Parle Milind et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (6) INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACY www.irjponline.com ISSN 2230 – 8407 Review Article

ZEA : A MODERN CRAZE Parle Milind* and Dhamija Isha Pharmacology Division, Dept. Pharm. Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India *Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]

Article Received on: 10/03/13 Revised on: 07/04/13 Approved for publication: 01/05/13

DOI: 10.7897/2230-8407.04609 IRJP is an official publication of Moksha Publishing House. Website: www.mokshaph.com © All rights reserved.

ABSTRACT Zea stands for ‘sustaining life’ and Mays stands for ‘life giver’. Zea mays is one of the oldest and most dynamic crop species, which has gained popularity in modern world too, due to its applications in diverse dishes. Corn is produced in every continent of the world with the exception of Antarctica. It is an annual monoecious sunny plant, surviving perfectly in nutrient rich, well-drained soil. Each and every part of the corn, from husk to corn silk is beneficial for the society. There are more than 3,500 different uses for corn products. Corn does much more than feed people and livestock. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, maizenic acid, vitamins B1, K and minerals like potassium, phosphorous and zinc. Traditionally, Maize is used as an analgesic, anti- diarrheal, anti-prostatitic, anti-lithiasis, anti-tumor, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. In this review article, we have narrated miscellaneous uses of corn varieties and described the pharmacological activities, phytoconstituents, nutritional value and traditional uses of maize. The maize has assorted uses like culinary, medicinal and industrial. Corn dishes like corn-meal, corn-flakes, , “makki ki roti” and corn soup highlight its dominance all over the world. Therefore, maize has become a craze among modern youth. KEY WORDS: Zea mays, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic.

