Job's Tears

Coix

Coix is a traditional plant used in various Asian cultures, particularly in China. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its potential health benefits but specific uses vary widely and are not consistently documented across different traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that Coix may have some potential in cancer treatment; a study found that combining Kanglaite injection with toripalimab and chemotherapy showed manageable safety and preliminary antitumor activity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, though further validation is needed. In rheumatoid arthritis research, CSO from coix seeds modulated synovial tissue and serum biomarkers, indicating possible anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, fermentation of Coix seeds has been shown to influence microbial composition and enhance flavor profiles, potentially improving its nutritional profile by reducing starch and fat content while increasing protein and phenolic compounds. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for coix, but further research is warranted to fully understand its potential applications and effects.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The combination of Kanglaite injection with toripalimab and chemotherapy showed manageable safety and preliminary antitumor activity in advanced NSCLC patients, though findings need validation. D PMID
  • CSO modulated 16 synovial tissue and 12 serum biomarkers related to amino acids, arachidonic acids, lipids, sphingolipids, and carnitines in CFA-induced RA rats. D PMID
  • The study found that different grain fermentation substrates influenced the microbial composition and resulting flavors in sour meat, with coix seeds promoting grassy and fatty notes. D PMID
  • Germinated Coix showed improved nutritional profile with reduced starch and fat content, increased protein and phenolic compounds, and reduced bitterness. D PMID
  • Two patients with refractory periungual warts showed complete wart shedding after 3-4 treatments combining filiform fire needle and warming-yang and collateral-dredging TCM soak without adverse reactions. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Job's Tears?

Job's Tears (Coix) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Job's Tears?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Job's Tears; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The combination of Kanglaite injection with toripalimab and chemotherapy showed manageable safety and preliminary antitumor activity in advanced NSCLC patients, though findings need validation.

How strong is the evidence for Job's Tears?

The strongest finding for Job's Tears carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Job's Tears safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Job's Tears in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Job's Tears interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Job's Tears in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Job's Tears?

Job's Tears is also known as: Coïx.

Is Job's Tears a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Fermentation substrate drives flavor differentiation: Multi-omics analysis of flavor formation mechanisms in sour meat fermented by various grains. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Coix Seed Oil Ameliorates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Modulating Inflammation-Associated Metabolic Pathways. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Kanglaite Injection in Combination with Toripalimab and Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Refractory Periungual Warts Treated with Filiform Fire Needle Combined with Warming-Yang and Collateral-Dredging Chinese Medicine Soak: A Two-Case Report. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Comparative Evaluation of Germination Methods on the Nutritional and Sensory Profile of Coix. literature abstract metadata