Evidence supporting the use of: Corn Silk
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Corn silk (the threads from the female flower of the corn plant, Zea mays) has been used in various traditional medicinal systems, particularly in Native American and Chinese folk medicine, for the support and treatment of kidney and urinary tract conditions, including kidney stones. The use is rooted primarily in tradition, where corn silk was prepared as teas or decoctions believed to have diuretic and soothing effects on the urinary system. The rationale in traditional medicine is that increased urine flow could help flush out small kidney stones or prevent their formation.

Scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some preliminary laboratory and animal studies suggest that corn silk extracts may have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically support kidney health. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically examining corn silk's effectiveness at treating or preventing kidney stones. Most evidence remains anecdotal or comes from in vitro/animal experiments, which cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Therefore, while corn silk is traditionally used for kidney stones, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is weak and insufficient for strong recommendations.

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