Adlay

Coix lacryma-jobi

Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as job's tears or coix seed, is a traditional plant used in East Asian medicine. Its traditional uses are not well-documented; however, it has been employed for various purposes such as food and brewing. Scientific evidence suggests that Coix lacryma-jobi may have potential in cancer therapy when combined with other treatments like toripalimab and chemotherapy, showing manageable safety and preliminary antitumor activity in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, though further validation is needed. The plant also demonstrates efficacy in bone health by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and resorption through mechanisms involving HIF-1α activation and NF-κB suppression. Additionally, Coix lacryma-jobi has been used to study host-pathogen interactions via a TRV-VIGS system, highlighting its utility in both increasing susceptibility and enhancing resistance. In terms of safety, no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no reported drug interactions associated with this plant.

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
  • Coixol inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption both in vitro and in vivo by activating HIF-1α and suppressing NF-κB signaling. D PMID
  • The study established a TRV-VIGS system for Coix to study host-pathogen interactions, enhancing gene silencing efficiency with methylglyoxal. D PMID
  • Coix lacryma-jobi seedlings showed optimal carbon accumulation under a 50/50 ammonium/nitrate ratio, with reduced efficiency at extreme ratios. D PMID
  • The study found that coix seed powder increased terpenoid and flavonoid accumulation in Taiwanofungus gaoligongensis, particularly sesquiterpenoids and isoflavones. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Adlay?

Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi) 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 Adlay?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Adlay; 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 Adlay?

The strongest finding for Adlay carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Adlay safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Adlay interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Adlay?

Adlay is also known as: Иовлевы слёзы, Coix larme-de-Job, Larme-de-Job, Herbe à chapelets.

Is Adlay 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 Coixol attenuates osteoclastogenesis and ovariectomy-induced bone loss via the HIF-1α-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Multi-omics analysis Taiwanofungus gaoligongensis fermentation with traditional Chinese medicine. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Elucidation of inorganic nitrogen utilization characteristics in Coix lacryma-jobi L. seedlings under variable ammonium/nitrate ratios via the 15N tracer technique. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Establishment of a TRV-VIGS system in Coix (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) for functional study of host-pathogen interactions. literature abstract metadata
  5. 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