Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
Wheat grass is prepared by sprouting wheat seeds in water for 7-10 days before harvesting the leaves. Because the leaves are fibrous and difficult to digest, the juice from the leaves is extracted and consumed raw. Proponents of wheat grass believe that eating raw foods is more beneficial than eating cooked foods as the enzymes responsible for detoxifying the body are thought to be deactivated by cooking foods. Wheat grass juice is claimed to have several benefits, including neutralizing toxins and carcinogens in the body, preventing tooth decay, reducing high blood pressure, and aiding in the treatment and prevention of cancer and AIDS. It is also used to improve digestion, prevent hair from graying, for common colds, cough, rheumatic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers, and skin conditions. However, none of these claims is supported by clinical studies.
Proponents of wheat grass equate chlorophyll to hemoglobin and believe that consumption of wheat grass can increase oxygenation in the body. This concept is not supported by current scientific understanding and there are no data from clinical trials to substantiate any of these claims.
Small studies of wheat grass juice indicate it may help reduce symptoms of distal ulcerative colitis (1), reduce the need for transfusions in patients with thalassemia major (6), and may decrease myelotoxicity in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (7). Larger studies are needed to evaluate these findings.
Nausea has been reported following consumption of wheat grass juice.
Because wheat grass juice is consumed raw, microbial contamination is also a concern.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Immunostimulation
- Ulcerative colitis
Constituents
- Chlorophyll
- Vitamins A, C, E, K and B-complex
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Amino acids
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action is unknown. Wheat grass is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Some components may have antioxidant effects (1). The claims that raw wheat grass can “detoxify” the body and that chlorophyll can augment hemoglobin production are not supported by scientific evidence.
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea has been reported following consumption of wheat grass juice (7).
- Because wheat grass is grown for a period of 7-10 days before harvesting the leaves, contamination by microbials is possible. This may cause harmful effects upon ingestion.
Literature Summary and Critique
Bar-Sela G, Tsalic M, Fried G, Goldberg H. Wheat grass juice may improve hematological toxicity related to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a pilot study. Nutr Cancer. 2007;58(1):43-8.
Sixty patients with breast carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy were assigned to receive 60 cc of wheat grass juice orally daily during the first three cycles of chemotherapy, while those in the control group received only regular supportive therapy. Response rate to chemotherapy was calculated in patients with evaluable disease. Researchers report a reduction in myelotoxicity, dose reduction and need for granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF) support in the treatment group. The efficacy of chemotherapy remained unaffected.
However, patients assigned to the treatment group were older and had poor hematological profiles compared to those in the control group. Further, 20% of patients (6 out of 30 in the treatment group) did not complete the study due to worsening nausea.
Larger, well designed studies are needed to evaluate these results.
Ben-Arye E, et al. Wheat Grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2002;37(4):444-449.
In this study, 21 patients with active distal ulcerative colitis were randomized to receive either 100 cc of wheat grass juice, or placebo daily for one month. Rectal bleeding, number of bowel movements, a sigmoidoscopic evaluation, and physician evaluation were assessed to determine the efficacy of treatment. Researchers found that patients who received wheat grass juice had significantly lowered overall disease activity index and rectal bleeding compared to those on placebo. They concluded that wheat grass juice may be an effective treatment for distal ulcerative colitis. However, due to the small sample size of the study, the results may not be generalized. Future studies involving more patients are needed.
References
- Ben-Arye E, et al. Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2002;37(4):444-49.
- Jarvis WT. Wheat grass therapy. Available at http://www.ncahf.org/articles/s-z/wheat grass.html. Accessed March 21, 2011.
- Information on Wheat grass. Available at http://www.living-foods.com/articles/wheatgrassinfo.html. Accessed March 21, 2011.
- MICROMEDEX(R) Healthcare Series. 120. 2004. Thomson MICROMEDEX.
- Duke, JA. The Green Pharmacy. New York (NY):ST. Martin's Press; 1997.
- Marawaha RK, Bansal D, Kaur S, Trehan A. Wheat grass juice reduces transfusion requirement in patients with thalassemia major: a pilot study. Indian Pediatr. 2004 Jul;41(7):716-20.
- Bar-Sela G, Tsalic M, Fried G, Goldberg H. Wheat grass juice may improve hematological toxicity related to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a pilot study. Nutr Cancer. 2007;58(1):43-8.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Wheat grass juice has not been shown effective in treating cancer or AIDS.
