Hindawi

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

Volume 2018, Article ID 3232080, 15 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3232080

Review Article
Preventive and Therapeutic Role of Functional Ingredients of
Barley Grass for Chronic Diseases in Human Beings

Yawen Zeng ,1 Xiaoying Pu ,1,2 Jiazhen Yang ,1,2 Juan Du,1 Xiaomeng Yang,1 Xia Li,1
Ling Li,3 Yan Zhou,4 and Tao Yang1
1
Biotechnology and Germplasm Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Key
Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
2
Kunming Tiankang Science & Technology Limited Company, Kunming Yunnan 650231, China
3
Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
4
Clinical Nutrition Department, The Second People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming Yunnan 650021, China

Correspondence should be addressed to Yawen Zeng; [email protected], Xiaoying Pu; [email protected],

and Jiazhen Yang; [email protected]

Received 27 July 2017; Accepted 3 December 2017; Published 4 April 2018

Academic Editor: Rodrigo Valenzuela

Copyright © 2018 Yawen Zeng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Barley grass powder is the best functional food that provides nutrition and eliminates toxins from cells in human beings; however,
its functional ingredients have played an important role as health benefit. In order to better cognize the preventive and therapeutic
role of barley grass for chronic diseases, we carried out the systematic strategies for functional ingredients of barley grass, based on
the comprehensive databases, especially the PubMed, Baidu, ISI Web of Science, and CNKI, between 2008 and 2017. Barley grass is
rich in functional ingredients, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, saponarin, lutonarin, superoxide dismutase
(SOD), K, Ca, Se, tryptophan, chlorophyll, vitamins (A, B1, C, and E), dietary fiber, polysaccharide, alkaloid, metallothioneins, and
polyphenols. Barley grass promotes sleep; has antidiabetic effect; regulates blood pressure; enhances immunity; protects liver; has
anti-acne/detoxifying and antidepressant effects; improves gastrointestinal function; has anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antigout effects; reduces hyperuricemia; prevents hypoxia, cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, and
constipation; alleviates atopic dermatitis; is a calcium supplement; improves cognition; and so on. These results support that
barley grass may be one of the best functional foods for preventive chronic diseases and the best raw material of modern diet
structure in promoting the development of large health industry and further reveal that GABA, flavonoids, SOD, K-Ca,
vitamins, and tryptophan mechanism of barley grass have preventive and therapeutic role for chronic diseases. This paper can
be used as a scientific evidence for developing functional foods and novel drugs for barley grass for preventive chronic diseases.

1. Introduction preventive inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases has

exhibited activities against all human platelet agonists inhib-
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the fourth most important ited both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of
cereal crop in the world and has the highest dietary fiber arachidonic acid metabolism, which elevated the SOD and
content; its malt for functional food is not only the world’s GSH-Px activities [3].
largest material for beer, but also often used as one of 300 Barley with cold and frost tolerance of growing at 4000 m
species being used in Chinese herbal medicine. Regular is a key for ancient Tibetans climb to 3400 m [4]; Tibetan
consumption of whole grain barley and its hydroalcoholic Plateau is an important origin and domestication base of
extract reduces the risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, can- cultivated barley [5]. Human Flt3 ligand from barley is a gly-
cer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.), based on phyto- coprotein including α(1,3)-fucose and α(1,2)-xylose, which
chemicals including β-glucan, phenolic acids, flavonoids, showed expression of human growth factor in barley grains
lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and folate [1, 2]. Barley with with active protein [6]. The amino acid concentration in
2 Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

