Related Terms

• Agropyron, bread wheat, bugday, cheng ping, common wheat, Elytrigia, Eremopyrum, fou mai, frumint, Gramineae (family), Hsiao mai, hui mai, hui mien, ka shih tso, lai, mai ch'ao, mai fu, mai fu tzu, man tou, mien, mien chin, mien fen, mo mo, pai mien, Pascopyrum, Poaeceae (family), Pseudoroegneria, tarwe, trigo, Triticum aestivum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum vulgar, Triticummacha, Triticummuticum, Triticumsphaerococcum, vegan diet, wheat, wheat berry, wheat grass.

Background

• There are several varieties of wheatgrass in the following plant genera: Agropyron, Elytrigia, Eremopyrum, Pascopyrum, and Pseudoroegneria. Wheatgrass is often used in vegan diets or other "living food" diets. Wheatgrass has become popularized in the United States and marketed toward the health-conscious individuals. In folk medicine, practitioners used wheatgrass to treat cystitis, gout, rheumatic pain, chronic skin disorders, and constipation.

• Despite its name, wheatgrass is gluten-free and is suitable for patients with gluten intolerance. Fresh leaf buds of this plant can be crushed to create a juice or dried to make a powder. The unprocessed plant contains high levels of cellulose, which cannot be digested. Wheatgrass juice is the juice extracted from the pulp of wheatgrass and has been used as a general-purpose health tonic for several years.

• Wheatgrass is a complete protein with about 30 enzymes, and it is about 70% crude chlorophyll. The chlorophyll molecule is similar in structure to hemoglobin, leading some to believe that wheatgrass helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. However, despite wheatgrass' popularity in the United States, there are no high-quality clinical trials for wheatgrass.

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.

• AIDS, acne, alcohol dependence, antibilious (removes excess bile), antiperspirant, antipyretic (fever reducer), blood flow disorders, bruises, burns, cancer (peritoneal), chronic skin disorders, circulation, constipation, cough, cystitis, detoxification, diabetes, digestion, eczema, energy enhancement, eye strain, fever, gout (foot inflammation), hypertension (high blood pressure), infection, gingivitis, malaise, pain (abdominal), poison ivy, psoriasis, scar healing, rheumatoid arthritis, sedative, skin ailments, sore throat, sterility, thirst, tooth disease prevention, weight loss aid, wound healing.

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):

• For transfusion dependent beta thalassemia (blood disorder) or ulcerative colitis, 100 milliliters of wheatgrass juice daily has been found effective. Traditionally, 8-32 ounces of wheatgrass juice has been administered via enemas, rubber bulb syringes or colonics for colon cleansing.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for wheatgrass, and use in children is not recommended.

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 in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to wheatgrass. Most wheat allergies are due to the gluten found in the wheatberry. However, wheatgrass does not have any gluten because it is cut before the plant forms a grain (berry).

• Some individuals have reported nausea, headaches, hives or swelling in the throat within minutes of drinking its juice. Hives and swollen throat are often signs of a serious allergic reaction and should be handled as an emergency. Anyone having these kinds of symptoms after ingesting wheatgrass may have even more severe reactions to it later.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Wheatgrass is generally considered safe. No serious side effects were found in several studies using wheatgrass juice daily for up to one month. There have been no other reports of adverse effects in the available literature. Because it is grown in soils or water and consumed raw, wheatgrass may be contaminated with bacteria, molds or other substances.

• Some individuals have reported hives, nausea, or swelling in the throat within minutes of drinking its juice.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Because it is grown in soils or water and consumed raw, wheatgrass may be contaminated with bacteria, molds or other substances. Wheatgrass is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

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

• Insufficient available evidence.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Insufficient available evidence.

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. Ben Arye E, Goldin E, Wengrower D, et al. Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand.J Gastroenterol 2002;37(4):444-449. View Abstract

2. Forgionne GA. Bovine cartilage, coenzyme Q10, and wheat grass therapy for primary peritoneal cancer. J Altern.Complement Med 2005;11(1):161-165. View Abstract

3. Marawaha RK, Bansal D, Kaur S, et al. Wheat grass juice reduces transfusion requirement in patients with thalassemia major: a pilot study. Indian Pediatr. 2004;41(7):716-720. View Abstract

4. Rauma AL, Nenonen M, Helve T, et al. Effect of a strict vegan diet on energy and nutrient intakes by Finnish rheumatoid patients. Eur.J Clin Nutr 1993;47(10):747-749. View Abstract