INTRODUCTION Botanical Description The word Zea mays comes from two languages. Zea comes Kingdom: Plantae from ancient Greek and is a generic name for cereal and Subkingdom: Tracheobionta grains. Some scientists believe that Zea stands for "sustaining Superdivision: Spermatophyta life". Mays comes from the language Taino, meaning "life Division: Magnoliophyta giver." Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is the world’s third Class: Liliopsida leading cereal crop, after wheat and rice. It probably Subclass: Commelinidae originated in Central America, specifically Mexico. Maize Order: Cyperales belongs to family Poaceae and is a tall annual herb with an Family: Poaceae extensive fibrous root system. It is a cross-pollinating species Subfamily: Panicoideae with female and male flowers at separate places on the plant. Tribe: Andropogoneae The United States is the largest producer of Zea mays, Genus: Zea accounting nearly for 40% of the total world’s production, Species : Zea mays followed by China and Brazil. Maize provides nutrients for humans and animals; and serve as a basic raw material for the International Synonyms production of starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food Synonym : Zea vulgaris Mill., Zea mays L. subsp. mays L., sweetener and more recently fuel. Corn has diverse culinary Zea macrosperma Klotzsch applications all over the world. Mostly the variety Arabic : Dhurah, Surratul makkah is used in making corn dishes. Corn or maize is considered a Chinese : Yu mi xu , Yu shu shu, Pao mi staple food in many parts of world. The most commonly Croatian : Kukuruz made corn recipe is popcorn. The sweet corn is commonly Danish : Majs eaten as raw and fondly used in soups, salads, as a garnish. Dutch : Maïs, Korrelmaïs, Turkse tarwe, Turkse koren Corn is widely used in making corn-meal. Corn-meal, ‘makki English : Maize (UK), Turkish wheat, Field corn, Corn ki roti’ and the most common breakfast cereal, corn-flakes (USA), Indian corn are the most popular corn recipes. In traditional medicine, Estonian : Mais corn is used for relieving diarrhea, dysentery, urinary tract Finnish : Maissi disorders, prostatitis, lithiasis, angina, hypertension and French : Maïs, Blé des Indes, Blé de Turquie. tumor. The plant is pharmacologically exploited for German : Körnermais, Echter Mais, Türkisches Korn, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic Tuerkisher Mais, properties. The major maize growing states are Uttar Pradesh, Italian : Granturco, Granoturco, Formentone, Grano di Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Turchia, Mais Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Japanese : Toumorokoshi, Fiirudo koon. Bengal, Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir, jointly accounting Korean : Ok soo soo. for over 95% of the national maize production. The green Malay : Jagong, Jagung (Indonesia). plant has been used in the dairy and beef industries, as Persian : Gaudume makka. fodder. Portuguese : Milho, Milho forrageiro Russian : Kukuruza obyknovennaia. Spanish : Maíz, Maíz comun, Mijo turquesco, Mazorca de maíz Page 39 Parle Milind et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (6) Swedish : Majs Root: Normally maize plants have three types of roots: i) Thai : Khaaophot (Khaophot), Khaaophot on (Baby corn). seminal roots - persist for long period, ii) adventitious roots, Turkish : Kokoroz fibrous roots developing from the lower nodes of stem below Urdu : Anaaj. ground level which are the effective and active roots of plant Vietnamese : Ngô and iii) brace or prop roots, produced by lower two nodes. The roots grow very rapidly and almost equally outwards and Indian Synonyms downwards. Favorable soils may allow corn root growth up Bengali: Bhutta to 60 cm laterally and in depth. Gujarati: Makai Hindi : Anaj, Makka, Makaa'i Stem: The stem is 3-4 cm thick. The inter nodes are short and Malayalam : Cholam, Makkacholam fairly thick at the base of the plant; become longer and Punjabi: Makai thicker higher up the stem, and then taper again. The ear Sanskrit: Makkaya, Mahakaya bearing inter node is longitudinally grooved, to allow proper Tamil : Makka cholam, Mokkaiccoolam positioning of the ear head (cob). The upper leaves in corn Telugu: Mokkajanna are more responsible for light interception and are major contributors of