barley grass irradiated by artificial light (red 9 + blue 1) differences of saponarin and lutonarin contents in barley
is greater than that by natural light, which can increase leaves at the growth stage; in particular, its lutonarin content
γ-tocopherol by 100% red light [7], but cyanogenic gluco- at shooting period is 6.4 times higher than that at one leaf
sides content is 4% less than that by sunlight [8]. The period, and its saponarin content in two leaves at one period
accumulation of lutonarin (isoorientin-7-O-glucoside) and is 6.5 times higher than that at heading period [11]. There are
3-feruloylquinic acid (C17H20O9) and xanthophyll-cycle greater differences of tryptophan contents in barley leaves
pigments is greatly increased by high photosynthetically under three light sources [7]. Many studies have shown that
active radiation and ultraviolet exposure in barley leaves BG contains significant quantities of Ca, Fe, Zn, K, Mg, folic
[9]. Chronic disease of human beings is associated with the acid, β-carotene, chlorophyll, pantothenic acid, vitamin C,
five evolutionary stages of the major dietary guidelines (i.e., and vitamin B12 [12]. Mean contents of chlorophyll (SPAD
the healthiest major dietary guidelines for modern humans): value), soluble solids, betaine, and flavonoid in BG of 100 cul-
fruits or vegetables, grass or Cyperaceou, cereals (rice, wheat, tivars are 44.53, 70.39 mg/g fresh weigh (FW), 2333.99 μg/g
millet, beans, barley, and corn), polished rice or wheat flour, FW, and 4114.25 μg/g FW, respectively [25]. BG contains
and white rice or wheat flour + grass powder [10]. 30 times thiamine (C12H16N4OS) and 11 times Ca than
Barley grass (BG) has young green leaves and stem of that of cow’s milk, 6.5 times carotene and 5 times Fe con-
vegetative growth stage from seedling at 10 days after tent of spinach, 7 times vitamin C (C6H8O6) in oranges, 4
sprouting (barley sprout) to elongation stage (barley green) times thiamine in whole wheat flour [12, 26], 2 times pro-
for nutritional peak before the start of reproductive cycle tein in barley grains [27], its total flavonoids and alkaloids
of barley [11–13]; however, Vrs2 is associated with floral are 2.1 times, 10.7 times, and GABA 37.8 times of brown
architecture by regulating hormonal homeostasis and gra- rice [10].
dients in barley [14]. BG is not only consumed as a pop-
ular green-colored drink [15], but also used in preventive 2.1. GABA and Amino Acids. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is
chronic diseases, especially circulatory disorders, antican- an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural excitabil-
cer, reducing obesity, antidiabetes, anti-arthritis, reducing ity in the mammalian central nervous system with three
cholesterol, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation [12]. Light subclasses of receptors, namely, relaxing, antianxiety, and
can promote cytokinin degradation and the formation of anticonvulsive; alleviates pain; regulates sleep; and increases
bioactive cytokinins in barley leaves, which has a positive cognitive and reproductive effects [28]. GABA (C4H9NO2),
correlation between cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase activ- glutamic acid (C5H9NO4), and CaCl2 play significant roles
ity and senescence in most cases [16]. The amino acid and in alleviating cold-induced effects by restoration of mem-
