extracts at 100–400 mg/kg/day.

Overall, corn silk exhibits a low-risk toxicity profile at moderate doses, though hepatic stress and metabolic shifts may occur with high or prolonged use, particularly when extracts are concentrated or ethanol-based.

Table 1: Overview of toxicological studies of corn silk Click here to view Table

Recommended Dosage and Side Effects

In animal studies, safe sub chronic dosing was observed at levels up to 500 mg/kg/day, with some studies reporting immunostimulatory and metabolic benefits.^49,51At these doses, side effects are rare or mild, with no observed mortality or behavioral abnormalities.

However, at doses exceeding 1000 mg/kg, hepatic enzyme elevations (AST and ALT) and lipid profile disturbances were observed.⁴⁷Additionally, cytotoxic effects were reportedin human fibroblast cells (in vitro conditions) exposed to 50% and 95% ethanol extracts at concentrations above 10 mg/mL, resulting in cell viability below 80%.⁵² Notably, aqueous and 50% ethanol extracts did not show the same cytotoxic potential, suggesting solvent-dependent toxicity.

Despite encouraging safety indicators, the absence of human clinical studies means that all dose recommendations should remain cautious and conservative, especially for prolonged use or vulnerable populations.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research on corn silk has largely concentrated on immature and baby corn varieties, with minimal exploration of mature corn silk and other cultivars. Production data are similarly limited, being primarily available for baby corn, which leaves substantial gaps in understanding the potential of other varieties. While corn silk demonstrates promising pharmacological properties, several limitations impede its clinical translation. Evidence of efficacy and safety in humans is lacking, as most studies are confined to in vitro or animal models³. Variability in plant sources and inconsistency in extraction methods hinder the standardization of bioactive compounds, thereby limiting reproducibility and quality control.¹³ Moreover, the existing body of research remains fragmented, restricting comprehensive insights into its therapeutic potential. To bridge these gaps, future investigations should adopt a multidisciplinary approach integrating pharmacology, nutrition, toxicology, and clinical sciences. Such efforts are essential to validate efficacy through well-structured human trials, establish standardized dosages, and ultimately unlock the full therapeutic and commercial potential of corn silk, particularly in its dried form.^3,7

Future Perspectives

To fully harness the therapeutic and commercial potential of corn silk, future research must prioritize well-structured clinical trials to validate its efficacy and establish safe, standardized dosages in humans. Innovations in biotechnology, such as extraction optimization, nano formulation and bioactive compound stabilization, can improve its pharmacological efficacy and product viability.^17,6Additionally, strengthening collaborations between industry and academia, along with supportive policies, can promote the commercial development of corn silk into functional foods, dietary supplements and phytopharmaceuticals, thereby contributing to sustainable healthcare and rural economic growth. Further research on dried corn silk is required to explore its potential applications.

Conclusion

Corn silk (Stigma maydis) has emerged as a nutritionally valuable and pharmacologically promising maize by-product enriched with well-characterized phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and sterols. Across studies, the strongest and most consistently supported findings relate to its antioxidant potential, diuretic effects, glycemic modulation, and hepato- and nephroprotective activities. These outcomes are reinforced by multiple in vitro and in vivo models and correspond well with its documented nutrient and phytochemical profile. Other reported benefits such as anti-obesity, anticancer, cardioprotective, and dermatological effects are encouraging but remain preliminary and require further mechanistic and clinical validation. Corn silk also demonstrates considerable versatility as a functional ingredient, with applications in fibre-enriched foods, nutraceutical formulations, animal feed, and cosmeceutical products. Its low cost, high biomass availability, and alignment with circular bioeconomy principles position it as a sustainable resource with significant industrial potential.

However, translation of these findings into practical dietary or therapeutic use is limited by key evidence gaps. Existing research is dominated by laboratory and animal studies, with a marked scarcity of human clinical trials. Extraction protocols, characterization techniques, and dosing strategies vary widely, hindering meaningful comparison across studies. Additionally, the bioavailability, metabolism, and long-term safety of its active compounds remain largely unexplored.

Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, under the Emeritus Scientist Project (Code 3086). This funding enabled the successful execution of the present review and facilitated the comprehensive analysis of corn silk’s nutritional and functional potential.

Funding Sources

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, under the Emeritus Scientist Project (Code 3086). This funding enabled the successful execution of the present review and facilitated the comprehensive analysis of corn silk’s nutritional and functional potential

Conflict of Interest

The authors do not have any conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

This statement does not apply to this article.

Ethics Statement

This research did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or any material that requires ethical approval.

Informed Consent Statement

This study did not involve human participants, and therefore, informed consent was not required.

Clinical Trial Registration

This research does not involve any clinical trials.

Permission to Reproduce Material from Other Sources

Not Applicable.

Author Contributions

• Rita Singh Raghuvanshi: Conceptualization and designing of the research work
• Apurva: Review of Literature and Writing
• Jyoti Singh: Reviewing, Writing, Final draft preparation 

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