photosynthate to grain. Geographic Origin and Distribution The origin for Zea mays has been recognized as the Flower: The apex of the stem ends in the tassel, an Mesoamerican region, now Mexico and Central America. of male flowers and the female Domestication of maize commenced at least 7000 years ago, (cobs or ears) are borne at the apex of condensed, lateral as determined through paleohistorical records. In the 16th branches known as shanks protruding from leaf axils. The century, Portuguese imported maize to Southeast-Asia from male (staminate) inflorescence, a loose panicle, produces America. The maize was familiarized to Spain by Columbus pairs of free spikelets each enclosing a fertile and a sterile and from Spain it extended to France, Italy and Turkey. floret. The female (pistillate) inflorescence, a spike, produces During 17th century maize was introduced in India. From pairs of spikelets on the surface of a highly condensed rachis India it went to China, Philippines and the East Indies. Now- (central axis, or “cob”). The female flower is tightly covered a-days corn is being grown in USA, China, Brazil, Argentina, over by several layers of leaves, and so closed in by them to Mexico, South Africa, Rumania, Yugoslavia and India. the stem that they don’t show themselves easily until emergence of the pale yellow silks from the leaf whorl at the Climate and soil requirements end of the ear. The silks are the elongated stigmas that look Maize is basically a sunny crop, so it requires warm and like tufts of hair initially and later turn green or purple in moist climate. Annual rainfall of 60 cm is required, color. Each of the female spikelets encloses two fertile throughout its growing stage. It cannot withstand frost at any florets, one of whose ovaries will mature into a maize kernel stage. Prolonged cloudy period is harmful for the crop but, an once sexually fertilized by wind-blown pollen. intermittent sunlight and cloud of rain is the most ideal for its growth. It needs full sunlight for its accelerated Fruit/Grain: The individual maize grain is botanically a photosynthetic activity. In India, maize is traditionally grown caryopsis, a dry fruit containing a single seed fused to the in monsoon season, which is accompanied by high inner tissues of the fruit case. The seed contains two sister temperature (<35° C) and rains. However, with the structures. One is a germ which includes the plumule and development of new cultivars and appropriate production radical from, which a new plant develop. The other part is an technology, winter cultivation of maize has emerged as a endosperm, which provides nutrients for that germinating viable alternative. It needs fertile soil and thrives best in seedling until the seedling establishes sufficient leaf area to deep, loamy soil along with abundant moisture. The ideal soil become an autotroph. for maize should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Soil pH should be in the range of 7.5 to 8.5 for good crop and Fertilization growth. In maize, the pollen shedding is not a continuous process and usually begins two to three days prior to silk emergence and Botanical Features continues for five to eight days. The silks are covered with Maize is a tall, determinate annual plant varying in height fine, sticky hairs which serve to catch and anchor the pollen from 1 to 4 metres. The plant produces large, narrow, grains. Pollen shedding stops, when the tassel is too wet or opposing leaves, borne alternately along the length of a solid too dry and begins again, when temperature conditions are stem. Maize is a monoecious plant, that is, the sexes are favorable. Pollen grain remains viable for 18 to 24 hours, partitioned into separate pistillate (ear), the female flower and under favorable conditions. Cool temperatures and high staminate (tassel), the male flower. The main shoot humidity favor pollen longevity. Fertilization occurs after the terminates in a staminate tassel. Maize is generally pollen grain is caught by the silk and germinates by growth protandrous, means the male flower matures earlier than the of the down the silk channel within minutes of female flower. coming in contact with a silk and the pollen tube grows the The botanical features of various plant parts are as follows: length of the silk and enters the embryo sac in 12 to 28 hours.