vitamin C content in hydroponic BG are higher than those brane integrity [29]. Barley bran is more efficient than wheat
in organic soil [17]. In spray-dried barley grass powder with bran in the GABA production [30]. GABA contents of
good solubility and small size, its contents of the chlorophyll, BG for Fudamai 1 and Fan 11 are 143~183 mg/100 g and
flavonoids, and SOD enzyme activity are 56.7%, 68.1%, and 125~151 mg/100 g, respectively [24]. GABA can alleviate oxi-
47.9% of vacuum freeze-dried powder with high nutrition dative damage of H+ and Al3+ toxicities in BG by activating
and good color, respectively [18]. Although BG has played antioxidant defense and reducing the carbonylated proteins
an important role in human health, coevolution and func- [31]. BG contains 20 amino acids with energy production,
tional ingredients as well as major mechanism in therapeutic cell building, and regeneration, especially 8 essential amino
role between preventive chronic diseases and young barley acids [12, 19].
grass for functional foods of human beings are unclear.
2.2. Flavonoids. Higher dietary flavonoid intake associated
2. Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass with gastric cancer risk decreased in European population
[32]. The microbiome contributes to diminished postdieting
Barley grass is rich in nutritious and functional ingredients, flavonoid levels and ameliorates excessive secondary weight
in which major ingredients content according to dried barely gain [33]. Barley green contains total flavonoids of 1.12%
grass include dietary fiber 29.5%, protein 27.3%, fat 4.57%, and DPPH free radicals scavenging potential of 78.52%;
vitamin A 20.5 mg/100 g, vitamin C 251.6 mg/100 g, Ca however, betaine and total flavonoids can be kept at room
479.4 mg/100 g, S 305.5 mg/100 g, Cr 0.14 mg/100 g, Fe temperature, but soluble protein and soluble total sugar and
23.3 mg/100 g, Mg 183.2 mg/100 g, K 3384 mg/100 g, chlo- SOD could be better kept in cold storage [34]. The total flavo-
rophyll 528.5 mg/100 g, SOD 440.0 U/g, catalase 839 U/g, noid contents in BG increased from 273.1 to 515.3 CE mg/
lutonarin 342.9 mg/100 g, saponarin 726.2 mg/100 g, total fla- 100 g between 13 and 56 days after sprouting; however, luto-
vonoid 0.53%, total polyphenol 1.06%, ABTS (RC50) 53.3 μg/ narin (isoorientin-7-O-glucoside) has stronger radical scav-
mL, GABA 150.5 mg/100 g, and tryptophan 810.0 mg/100 g enging activity than saponarin (isovitexin-7-O-glucoside);
(see Table 1). Generally, the content of nutritious and func- its antioxidant ability is improved with growth time, which
tional ingredients is very different depending on the growth exhibited high total polyphenol (44.37–55.07%) [13]. Total
stage of barley grass or processing technology or various flavonoid extraction in BG is 94.66 mg/100 g [35]. There
cultivars; for example, the sodium content in mountainous are 37 flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamates in BG include
region is low but high in saline and alkaline land as well as saponarin (C27H30O15), lutonarin, isoorientin (C21H20O11),
vegetable land, and the content of dietary fiber at seedling isoscoparine (C22H21O11), C-glycosyl flavones, O-glycosyl-
stage is low but high at elongation stage. There are greater C-glycosyl flavones, O-diglycosyl flavones, isoscoparin-7-
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 3

