Although corn silk is routinely used in herbal medicine, studies on it are limited.

However, preliminary research suggests that it may have health benefits, especially for certain types of inflammatory conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

1. Provides antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant compounds that protect your body’s cells against free radical damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of a number of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation.

Corn silk is a naturally rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.

Multiple test-tube and animal studies demonstrate that its flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and protect against free radical damage.

These compounds may be responsible for many of corn silk’s benefits.

2. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is part of your body’s natural immune response. However, excessive inflammation is linked to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

Test-tube and animal studies have found that corn silk extract may reduce inflammation by suppressing the activity of two major inflammatory compounds.

This stringy plant fiber also contains magnesium, which helps regulate your body’s inflammatory response.

That said, human research is needed.

3. May manage blood sugar

Some research indicates that corn silk may lower blood sugar and help manage diabetes symptoms.

One animal study noted that diabetic mice given corn silk flavonoids had significantly reduced blood sugar compared to a control group.

A recent test-tube study also revealed that antioxidants in this corn product may help prevent diabetic kidney disease.

Although these results are promising, human studies are needed.

READ ALSO: Home Remedies To Use For Diabetes

4. May lower blood pressure

Corn silk may be an effective treatment for high blood pressure.

First, it encourages the elimination of excess fluid from your body. As such, it could be a natural alternative to prescribed diuretics, which are often used to reduce blood pressure .

What’s more, a recent study in rats discovered that corn silk extract significantly reduced blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

In one 8-week study, 40 people with high blood pressure were given increasing amounts of this supplement until they reached a dose of 118 mg per pound of body weight (260 mg per kg).

Their blood pressure dropped significantly compared to that of a control group, with those given the highest dose experiencing the greatest reduction .

Still, more human research is needed.

5. May reduce cholesterol

Corn silk may also lower cholesterol.

One animal study found that mice given corn silk extract experienced significant reductions in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol alongside increases in HDL (good) cholesterol .

In another study in mice fed a high-fat diet, those that received corn silk experienced significantly lower total cholesterol than those that did not get this supplement .

Even so, human research is needed.