The juice extracted from the leaves of wheat grass is believed to treat common colds, prevent bad breath, reduce high blood pressure, arthritis pain, and to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also being promoted as a cure for cancer and AIDS. Proponents of wheat grass believe that the chlorophyll present in the leaves increases the hemoglobin content in the blood because both the molecules are similar in structure. It is also thought that the enzymes present in wheat grass help in ridding the body of toxins and carcinogens. However, none of these claims is backed by scientific studies.
Wheat grass is not known to cause any serious side effects. However, the juice can be contaminated with mold or bacteria as the leaves are grown for 7-10 days before the juice is extracted.
Purported Uses
- Tooth decay
There are no studies to back this claim.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- Strengthen immune system
There are no data to validate this claim.
- Cancer treatment
A small study showed that wheat grass juice may reduce the toxicity due to chemotherapy. More research is needed.
- Ulcerative colitis
One small study has shown that wheat grass can relieve symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Research Evidence
Distal Ulcerative Colitis:
Twenty-one patients with distal ulcerative colitis were given 100ml of wheat grass juice or placebo daily for one month. Researchers looked at rectal bleeding, number of bowel movements, sigmoidoscopic examination, and a physician evaluation to determine the effectiveness of wheat grass. They found that patients who took wheat grass had reduced symptoms compared to those on placebo.
Chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity:
Sixty patients with breast carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy were assigned to receive 60 cc of wheat grass juice orally daily during the first three cycles of chemotherapy, while those in the control group received only regular supportive therapy. Researchers reported a reduction in myelotoxicity, dose reduction and need for granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF) support in the treatment group. The efficacy of chemotherapy remained unaffected.
However, patients assigned to the treatment group were older and had poor hematological profiles compared to those in the control group. Further, 20% of patients (6 out of 30 in the treatment group) did not complete the study due to worsening nausea. Larger, well designed studies are needed to evaluate these results.
Side Effects
- Nausea has been reported following consumption of wheat grass juice.
- Contamination by microbials is possible as wheat grass sprouts are grown for 7-10 days before the leaves are harvested.
Last updated: March 22, 2011
AIDS
A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certain cancers and for infections that usually occur only in individuals with a weak immune system. Also called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)arthritis (ar-THRY-tis)
A disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bacteria (bak-TEER-ee-uh)
A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bowel (BOW-ul)
The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The bowel has two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. Also called intestine.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cc
A measure of volume in the metric system. One thousand ccs equal one liter. Also called cubic centimeter, milliliter, and ml.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chronic (KRAH-nik)
A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chronic fatigue syndrome (KRAH-nik fuh-TEEG SIN-drome)
A condition that lasts for more than 6 months in which a person feels tired most of the time. They may also have trouble concentrating and carrying out daily activities. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, muscle weakness, headache, and joint pain. Also called CFS.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)colitis (koh-LY-tis)
Inflammation of the colon.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)control group (kun-TROLE groop)
In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cure (kyoor)
To heal or restore health; a treatment to restore health.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)distal (DIS-tul)
In medicine, refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dose (dose)
The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)efficacy (EH-fih-kuh-see)
Effectiveness. In medicine, the ability of an intervention (for example, a drug or surgery) to produce the desired beneficial effect.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)evaluable disease (ee-VAL-yoo-uh-bul dih-ZEEZ)
Disease that cannot be measured directly by the size of the tumor but can be evaluated by other methods specific to a particular clinical trial.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fatigue (fuh-TEEG)
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)granulocyte (GRAN-yoo-loh-SITE)
A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that are released during infections, allergic reactions, and asthma. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes. A granulocyte is a type of white blood cell. Also called granular leukocyte, PMN, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hemoglobin (HEE-moh-GLOH-bin)
The substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)ingestion (in-JES-chun)
Taking into the body by mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mold (mold)
A form of fungus. Some molds can cause disease in humans.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)nausea (NAW-zee-uh)
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)physician (fih-ZIH-shun)
Medical doctor.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)placebo (pluh-SEE-boh)
An inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)randomized
Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)rectal (REK-tul)
By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reduction (ree-DUK-shun)
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with hydrogen or another reducing substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)response (reh-SPONTS)
In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxicity (tok-SIH-sih-tee)
The extent to which something is poisonous or harmful.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)ulcerative colitis (UL-seh-RUH-tiv koh-LY-tis)
Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)unaffected
An individual who does not manifest symptoms of a condition or disease occurring in his or her family.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