Table 1: Functional and nutrient compositions of dried barley grass.

Composition contents Mean ± SD Range N References

Calories (KJ/100 g) 1333 ± 315 1055~1607 4 [12, 19]
Sodium (mg/100 g) 328.2 ± 288.4 50~833 6 [12, 19]
Carbohydrates (%) 57.9 ± 5.1 55.2~64.0 4 [12, 19]
Dietary fiber (%) 29.5 ± 15.5 2.0~39.1 5 [12, 19]
Protein (%) 27.3 ± 4.3 19.9~34.1 7 [12, 19, 20]
Fat (%) 4.57 ± 1.31 2.30~6.03 6 [12, 19, 20]
Vitamin A (mg/100 g) 20.5 ± 4.7 14.4~25.0 4 [12, 19]
Vitamin B1 (mg/100 g) 0.61 ± 0.40 0.05~1.19 5 [12, 19, 20]
Vitamin B2 (mg/100 g) 1.56 ± 0.65 0.24~2.41 5 [12, 19, 20]
Vitamin B3 (mg/100 g) 7.18 ± 7.39 2.20~16.49 4 [12, 19]
Vitamin B6 (mg/100 g) 1.12 ± 0.97 0.18~2.58 5 [12, 19]
Vitamin B12 (mg/100 g) 1.16 ± 0.26 0.81~1.40 4 [12, 19, 20]
Vitamin C (mg/100 g) 251.6 ± 239.1 19.4~548.0 5 [19]
Vitamin E (mg/100 g) 15.0 ± 14.1 6.1~46.1 4 [19, 20]
Calcium (Ca, mg/100 g) 479.4 ± 172.5 330~819 6 [19–21]
Phosphorus (P, mg/100 g) 380.4 ± 60.7 283~430 5 [19, 21]
Chromium (Cr, mg/100 g) 0.14 ± 0.06 0.09~0.21 3 [19]
Copper (Cu, mg/100 g) 1.66 ± 1.25 0.72~3.50 6 [19–21]
Sulfur (S, mg/100 g) 305.5 ± 6.4 301~310 2 [19]
Iron (Fe, mg/100 g) 23.3 ± 10.1 10.0~41.2 6 [19–21]
Magnesium (Mg, mg/100 g) 183.2 ± 46.0 110~247.1 7 [19, 21]
Manganese (Mn, mg/100 g) 3.94 ± 1.56 2.3~5.4 5 [19, 21]
Molybdenum (Mo, mg/100 g) 0.048 ± 0.006 0.042~0.053 3 [19]
Potassium (K, mg/100 g) 3384 ± 649 2400~4300 7 [19, 21]
Zinc (Zn, mg/100 g) 3.43 ± 1.36 1.80~5.68 6 [19, 21]
Chlorophyll (mg/100 g) 542.9 ± 88.2 438~662 5 [17, 19, 22]
Superoxide dismutase (U/g) 440.0 ± 39.8 416~1382 4 [19]
Catalase (U/g) 839.0 ± 142.7 675~935 3 [19]
Lutonarin (mg/100 g) 342.9 ± 92.3 200.0~540.0 21 [11, 23]
Saponarin (mg/100 g) 726.2 ± 250.1 300.0~1260.0 21 [11, 23]
Total polyphenol (%) 1.06 ± 0.02 1.03~1.08 4 [13]
Total flavonoid (mg/100 g) 526.2 ± 52.7 487.5~593.4 5 [13, 17]
ABTS (RC50, μg/mL) 53.3 ± 9.1 41.8~63.8 4 [13]
GABA (mg/100 g) 150.5 ± 24.2 125~183 4 [24]
Tryptophan (mg/100 g) 736.7 ± 569.0 290~1400 6 [7]

