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Herbs & Supplements > Herbs > Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Overview

Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Barley is a grain 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 or "bad cholesterol") in mildly hyperlipidemic patients. Barley has a high fiber content.

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) may play a role in the management of ulcerative colitis and mild constipation.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

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, rice, rye, oats, or wheat 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 grain (like barley), there is a possibility that other grains 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 grain 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."

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 effect of hordenine from barley on 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 itching, inflammation, or irritation of the skin, eyelids, arms, or legs. Contact with the malt in beer may cause skin rash.

Fungal contamination of barley with Trichothecium roseum has occurred and may cause a serious condition in which bones break down. 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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Fiber in barley may decrease the absorption of medications taken by mouth and prevent full beneficial effects. In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before or two hours after barley because barley may reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, vitamins, and minerals.

Eating barley in large quantities may lower blood sugar concentrations. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Barley has been associated with decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, and may act additively with other cholesterol-lowering agents. Barley may also lower blood pressure and should be used with caution if blood pressure-lowering drugs are also taken. Hordenine, a chemical in the root of developing barley, may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. In theory, taking hordenine with stimulant drugs and over-the-counter cold remedies such as pseudoephedrine may result in additive effects such as increased heart rate or wakefulness.

Animal data suggest that consuming barley may interfere with the absorption of anthelmintics, which are drugs taken for parasitic worms.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Fiber in barley may decrease the absorption of medications taken by mouth and prevent full beneficial effects. In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before or two hours after barley because barley may reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, vitamins, and minerals.

In theory, barley may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Barley has been associated with decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad cholesterol") concentrations, and may add to the effects of cholesterol-lowering agents. Barley may also lower blood pressure and should be used with caution if taken with blood pressure-lowering herbs and supplements. Hordenine, a chemical in the root of developing barley, may stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. In theory, taking hordenine with stimulant agents such as ephedra or caffeine may result in additive effects such as increased heart rate or wakefulness.

Animal data suggest that consuming barley may interfere with the absorption of anthelmintics, which are herbs taken to rid the body of parasitic worms.

Bibliography

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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;32(8):1216-1222. View Abstract

Bamba T, Kanauchi O, Andoh A, et al. A new prebiotic from germinated barley for nutraceutical treatment of ulcerative colitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2002;17(8):818-824. View Abstract

Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Hallfrisch J. Diets containing barley significantly reduce lipids in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80(5):1185-1193. View Abstract

Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Hallfrisch J. Lipids significantly reduced by diets containing barley in moderately hypercholesterolemic men. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23(1):55-62. View Abstract

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. View Abstract

Gabrovska D, Fiedlerova V, Holasova M, et al. The nutritional evaluation of underutilized cereals and buckwheat. Food Nutr Bull 2002;23(3 Suppl):246-249. View Abstract

Hanai H, Kanauchi O, Mitsuyama K, et al. Germinated barley foodstuff prolongs remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Int J Mol Med 2004;13(5):643-647. View Abstract

Hogberg L, Laurin P, Falth-Magnusson K, et al. Oats to children with newly diagnosed coeliac disease: a randomised double blind study. Gut 2004;53(5):649-654. View Abstract

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

Keenan JM, Goulson M, Shamliyan T, et al. The effects of concentrated barley beta-glucan on blood lipids in a population of hypercholesterolaemic men and women. Br J Nutr 2007;97(6):1162-8. View Abstract

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. View Abstract

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

Montbriand MJ. Herbs or natural products that protect against cancer growth part three of a four-part series. Oncol Nurs Forum 2004;31(6):E127-E146. View Abstract

Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.

Rendell M, Vanderhoof J, Venn M, et al. Effect of a barley breakfast cereal on blood glucose and insulin response in normal and diabetic patients. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2005;60(2):63-67. View Abstract

Related Terms

Barley flour, barley malt, barley oil, brewers spent grain, dietary fiber, germinated barley, high protein barley flour (HPBF), Gramineae (family), high fiber barley, hordenine, hordeum, Hordeum dislichon, Hordeum distychum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum vulgare var Himalaya 292, Hordeum vulgare ssp spontaneium, Hordeum vulgare ssp spontaneum, lunasin, Mai Ya, pearl barley, Poaceae (family), pot barley, prowashonupana (Prowash), scotch barley, tocols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, vitamin E, wild barley, wild barley grass.

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

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Natural Standard's methodology , editorial board , and grading scales.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

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Health Glossary

Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Background

Evidence Table (Click Here to view Natural Standard evidence-based validated grading rationale™.)

Tradition

Tradition Theory

Dosing

Safety

Interactions

Attribution

Bibliography

Related Terms