Corn Silk (Stigma maydis) as a Source of Therapeutic Agents: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties,and Clinical Translation Challenges

Introduction: Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is a medicinal herb traditionally utilized for various health conditions, particularly due to its significant antioxidant and anticancer properties. Despite traditional uses, scientific validation and broader therapeutic applications remain underexplored. This review aims to examine the potential healthcare applications of corn silk by emphasizing the characteristics and mechanisms of action of its bioactive components, notably flavonoids and crude extracts. The goal is to assess its therapeutic potential and facilitate its broader application within medicinal fields. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to December 2023, using specific keywords (“corn silk,” “Stigma maydis,” “antioxidant,” “anticancer”). Articles included original research, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published in English, while reviews and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. Results: The analysis highlighted corn silk's major bioactive components, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Notably, compounds such as luteolin and quercetin showed pronounced antioxidant and anticancer effects. In vitro and in vivo studies consistently demonstrated corn silk's potential in scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Discussion: The findings affirm traditional claims, suggesting corn silk as a promising therapeutic candidate. However, significant gaps exist, particularly the lack of robust clinical trials validating therapeutic efficacy in humans. Pharmacokinetic challenges like poor bioavailability also restrict clinical translation, indicating a need for advanced formulation strategies to enhance effectiveness. Conclusion: Corn silk exhibits substantial potential as an antioxidant and anticancer agent, supported by preclinical evidence. To enable broader clinical application, future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials and address pharmacokinetic limitations, potentially positioning corn silk as a valuable medicinal resource.