O-glucoside derivatives, 7-O-[6-acyl]-glucoside, and -7-O- 2.3. Enzymes. BG contains 300 enzymes of body utilization,
[6-acyl]-glc-4′-glucoside of isovitexin [36]. The major flavo- such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaia-
noids from BG extract are isovitexin-7-O-glucoside (54.17%) col peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, cellular
and isoorientin-7-O-glucoside (33.36%) [37]. The major fla- imaging), aspartate aminotransferase (association with vita-
vonoid antioxidants in BG are the flavone-C-glycosides, sapo- min B6), cytochrome oxidase and hexokinase (association
narin, and lutonarin [38]. Lutonarin and saponarin account with mitochondria), deoxyribonuclease, fatty acid oxidase,
for 71–75% of ten phenolics for BG, which contain 24.0 mg/ malic dehydrogenase (allosteric regulation), nitrate reduc-
100 g lutonarin and 14.0 mg/100 g saponarin [23, 39]. BG tase, RNase, P4D1, nitrogen oxyreductase, peroxidase, per-
from Syrian contains the derivatives of flavonols, quercetin oxidase catalase, phosphatase, phospholipase, polyphenol
(C15H10O7), and isorhamnetin (C16H12O7), but flavonoids oxidase, transhydrogenase, and glycosyl isovitexin; but
with glycosylation and acylation as well as hydroxycinnamate enzymes are not found in cooked foods [41, 42]. L-Phenyl-
glycosides, esters, and amides in methanolic extracts from alanine ammonia lyase is the first enzyme in the biosyn-
different regions of the world [40]. thesis of phenylpropanoid-derived plant compounds such
4 Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

