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

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

Background

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 , Mai Ya, pearl barley, Poaceae (family), pot barley, scotch barley, wild barley grass.

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

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 evidenceGrade*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..

B

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.

C

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.

C

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.

C

* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

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.

Antimicrobial, appetite suppressant, asthma, boils, bowel/intestinal disorders, bronchitis, celiac disease, colon cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, improved blood circulation, 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.

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

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

Children (younger than 18 years)

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

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 or wheat allergy 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 is 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.

References

1. Armentia A, Rodriguez R, Callejo A, et al. Allergy after ingestion or inhalation of cereals involves similar allergens in different ages. Clin Exp Allergy. 2002 Aug;32(8):1216-22.

2. Bamba T, Kanauchi O, Andoh A, et al. A new prebiotic from germinated barley for nutraceutical treatment of ulcerative colitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2002 Aug;17(8):818-24. Review.

3. Bonadonna P, Crivellaro M, Dama A et al. Beer-induced anaphylaxis due to barley sensitization: two case reports. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 1999; 9(4):268-270.

4. Callaway TR, Elder RO, Keen JE, et al. Forage feeding to reduce preharvest Escherichia coli populations in cattle, a review. J Dairy Sci. 2003 Mar;86(3):852-60. Review.

5. Czerwiecki L, Czajkowska D, Witkowska-Gwiazdowska A. On ochratoxin A and fungal flora in Polish cereals from conventional and ecological farms - Part 1: occurrence of ochratoxin A and fungi in cereals in 1997. Food Addit Contam. 2002 May;19(5):470-7.

6. Gabrovska D, Fiedlerova V, Holasova M, et al. The nutritional evaluation of underutilized cereals and buckwheat. Food Nutr Bull. 2002 Sep;23 (3 Suppl) :246-9.

7. Ivarsson A, Hernell O, Stenlund H, et al. Breast-feeding protects against celiac disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 May;75(5):914-21.

8. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Marchie A, et al. Type 2 diabetes and the vegetarian diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Sep;78(3 Suppl):610S-616S. Review.

9. Kanauchi O, Mitsuyama K, Saiki T et al. Germinated barley foodstuff increases fecal volume and butyrate production in humans. Int J Mol Med 1998; 1(6):937-941.

10. Kanauchi O, Mitsuyama K, Saiki T et al. Germinated barley foodstuff increases fecal volume and butyrate production at relatively low doses and relieves constipation in humans. Int J Mol Med 1998; 2(4):445-450.

11. Lupton JR, Robinson MC, Morin JL. Cholesterol-lowering effect of barley bran flour and oil. J Am Diet Assoc 1994; 94(1):65-70.

12. McIntosh GH, Whyte J, McArthur R et al. Barley and wheat foods: influence on plasma cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men. Am J Clin Nutr 1991; 53(5):1205-1209.

13. Mitsuyama K, Saiki T, Kanauchi O et al. Treatment of ulcerative colitis with germinated barley foodstuff feeding: a pilot study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998; 12(12):1225-1230.

January 01, 2004