Page 40 Parle Milind et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (6)

Figure 1: Zea mays plant Figure 2: Zea mays kernel/fruit Figure 3: Male flower of Zea mays Figure 4: Female flower of Zea mays

Corn has numerous varieties, some of which are described as glucose, cellulose, silica, phosphates of lime and magnesia. It under: also contains isoquercitin, chrysanthemim, cyanogenetic material, 6-methoxybenzoazoline, dicarboxylic acids such as derives it’s name from the dent or depression on oxalic acid, polysaccharide, essential fatty acids, anthocyanin dried, matured kernel. Shrinkage of the soft, floury starch and flavonoids glycosides and a triterpene cyclosadol. Maize within the hard starch to one side of the kernel evokes dent. kernel contains carbohydrates 66.2%, protein 11.1%, fat Dent corn is yellow or white in color. It is primarily used as a 3.6%, minerals 1.5% and fibres 2.7%. It was found to have β- feed for livestock. White dent corn is a preferred food in carotene, biotin, choline, pantothenic acid, folic acid, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Southern pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin E, minor Africa. Therefore, it is the most produced type of corn and amount of vitamin C, N-(ϱ-coumaryl)tryptamine and N- accounts for about 95% of all maize produced. ferulyltryptamine2. It also contains cinnamoyl hydroxycitric acid derivatives, sixty one volatile compounds, out of which, has a smooth kernel due to a limited to non- geosmin was a highly odorous compound. Corn silk (CS) is existent amount of soft starch contained within the hard rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, p- endosperm. The color varies from white to deep red. Flint coumaric acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, derivatives corn thrives in cool climate with wet soil at higher altitudes. of hesperidin and quercetin, and hydroxycinnamic acid It matures earlier than other varieties of maize. Flints are derivatives composed of p-coumaric and ferulic acid3. It also more resistant to fungi and insects, due to less moisture contains maizenic acid, flavonoid maysin, rutin, flavon-4-ols, absorbing capacity. Thus, it can be stored more durably than chlorogenic acid, saponins, volatile oils (alpha terpinol, other varieties. menthol, carvacrol, thymol, citronellol, eugenol), fixed oil, resin, sugars, phytosterols, mucilage, tannin and c- : resembles flint corn in size and shape. The color glycosylflavones4, 5. In addition, CS also contained is mostly white or blue in color. The endosperm contains soft, derivatives of cinnamic acid, glucose, rhamnose and mealy starch, thereby smoothly pulverized into flour. Flour minerals, including sodium (0.05%), potassium (15%), iron corn is mainly cultivated in the Southwestern United States (0.0082%), zinc (0.016%) and chloride (0.25%)6. The and Andean highlands of South America. In South America it proximate compositions of corn silk consists of 9.65% is used for making beer and special food preparations. moisture, 3.91% ash, 0.29% crude fat, 17.6% crude protein and 40% crude fiber7. Corn silk comprises of style and Sweet corn comprises of wrinkled kernels, which are . Style of Zea mays contains constituents such as as typically white or yellow. The sweetness is a result of a lumichrome, chrysoeriol, genistein, adenosine, guanosine, genetic mutation in metabolism that prevents the sugars from uracil, acetovanillone, vanillin, vanillic acid, 6-methoxy- being completely transformed into starch. It has a soft, sugary benzoxazolinone, stigmast-4-en-3-one, β-sitosterol, endosperm and thus is bred especially for consumption in an stigmasterol, stigmastanone, 7alpha-hydroxysitosterol8. immature state, like corn on the cob. It is grown mainly in the Pollen contains flavonol glycosides of quercetin, United States. isorhamnetin and kaempferol9. Roots contain 2-(2-hydroxy- 7-methoxy-1.4-benzoxazin-3-one)-β-D-glucoside. Pod corn is grown almost exclusively for scientific research in an effort to trace the genetic roots of corn. Each kernel of Pharmacological Uses pod corn is enclosed in a glumes, or husk. Diuresis and Kaliuresis effect Corn silk (CS) aqueous extract exhibited diuretic and Phytoconstituents kaliuretic effect in water-loaded conscious rats. But no Sweet corn is a variety in the Zea mays species, namely var. variation was observed in proximal tubular function, Na+, rugosa, convar. Saccharata. ‘Corn sweet factor’ is a glucoside Li+ or uric acid excretion, when studied via creatinine and of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-bezoxazin-3-one. The corn lithium clearance6. Pinheiro reported significant increase in silk contains galactan, xylan, dextrose and other compounds. urine flow and Na+ and K+ excretion in anaesthetized Wistar The seeds contain much sugar, zeaxanthin, protein, inositols, rats.10 hexaphosphoric acid, maizenic acid, resins and a fixed oil. Kernel contains esters of indole-3-acetic acid and d-glucose- Hypoglycemic agent hydroxy-2-indolinone-3-acetic acid1. Zea mays contains CS aqueous extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels cytokine zeatin, a biologically active purine derivative, in alloxan induced hyperglycemic mice and STZ induced flavonoids, alkaloids, allantoin, saponins, volatile oil (about diabetes rats. The mechanism of action of Corn silk for its 0.2%), mucilage, vitamins C, E and K, minerals especially anti-diabetic effect appears to be related to i) Partial recovery potassium, starch, sugar, fat, maizenic acid, gluten, dextrin, of damaged pancreatic β-cells ii) healing of injured β-cells