as flavonoids, coumarins, and the cell wall polymer lignin drying conditions are 600.6 ± 19.2 and 569.5 ± 14.5 mg/100 g,
[43]. Antioxidant enzymes in BG include SOD, CAT, respectively [17].
POD, APX, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNase
activity, and DNA damage, which are oxidative biomarkers 2.6. Vitamins. Fruit and vegetable (400 g/day) are associated
in response to Al3+ stress [44]. SOD has powerful anti- with higher blood vitamin contents, especially antioxidant
inflammatory activity; CAT is one antioxidant enzyme, and B vitamins [60]. Diabetes is an oxidative inflammatory
which may provide resistance against many diseases, such stress disease; however, it is necessary to monitor their vita-
as cancer [45]. The erythrocyte zinc and SOD activity are min B12 contents [61]. High vitamin C is used as homeosta-
influenced by metabolic syndrome, plasmatic glucose, body sis of brain-resident microglia [62]. Vitamin D deficiency is
mass index, and waist circumference [46]. Mean of SOD prevalent worldwide, which can prevent diabetes, cancer,
activity in barley leaves is 4.11 ± 1.31 U/mg [47]. Zn2+, depression, and so on [63]. Vitamins can treat nonalcoholic
Cu2+, and Mn2+ can inhibit significant CAT and SOD steatohepatitis (VE) and chronic hepatitis C virus (VB12 and
at higher contents, but Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ significantly VD), reduce gallstones (VC), aphthous stomatitis (VB12),
restrain CAT and SOD at different contents in BG [48]. H2S and inflammatory bowel disease (VD and VB1), and so on
is a signaling molecule in plants and animals; H2S treatment [64]. The vitamin content (vitamin C, 0.52%, vitamin E,
maintains higher POD activity in gibberellic acid-treated 73.06 mg/kg) of BG in Sebastian is higher than that in Malz
layers and higher SOD, POD, CAT, and APX activities in (0.50%, 61.84 mg/kg) and AF Lucius (0.51%, 6.78 mg/kg)
non-GA-treated barley aleurone layers [49]. [65]. BG includes vitamin A 20.5 mg/100 g, VB1 0.61 mg/
100 g, VB2 1.56 mg/100 g, VB6 1.12 mg/100 g, VE 15.0 mg/
2.4. Minerals. An increase in K+ intake is a major nutritional 100 g, and VC 251.6 mg/100 g (see Table 1).
approach in preventing hypertension, heart, and Alzheimer’s
disease as well as improving cognitive performance by 2.7. Polyphenols. 500 polyphenols are distributed across a
decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress [10, 50]. wide variety of foods; a protective role of dietary polyphenols
Chronic kidney disease can cause cardiovascular disease against chronic diseases includes preventing cardiovascular
and mortality, which is related with vascular calcification diseases, diabetes, and cancer [66], due to their antioxidant
and abnormal electrolytes; however, hypocalcemia can cause and anti-inflammatory properties, and improving blood
mortality in patients with heart failure [51]. Due to their pressure and lipids as well as insulin resistance, which may
sulfide and quercetin mechanism in the treatment of chronic reduce the risk of all-cause mortality [67]. The total polyphe-
diseases, garlic and onion have anticancer properties; prevent nol contents in BG increased from 776.6 to 1060.1 GAE mg/
cardiovascular and heart diseases; have anti-inflammatory 100 g between 13 and 40 days after sprouting, but decreased
properties; reduce obesity; have antidiabetic, antioxidant, at day 56 to 982.6 GAE mg/100 g, in which it has higher anti-
antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and immunological effects; oxidant activity at 40 days after sprouting; ABTS+ scavenging
and so on [52]. BG contains the highest mineral content, assay, the RC50 values of BG, decreased from 111.0 to
especially potassium, calcium, iron, and sulfur (see Table 1); 53.3 μg/mL between 13 and 40 days then increased to
its K is 14.3 times, Ca 33.2 times, Fe 13.4 times, sulfur 55.3 μg/mL on day 56 [13]. The total phenolic content is
3.3 times of brown rice [53]. The qK1/qMg1/qCa1 region 26.55 mg/100 g on 23 days after the sowing, but 13.91 mg/
between markers Bmag0211 and GBMS0014 on chromo- 100 g on 56 days for BG, which are major hydroxycinnamic
some 1H is shown to have large additive effects for Mg, acid, orientin, isoorientin, and isovitexin derivatives [39].
Ca, and K concentrations in grains [54].
3. Preventive Chronic Disease of Barley Grass
2.5. Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll and heme are the fundamental
pigments of life. The biosynthetic pathways of methane pro- BG has the complete abundant nutrition including chloro-
duction include chlorophyll, heme, and vitamin B12 [55]. phyll, superoxide dismutase, lutonarin, saponarin, vitamins,
The chlorophyll and soluble protein content in BG decreased minerals, and eight essential amino acids [12, 68], but heat
with increasing seeding rate [22]. Photosystem II core will destroy lots of nutritional values. Barley sprouts with
dimers began to dissociate monomers at 40–50°C for heated saponarin showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activi-
(1°C/min) barley leaves, and chlorophyll-containing protein ties; BG possess lots of health effects which include antioxi-
complexes appeared at 57–60°C [56]. The rate of CO2 fixa- dant, hypolipidemic, antidepressant, and antidiabetes [69].
tion and chlorophyll contents decreased, but flavonoids Its manufacture is organically barley leaves squeezing, juice
and carotenoids as well as enzyme activity increased, when of low temperature, spray-dried in 3 seconds to stabilize grass
etiolated barley seedlings at UV-B irradiation (312 nm) for powder [12]. BG has lots of health effect, such as hypolipid-
5 h [57]. Chlorophyll has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant emic, hypoglycemic, preventive constipation, and anticancer,
properties and reduces fecal, urinary, and body odor [12]. antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities [12]. Daily con-
Chlorophyll derivatives may play a significant role in anti- sumption of barley grass powder promotes sleep; regulates
cancer activity, because it exhibits similar antimutagenic blood sugar and pressure; enhances immunity and liver func-
effect to 3-methylcholanthrene [58]. Chlorophyll content in tion; detoxifies acne skin; improves gastrointestinal function;
barley grass is 542.9 mg/100 g (see Table 1); its extraction prevents constipation; has anticancer and anti-inflammatory
yield is 1364.6 mg/100 g [59]. The chlorophyll and total fla- effects; alleviates atopic dermatitis; loses weight and hypolip-
vonoids content in barley grass under optimum combined idemic; reduces gout and hyperuricemia; prevents heart
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 5

