Phytochemistry and health promoting effects of Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) - A critical review

The annual millet Coix lacryma-Jobi L. is a member of Graminae family having common names of adlay, coix or Job's tears. Its seeds are pear shaped with a shiny dark brown to gray black hull. Grain coix is popular in Chinese traditional medicine. In China, coix seeds are used in soups and beverages. Coix seeds contain phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, proteins, fibers, vitamins and oils. Coix grain is generally polished as hulled grain or milled as flour and used in food components. Coix is sold as Kanglaite in China and is an anticancer drug. Coix has strong chemical constituents to inhibit enzymes of cyclooxigenase (COX), fatty acid synthase, matrix metalloproteinases and liver cholesterol synthesis. Coix seed constituents have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity activity, stimulate reproductive hormones, promote uterine contraction and modulate gut microbiota. Coix extracts suppress NF-kB activation by inhibiting activity of protein Kinase-C. Considering the importance of coix plant in terms of their beneficial health effects, this review will focus on summarizing their health benefits.