A review of phytochemicals isolated from corn silk and their medicinal applications

Sulaiman Ayodeji Apampa 1, * and David Adeniran Adedapo 2

1 Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Kano, Nigeria.
 
Review
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 11(02), 1726–1734.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.2.0596
 
Publication history: 
Received on 27 February 2024; revised on 17 April 2024; accepted on 20 April 2024
 
Abstract: 
Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is an important herb employed in traditional medicine in many parts of the world, such as Nigeria, China, Turkey, France, United States to mention a few. It has been used as diuretic, antilithiasic, uricosuric, antiseptic in the treatment of cystitis, gout, nephritis, tumor, hepatitis, edema, kidney stones, diabetic, inflammation reduction, prostate disorder/problems/prostatitis, urinary tract infections, bedwetting, obesity, malaria, heart problems, soothes and relaxes the lining of the bladder and urinary tubules, reduces irritation and increasing urine secretion, exerts anti-fatigue activity, exhibits anti-depressant activity and kaliuretic, excellent antioxidant capacity, demonstrates protective effects in radiation and nephrotoxicity, lowers high blood pressure (by reducing fluid retention in the body and also by eliminating toxins which could relieve symptoms of gout, edema and arthritis), promotes relaxation, cures hypercholesterolemia and urinary infections associated diseases, effective for weight loss amongst other. The potential use of corn silk is very much connected to its properties and mode of action of its bioactive phytoconstituents. Hence, this review covers the traditional uses, twenty – five isolated bioactive phytochemicals, their bioactivity and medical/healthcare applications.
 
Keywords: 
Corn silk; Traditional uses; Phytochemicals; Healthcare application; Toxicity
 
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