disease; has bone injury recovery, lustihood, and anti-fatigue 3.4. Enhance Immunity and Functional Ingredients of Barley
effects; repairs memory; has antiaging effect; and so on [10]. Grass. Structural complexity of arabinoxylan of polysac-
charide can be responsible for the immunomodulatory
3.1. Promote Sleep and Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass. activity in young barley leaves [84]; high altitude cultivars
Barley grass powder with higher GABA, Ca, K, and tryp- (1200~3500 m) showed higher arabinoxylan (39.8–68.6%),
tophan contents is a very effective functional food in pro- anthocyanin (11.0–60.9%), β-glucan (7.5–30.8%), and metal
moting sleep [70]. Sleep symptoms are associated with intake chelating activity (16.6–43.2%) than plains (97–126 m)
of specific dietary nutrients including Ca (OR = 0.83) and K [85]. β-1,3-1,4-Glucan is a major accumulating component
(OR = 0.70) [71]. Barley grass powder for Yungong brand in cell wall of BG [86]. Glucuronoarabinoxylan and
contains 62 times more GABA and 99 times more Ca as well rhamnogalacturonan-I polysaccharide branched with arabi-
as 31 times more K than that for polished rice [70]. The effec- nogalactan II side chain with immunostimulatory can be
tive foods of improving sleep for modern people are polished important for expression given the association with macro-
rice or wheat flour plus BG powder and its products [70]. phage stimulatory activity in barley leaf [87].
3.5. Protective Liver and Functional Ingredients of Barley
3.2. Antidiabetes and Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass. Grass. Barley sprouts with abundant saponarin possess
BG and its extract can scavenge oxygen free radicals, improve the liver-protective effect by inhibiting the inflammatory
health, based on protective vascular diseases, and impair the response induced by alcohol [69]. Saponarin showed hepato-
pancreas endocrine of diabetic patients [72, 73]; its dietary protection and antioxidation against liver damage of CCl4
fiber has a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and in vitro and in vivo [88]. SOD enzymes are separated into
blood glucose [74]. Saponarin in BG can control the post- three types of genes such as SOD1 (CuZn-SOD), SOD2
prandial blood glucose of diabetes [75]. Barley grass powder (Mn-SOD), SOD3 (extracellular SOD) in mammals. SOD1
(1.2 g/day) within two months can significantly reduce fast- (CuZn-SOD) deficiency can cause universal free radical
ing blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and damage and developing liver cancer in life [89].
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but significantly
increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 3.6. Beauty Anti-Acne/Detox and Functional Ingredients
levels [76]. Hexacosanol in barley leaf can improve choles- of Barley Grass. Some exciting research has found that
terol metabolism by decreasing cholesterol synthesis [77]. BG has the strongest ability to degrade six organophos-
Adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase in phate pesticides; however, degradation of six pesticides
barley sprouts can regulate cell glucose that is a target for (10 mg/L) in a 15% solution of young green barley leaves for
drugs against diabetes and obesity; however, policosanol 3 h at 37°C and pH 7.4 is malathion (100%, C10H19O6PS2) =
content of 10 days after sprouting (3.437 g/kg) is 3 times chlorpyrifos (100%, C9H11Cl3NO3PS) > parathion (75%,
higher than that of 5 days (1.097 g/kg) [78]. Polyamines in C10H14NO5PS) > diazinon (54%, C12H21N2O3PS) > guthion
barley cells can increase under stress conditions, and it has (41%, C10H12N3O3PS) > methidathion (23%, C6H11N2O4PS3)
a similar insulin function and antiglycating effect; however, [90]. Barley metallothioneins (MTs) have difference in
the raising circulation of polyamines stop the glycation reac- intracellular homeostasis of metal ions specifically Cu
tion under hyperglycemic concentrations [79]. detoxification, most MTs are downregulated by more Zn
or Cd, and expression of MT1a, MT2b1, MT2b2, and
MT3 in barley leaves increased more than 50 times during
3.3. Regulating Blood Pressure and Functional Ingredients of
10 d after germination [91].
Barley Grass. The analogy porphyrin heads between chloro-
phyll (Mg) and hemoglobin (Fe) have an important thera- 3.7. Antidepressant and Functional Ingredients of Barley
peutic effect for chlorophyll in hemoglobin deficiency [12]. Grass. Depression not only is one of the most widely
Chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis are regulated to adapt associated mental disorders in the world, but also has been
environment and plant development; 5-aminolevulinic acid associated with the risk to develop cancer, dementia, obesity,
provides for tetrapyrrole synthesis (Mg and Fe), however diabetes, blood pressure, atherosclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke.
rapid dark inhibition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (C5H9NO3) There is an important role for GABAergic, glutamatergic,
synthesis in BG [80]. Saponarin is a flavonoid found in BG and cholinergic receptors in the pathomechanism of depres-
that possesses potent regulating blood pressure [81]. Barley sion [92, 93]. The reduce epilepsy and preventive dementia
grass helps blood flow and digestion as well as general toxifi- [10] as well as antidepressant of the young green barley leaf
cation of human’s body, which related to superoxide dismut- are regulated by inhibiting the hippocampus levels increased
ase and lutonarin as well as saponarin [12]. Barley grass of nerve growth factor [94]. The vitamins and minerals in
powder with lowering hypertension has higher minerals BG can prevent the stress-related psychiatric disorders of
(K and Ca) and GABA as well as lower Na [82]; its K, Ca, depression [95].
and GABA contents at autumn sowing under cold and high
altitude (2010 m) are 3110, 845, and 377.46 mg/100 g, 3.8. Improve Gastrointestinal Function and Functional
respectively [70]. Total free amino acid concentration var- Ingredients of Barley Grass. Young barley leaf powder with
ied very smaller, but the greater change from glutamate to the water-insoluble dietary fiber can increase the fecal
GABA in BG and induced GABA gene expressions under volume and laxative action by stimulating gut tract by the
cold acclimation and frost tolerance [83]. pH lowering [15]. BG is very effective in the treatment of
6 Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