Page 41 Parle Milind et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (6) iii) increase in serum insulin levels iv) reduction in · Anti-gonorroheal glycohemoglobin (HbAl) concentration v) regeneration of injured β-cells vii) improved glucose tolerance viii) reduction Therapeutic Uses in serum lipid level, total cholesterol and total triglyceride.11, · Corn silk is utilized as a medicine in renal problems for 12 both adults and children, in Mexico. It also helps in genito-urinary complaints. Anti-fatigue activity · Corn silk minimizes edema, gout, cystitis and Corn silk flavonoids raised swimming time in mice, rheumatism, due to its anti-inflammatory property. accompanying diminished levels of blood lactate, blood urea · Chief reputation of corn is its potent anti-prostatitis nitrogen (BUN) and elevated hepatic glycogen concentration. capability. These results manifested anti-fatigue and enhanced exercise 13 · Corn lowers LDL cholesterol and guards against cardiac tolerance property of Corn silk. diseases, diabetes and hypertension.

Nephrotoxicity reduction Strange Facts CS administration dose dependently prevented GM-induced 14 · Corn silk is placed within a cradle, hung over a mirror for interstitial nephritis and reduced serum creatinine level. protection and pasted on the door with a belief that it provides good luck. Anti-inflammatory activity · Corn is produced in every continent of the world with the Corn silk ethanolic extract elicited significant TNF-α exception of Antarctica. antagonistic activity. The extract efficiently abolished the · About 800 kernels are present in 16 rows on each ear of TNF-α and LPS-induced adhesiveness of EAhy 926 corn. endothelial cells to monocytic U937 cells. Corn silk · The corncob (ear) is actually part of the corn plant’s possesses important therapeutic potential for TNF-α and LPS-mediated leukocyte adhesion and trafficking15. CS flower. extract diminished cell migration, exudate formation, · The main ingredient in most dry pet food is corn. oxidative stress, TNF-α, IL-1β, VEGF-α, and IL-17A and · Corn is America's number one field crop. Corn leads all blocked inflammation-related events (ICAM-1 and iNOS), other crops in value and volume of production. illustrating its anti-inflammatory effect.16 · The corn plant has both male and female parts. The silk is the female part while the tassel is the male part. Anti-oxidant activity · Our bacon and egg breakfast, glass of milk at lunch, or Corn silk was extracted to prepare five fractions viz. ethanol hamburger for supper were all produced with sweet corn. extract, petroleum ether fraction, acetic ether fraction, n- · There are more than 3,500 different uses for corn butanol fraction and water fraction. The butanolic fraction products. Corn does much more than feed people and exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging livestock! activity. The two flavone glycosides isolated from butanolic · It is processed and used in baby food, chewing gum, fraction viz., isoorientin-2”-O-α-L-rhamnoside and 3”- dessert icing, peanut butter, antibiotics, potato chips, ice methoxymaysin, were also found to possess potent creams, cakes and marshmallows. antioxidant moieties3, 17. Ethanolic extract of the Egyptian · It's also used in the manufacturing of photographic film, corn silk reflected profound free radical scavenging activity5. in the production of plastics, alcohol, ink, paint, glue, CS ethanol extract inhibited γ-radiation-induced damage in shoe polish, fireworks, and rust blockading. liver, reduced the MDA content in a dose-dependent manner · Corn has an incredibly long shelf life? Archeologists have and safeguarded the liver from GSH depletion. CS flavonoids been able to track 1,000-year-old popcorn! (Wonder how extract provided protection against oxidative stress induced that tasted!!!) by exhaustive exercise in mice.18 · The Indian word maize means "sacred mother" or "life giver." Traditional Uses · Corn-meal was also sprinkled across the doorway to keep In the traditional system of medicine, maize is found to be enemies out. effective as an: · Fabrics used to make your clothing are strengthened by · Analgesic cornstarch. · Astringent · The books are bound with corn-starch. · Anti-allergic · Corn is also used in such products as soaps, toothpaste · Emollient and cosmetics. · Against skin rashes · The most common breakfast cereal is cornflakes. · Against Sore throat · Corn Oil is used as cooking oil. · Anti-angina · Corn Silk reduces blood clotting time. · Anti-hypertensive · Zea mays Silk extract provides a smooth texture and helps · Against Biliousness in skin maintenance due to Zinc Oxide. Corn starch was · Urinary disorders including dysuria, cystitis, Urethritis, used for chapped skin and for bee stings. Nocturnal enuresis · Corn is a favorite remedy for the treatment of warts and · Anti-lithiasis corns. · Anti-diarrheal · Nosebleeds could be prevented by wearing a necklace of · Anti-dysentry red corn kernels as an amulet. · Anti-tumor · The oil of corn was used for treating dandruff. · Anti-prostatitis

