Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Quick Summary

Job’s Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant commonly used in various traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been studied for potential roles in metabolic disorders, adjunctive cancer therapy, diabetes management, and immune modulation. Molecular and transcriptomic research has provided insights into its adaptive and therapeutic mechanisms. Clinical evidence mainly involves Job’s Tears in combination with other therapies, showing improvements in lipid profiles and some metabolic parameters. However, high-quality clinical studies focusing exclusively on Job’s Tears remain limited.

What is it?

Job’s Tears, also known scientifically as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a plant used both as food and in herbal medicine. Its seeds are traditionally consumed and have been employed in various medicinal preparations, particularly in East Asia. The plant has garnered research interest for its bioactive compounds and potential health effects.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, Job’s Tears has been used in herbal medicine systems such as TCM to support digestive health, promote urination, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellness. It has also been employed as part of multi-herb formulas to assist in managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions.

Active Compounds

Job’s Tears contains several bioactive constituents including polysaccharides, coixenolide, coixol, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds are thought to contribute to its pharmacological activities, including immune modulation and metabolic regulation.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Low to Moderate Evidence): One randomized controlled trial showed that Job’s Tears combined with probiotics (in yogurt) improved HDL cholesterol levels compared to yogurt alone. Additionally, traditional formulas containing Job’s Tears may support glycemic control when used alongside conventional therapy.
Cancer Treatment Adjunct (Moderate Evidence): Extract-based formulations including Job’s Tears, such as Kanglaite injection, combined with chemotherapy have demonstrated improved cancer pain relief and enhanced immune function in patients. However, the effect of Job’s Tears alone has not been isolated in these studies.
Metabolic Disorders and Lipid Profile (Preclinical and Limited Clinical Evidence): Preclinical studies suggest Job’s Tears influences carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Some clinical evidence indicates it may help reduce cholesterol and LDL levels when combined with probiotics.

Side Effects

Available studies have not reported serious adverse effects attributable solely to Job’s Tears. Clinical trials involving combined treatments indicate an acceptable safety profile, though data on adverse effects remain limited. General caution is advised due to the sparse safety data.

Drug Interactions

There is currently no specific data regarding drug interactions with Job’s Tears. Individuals should consult healthcare providers before combining it with other medications.

Who Should Avoid It

No specific contraindications have been identified in the literature. Due to insufficient evidence, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Evidence Limitations

Most clinical evidence involves Job’s Tears as part of polyherbal formulations or combined with Western medicines or probiotics, limiting the ability to attribute effects to Job’s Tears alone.
Randomized controlled trials are limited in number, sample size, and often have methodological limitations.
High-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of Job’s Tears monotherapy in humans is lacking.
Safety data are sparse, with under-reporting of adverse events in studies.
Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
Many mechanistic studies focus on plant biology rather than direct human pharmacology.

References

Last reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.