Related Terms

• Barley flour, barley malt, barley oil, beta-glucan, brewer's spent grain, dietary fiber, germinated barley, Gramineae (family), high-fiber barley, high-protein barley flour (HPF), hordenine, hordeum, Hordeum dislichon, Hordeum distichon, Hordeum distychum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum vulgare ssp., lunasin, mai ya, miso (Japanese), mugimeshi (Japanese), 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 than barley supplements.

Background

• Barley is a cereal 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. Barley has high fiber content.

• Recent data suggest that barley may be promising in reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol in patients with mildly elevated cholesterol and in reducing the risk of heart disease. Although not well studied in humans, barley may protect against cancer. Current evidence suggests that beta-glucan from barley may not improve appetite control.

• Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) may play a role in the management of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, and mild constipation. High-fiber barley may be useful in the diets of patients with diabetes.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/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 health care professional.

• Antimicrobial, antioxidant, asthma, blood circulation, boils, bronchitis, bronchodilation, cancer, colon cancer, diarrhea, flavoring agent (sweetener), gallstones, gastritis, gastrointestinal inflammation, hair growth stimulant, high blood pressure, immunomodulator, inflammatory bowel disorders, kidney disease, nutritional supplement, stamina/strength enhancer, stomach upset.

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)

• As an appetite suppressant, a meal-replacement bar containing 0.9 grams of beta-glucan (from eight grams of barley) has been taken by mouth.

• For cardiovascular disease risk, a six-gram daily dose of a concentrated barley beta-glucan blended into a beverage has been taken twice daily for six weeks.

• For constipation, 9-18 grams of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) has been taken by mouth daily for up to 14 days.

• For high cholesterol, 1.5 grams of barley oil twice daily or 30 grams of barley bran flour daily have been taken by mouth. Three to five grams of low- or high-molecular-weight barley beta-glucan extract has been taken by mouth for 10 weeks in functional foods. A supplement containing 50% pearl barley and 50% rice has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. A six-gram daily dose of a concentrated barley beta-glucan blended into a beverage has been taken twice daily for six weeks.

• For ulcerative colitis (mild-to-moderate), 10 grams of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) has been taken by mouth three times daily. Twenty to thirty grams of GBF has been taken by mouth daily for 4-24 weeks.

• For weight loss, a six-gram daily dose of a concentrated barley beta-glucan blended into a beverage has been taken by mouth twice daily for six weeks. Two packages of a supplement containing 50% pearl barley (seven grams of beta-glucan) and 50% rice have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

• Note: Most trials have used foods containing barley rather than barley oil or other forms of barley.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for barley 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

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to barley flour or to beer made with barley, its constituents, or members of the Poaceae family. Life-threatening allergic reactions, hives, skin rashes, skin inflammation, tingling in the face, lip and tongue swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, stuffy nose and runny eyes, cough, wheezing, and fainting have been reported from drinking beer made with malted barley. Patients with allergy or 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 (such as barley), there is a possibility that other grains may cause similar reactions.

• In patients with celiac disease, barley may stimulate immune responses.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Use cautiously in all patients, due to the possible risk of contamination with fungi.

• 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. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Barley may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Use cautiously in patients taking cholesterol-lowering agents, as barley may act additively with other cholesterol-lowering agents.

• Use cautiously in patients taking sympathomimetics, due to possible additive effects.

• Use cautiously, as fiber speeds the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract and may affect the absorption of various agents taken by mouth.

• Use high doses cautiously in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Avoid use in patients with celiac disease, as barley may exacerbate this condition.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to barley flour or to beer made with barley, its constituents, or members of the Poaceae family. Life-threatening allergic reactions, occupational "bakers' asthma," contact dermatitis, hives, skin rashes, skin inflammation, tingling in the face, lip and tongue swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cough, wheezing, and fainting have been reported from drinking beer made with malted barley. Patients with allergy or hypersensitivity to grass pollens, rice, rye, oats, or wheat may also react to barley.

• Barley may also cause malnutrition and anemia in infants; chest symptoms; feverish episodes; gastrointestinal upset; Kashin-Beck disease (bone and joint disorder that may be caused by fungal contamination); eye, nasal, and sinus irritation; bronchial irritation; or pneumonitis (lung inflammation).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Use high doses cautiously in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anecdotally, excessive consumption of barley sprouts is not advised 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

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

Interactions with Drugs

• Barley may lower blood sugar levels. 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, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Barley may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Barley may also interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs taken by mouth, drugs that expel parasitic worms, drugs that stimulate the heart and blood flow, and gastrointestinal agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• 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 may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Barley may also interact with brown rice, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, gastrointestinal agents, herbs and supplements taken by mouth, herbs and supplements that expel parasitic worms, herbs and supplements that stimulate the heart and blood flow, high-carbohydrate foods, and whole wheat.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. Peters HP, Boers HM, Haddeman E, et al. No effect of added beta-glucan or of fructooligosaccharide on appetite or energy intake. Am J Clin Nutr 2009 Jan;89(1):58-63. View Abstract

12. Nilsson AC, Ostman EM, Granfeldt Y, et al. Effect of cereal test breakfasts differing in glycemic index and content of indigestible carbohydrates on daylong glucose tolerance in healthy subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(3):645-54. View Abstract

13. Nilsson AC, Ostman EM, Holst JJ, et al. Including indigestible carbohydrates in the evening meal of healthy subjects improves glucose tolerance, lowers inflammatory markers, and increases satiety after a subsequent standardized breakfast. J Nutr 2008;138(4):732-9. View Abstract

14. 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

15. Smith KN, Queenan KM, Thomas W, et al. Physiological effects of concentrated barley beta-glucan in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults. J Am Coll Nutr 2008;27(3):434-40. View Abstract