Page 42 Parle Milind et al. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013, 4 (6) · Corn meal formed a poultice for headache and when, Chem2007;55(22):9124-27.http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf071646e PMid: mixed with onion, for pneumonia. 17914872 6. Velazquez D V, Xavier H S, Batista J E, de Castro-Chaves C. Zea mays · Corn contains thiamine, which boosts memory, cognitive L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion functions and neuronal health. in conscious rats. Phytomedicine 2005; 12 (5): 363-9. http://dx.doi.org · Folate content of corn is an essential requirement, during /10.1016/j.phymed.2003.12.010 PMid:15957371 7. Wang C, Zhang T, Liu J, Lu S, Zhang C, Wang E, et al. Subchronic pregnancy. toxicity study of corn silk with rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 137 (1): · Corn is rich in phosphorus, which helps to maintain 36-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.021 PMid:21397679 normal growth, kidney function and bone health. 8. Suzuki R, Iijima M, Okada Y, Okuyama T. Chemical constituents of the style of Zea mays L. with glycation inhibitory activity. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2007; 55 (1): 153-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1248/cpb.55.153 CONCLUSION 9. Ceska O, Styles E D. Flavonoids from Zea mays pollen. Phytochemistry Corn is America's number one field crop. Corn leads all other 1984; 23 (8): 1822-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)83510- crops in value and volume of production. Corn is produced in 4 every continent of the world with the exception of Antarctica. 10. Pinheiro A C S, Pais A A, Tardivo A C B, Alves M J Q F. Effect of aqueous extract of corn silks (Zea mays L.) on the renal excretion of There are more than 3,500 different uses for corn products. water and electrolytes and arterial pressure in anesthetized Wistar rats. Corn does much more than feed people and livestock. All Rev bras plantas med 2011; 13 (4): 375-81. three Indian meals include corn in one form or the other. 11. Zhao W, Yin Y, Yu Z, Liu J, Chen F. Comparison of anti-diabetic Breakfast consists of corn-flakes mixed with milk, hamburger effects of polysaccharides from corn silk on normal and hyperglycemia rats. Int J Biol Macromol 2012; 50 (4): 1133-37. made up from sweet corn is consumed at lunch or supper http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.02.004 PMid:22353397 becomes special with ‘makki ki roti’ and ice creams. Corn 12. Guo J, Liu T, Han L, Liu Y. The effects of corn silk on glycaemic has incredibly long shelf life. Corn contains thiamine, which metabolism. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2009; 6: 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/ boosts memory, cognitive functions and neuronal health. 1743-7075-6-47PMid:19930631 PMCid:2785813 13. Hu Q L, Zhang L J, Li Y N, Ding Y J, Li F L. Purification and anti- Folate content of corn is an essential component, especially fatigue activity of flavonoids from corn silk. Int. J. Phys. Sci 2010; 5: during pregnancy. Corn is rich in phosphorous, which helps 321-26. to maintain normal growth, kidney function. Corn is safe and 14. Sepehri G, Derakhshanfar A, Yazdi Zadeh F. Protective effects of corn non-toxic. Pharmacological studies have shown its silk extract administration on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Comp Clin Pathol 2011; 20 (1): 89-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007 remarkable medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti- /s00580-009-0943-3 fatigue, hypoglycemic and effective diuretic agent. Therefore, 15. Habtemariam S. Extract of corn silk (stigma of Zea mays) inhibits the maize has recently become a craze among modern youth. tumour necrosis factor-alpha- and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced cell adhesion and ICAM-1 expression. Planta Med 1998; 64 (4): 314-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957441 PMid:9619111 REFERENCES 16. Wang G-Q, Xu T, Bu X-M, Liu B-Y. Anti-inflammation effects of Corn 1. Lewer P, Bandurski R S. Occurrence and metabolism of 7-hydroxy-2- Silk in a rat model of carrageenin-induced pleurisy. Inflammation 2012; indolinone-3-acetic acid in zea mays Phytochemistry 1987; 26 (5): 35(3):822-27.http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10753-011-9382-9 1247-50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)81790-2 PMid:21898269 2. Ehmann A. N-(ϱ-coumaryl)-tryptamine and N-ferulyl tryptamine in 17. Liu J, Wang C, Wang Z, Zhang C, Lu S, Liu J. The antioxidant and free- kernels of Zea mays Phytochemistry 1974; 13 (9): 1979-83. http://dx.doi radical scavenging activities of extract and fractions from corn silk (Zea .org/10.1016/0031-9422(74)85129-0 mays L.) and related flavone glycosides. Food Chem 2011; 126: 261-69. 3. Ebrahimzadeh M A, Pourmorad F, Hafezi S. Antioxidant activities of http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.11.014 Iranian corn silk. Turk J Biol 2008; 32 (1): 43-49. 18. Hu Q-l, Deng Z-H. Protective effects of flavonoids from corn silk on 4. Elliger C A, Chan B G, Waiss A C, Jr., Lundin R E, Haddon W F. C- oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise in mice. Afr J Biot 2011; Glycosylflavones from Zea mays that inhibit insect development. 10 (16): 3163-67. Phytochemistry1980;19:293-97.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422 (00)81977-9 5. El-Ghorab A, El-Massry K F, Shibamoto T. Chemical composition of the volatile extract and antioxidant activities of the volatile and Cite this article as: nonvolatile extracts of Egyptian corn silk (Zea mays L.). J Agric Food Parle Milind and Dhamija Isha. Zea maize: A modern craze. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013; 4(6):39-43

Page 43