Zea mays

Zea mays, Gramineae, Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.
Zea mays, Gramineae, Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.Zea mays, Gramineae, Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.Zea mays, Gramineae, Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.Zea mays, Gramineae, Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.
Botanical Nomenclature Zea mays
Common Name Corn
Taxonomy- Family Gramineae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Zea mays is an annual plant, growing up to 3m, with oblong, lanceolate, flexible leaves. The male flowers bloom in panicles, while the female in inflorescences. The flowering lasts from June to July, while the fruiting and the harvesting take place from June to September.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Female flower poles
Active Substances Ordenin (amine), saponins, tannins, allantoin, glycosides, cryptoxanthin, flavone, gum, sitosterol, stigmasterol, vitamin C, R corn oil, which is taken by pressing the corn and contains linoleic (50%), oleic (37%), palmitic (10%), stearic (3%) acid.
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has diuretic, cholagogue, hypoglycaemic, tonic, emollient and soothing properties. It is recommended for the treatment of various kidney diseases such as cystitis, urethritis, involuntary nocturnal enuresis and prostatitis. The corn is usually used in food industry (the linoleic acid is used for the production of oil, margarine, corn starch in bread) because of its nutritional value. The grains, which produce alcohol after milling, may be used in the alcoholic beverage industry. Even the branches can be used either as fuel or as raw material for the production of useful solvents in the industry.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as diuretic and cholagogue in the form of herbal tea (2 spoons of dried corn whiskers in a cup of boiled water, 3 times a day). The poultice of the flour may be used against inflammations. In homeopathy a tincture from the plant poles is mainly used for the treatment of cystitis.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Overdosing may cause hypersensitivity, hypokalemia, hypotension and hypoglycaemia.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 105-106 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 269-270, 3)http://health-from-nature.net/Corn_Silk.html 4)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/corni103.html 5)http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/919/s/aravositos/ 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Zea+mays