AEGiS-GMHC: Common Alternative Therapies: Green Barley Leaf Extract

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Common Alternative Therapies: Green Barley Leaf Extract

Gay Men's Health Crisis: Treatment Issues, Volume 7 no. 11/12 - Winter, 1993/94
Bree Scott-Hartland

The dried extract of young barley green leaves ("green barley leaf extract") is widely used in Japan and other countries as a nutritional supplement. Green barley leaf extract (GBLE) is reported to contain high levels of superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant.[1]

Studies of GBLE, almost all of which have been conducted in Japan, suggest possible in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-leukemic activity, and reduced healing time of ulcerous lesions in rats.[2] Other studies have reported anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-ulcer and anti-viral properties of barley green extract.[3] It has been suggested that GBLE may increase production of Interleukin-2 when added to cell cultures.[3] IL-2 is a protein produced by the body, which may have immune boosting properties and seems to decrease with progression to AIDS. Researchers at San Francisco General Hospital have suggested that there may be an anti-HIV substance in barley green extract.[4] This study was done in conjunction with the Japan Pharmaceutical Development Company, a manufacturer of GBLE (brand name "Green Magma").

An unblinded, uncontrolled study in 38 non-HIV infected patients with skin disorders (eczema, atopic dermatitis) reported that four grams of GBLE in water, three times per day resulted in an overall "response rate" of 75 percent of patients.[5] No side effects were reported. GBLE is considered rich in chlorophyll and a number of studies have suggested that chlorophyll may have a beneficial effect on chronic pancreatitis.[6] Another study of 24 patients with chronic pancreatitis in Japan suggested that GBLE was "fairly effective" in eight cases (33 percent, "somewhat effective" in ten cases (42 percent) and "not effective" in six (25 percent) cases.[7]

Researchers at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City, in conjunction with the Hagiwara Institute of Japan, are developing a protocol for a Phase I study of GBLE in twelve HIV-positive individuals.[8]

1. Hagiwara Y. Study of Green Juice Powder of Young Barley Leaves. The 98th Annual Assembly of Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. 1978.

2. Kubota K, et al. Japanese Journal of Inflammation .1983;3;4.

3. Matsuola Y, et al. Japanese Journal of Inflammation. 1983, 3:602.

4. Mazeika G, et al. Effects of green barley leaf extract on HIV-a infection in vitro. In press.

5. Muto T. New Drugs and Clinical Application. May 10, 1977;26(5).

6. Oda T, et al. Gastroenterology Japan. 1971; 6:49.

7. Yokono O. Therapeutic effect of water-soluble form of chlorophyll-a and the related substance (young barley green juice) in the treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Tokyo.

8. Barr M. "Safety and bioavailability of green barley extract in HIV-infected persons: a phase I nutritional study (final draft protocol)." October 1993.

Copyright © 1993 - Treatment Issues. Reproduced with permission. Treatment Issues is published twelve times yearly by GMHC, Inc. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged. Subscription lists are kept confidential. GMHC Treatment Issues, The Tisch Building, 119 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011 fredg@gmhc.org http://www.gmhc.org

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .