Published online Dec 24, 2023. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i12.593
Peer-review started: October 19, 2023
First decision: October 24, 2023
Revised: October 26, 2023
Accepted: November 24, 2023
Article in press: November 24, 2023
Published online: December 24, 2023
Processing time: 63 Days and 17.9 Hours
Coix seed is a dry and mature seed of Coix lacryma-jobi L.var.ma-yuen (Roman.) Stapf in the Gramineae family. Coix seed has a sweet, light taste, and a cool nature. Coix seed enters the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians. It has the effects of promoting diuresis and dampness, strengthening the spleen to prevent diarrhea, removing arthralgia, expelling pus, and detoxifying and dispersing nodules. It is used for the treatment of edema, athlete's foot, poor urination, spleen deficiency and diarrhea, dampness and obstruction, lung carbuncle, intestinal carbuncle, verruca, and cancer. The medicinal and health value is high, and it has been included in the list of medicinal and food sources in China, which has a large development and application space. This article reviews the current research achievements in the processing methods and anti-tumor activities of Coix seed and provides examples of its clinical application in ancient and modern times, aiming to provide reference for further research on Coix seed and contribute to its clinical application and development. Through the analysis of the traditional Chinese patent medicines, and simple preparations and related health food of Coix seed queried by Yaozhi.com, the source, function, and dosage form of Coix seed were comprehensively analyzed, with a view of providing a reference for the development of Coix seed medicine and food.
Core Tip: Cancer is a serious disease that causes a huge economic and social burden worldwide. In addition, cancer has become one of the biggest health threats globally. Numerous studies have confirmed that Coix seed has anti-tumor effects. This article will review its preparation, anti-tumor effects, and edible value.