ulcerative colitis [96], pancreatitis, and disorders of the gas- orientin possessed potent antioxidant effects with IC50 values
trointestinal tract [15]. A germinated barley foodstuff is help- of 20.765 ± 651.1 and 27.565 ± 657.36508 M (DPPH) and
ful to reduce ulcerative colitis and improves symptoms by 5.765 ± 650.3 and 8.265 ± 650.36508 M (ABTS), respectively
promoting the probiotics growth [97]. Selenium-enriched [39]. Barley leaves extracted by methanol and ethanol may
barley grass has significant ameliorative effect on ethanol- be alternatives to synthetic antioxidants in the food industry
induced gastric ulcer in mice [98]. [114]. Barley leaf powder can be incorporated into raw
minced pork as natural additives to retard oxidation [116].
3.9. Anticancer and Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass. Feeds supplemented with barley leaves containing antioxi-
BG inhibits the cancer cell growth by the combined effects dants enhanced pork quality by increasing the levels of
of high alkaline, strong antioxidative, phytochemicals, flavo- unsaturated oleic and gondoic acids [117].
noids, and chlorophyll [99, 100]. There is a very good antitu-
mor effect for the phytochemical mixtures of BG in breast 3.12. Hypolipidemic and Functional Ingredients of Barley
cancer [100]. BG can be served as health food for dialysis Grass. Barley green can modulate lipid metabolism, resist
patients based on its absorbed exogenous functional ingredi- lipid peroxidation, improve vascular endothelium, and pre-
ents applied from the outside [101]. Green barley extract has vent atherosclerosis [118]. This 30% inhibition of hyper-
anticancer effect by its antiproliferative and proapoptotic lipidemic atherosclerosis by barley leaf is associated with
functions on leukemia and lymphoma as well as breast a decrease in plasma lipids and an increase in antioxidative
cancer cells of human beings [102]. BG tricin can inhibits abilities [73]. 2″-O-Glycosyl isovitexin from BG is more
melanin production in melanoma cells, based on a hydroxyl effective than α-tocopherol towards fatty acid esters at higher
group at the C-4′ position and methoxy groups at the levels [119]. Barley sprout contains 4.97% fat, 52.6% polysac-
C-3′,5′ positions of the tricin skeleton [103]. Yunnan charide, 34.1% protein, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols,
province has the lowest cancer mortality and is the largest which show significant lipid-lowering [77].
producer of anticancer barley, but Shanghai in China has
the highest cancer mortality, which is associated with the 3.13. Antigout/Hyperuricemia and Functional Ingredients of
sharp decline of barley [104]. Barley Grass. Barley grass reduces blood uric acid, which
has lots of benefits on feces metabolism, lipids metabolism,
3.10. Anti-Inflammation and Functional Ingredients of liver function, and antioxidant system for human [120]. A
Barley Grass. BG has anti-inflammatory properties and fermented barley extract can reduce uric acid effect on hyper-
heals the intestinal lining, which is used for gastrointesti- uricemia [121]; however, SOD and alkaloid are focused on
nal tract disorders, pancreatitis, recovering illness, and the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, and gout [122, 123]. A
the treatment of ulcerative colitis [15, 96, 105]. Saponarin fermented barley extract P reduces serum uric acid by
from barley sprouts is a very important functional ingredient increasing its urinary excretion [124].
of natural anti-inflammation [106]. Barley grass extract is
very effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis than 3.14. Preventive Cardiovascular Diseases and Functional
that of SOD consumption [107, 108], which may be served Ingredients of Barley Grass. BG antioxidation may contribute
as a supplement in the treatment of urologic and gynaecolo- to the prevention of cancer and metabolic disorders as well as
gic disorders as well as airway infections [12]. BG extract with cardiovascular diseases [115]. BG can prevent thrombosis
antioxidant and anti-inflammation can be used as natural and cardiovascular diseases by enhancing better blood vis-
drug for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis cosity and flow [125]. Normal tryptophan metabolism of
by scavenge ROS and downregulate TNF-α production from barley grass is a developing appropriate therapies for the
peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients [108]; how- symptoms of cardiovascular disease patients [126].
ever, green barley juice is part of arthritis therapy [109].
3.15. Antihypoxia/Anti-Fatigue and Functional Ingredients of
3.11. Antioxidants and Functional Ingredients of Barley Barley Grass. BG is rich in flavones that have antihypoxia and
Grass. Natural antioxidants in plant major include polyphe- anti-fatigue effects on humans, especially the total contents of
nols, flavonoids, vitamins, and volatile chemicals [110]. lutonarin and saponarin amounting to 17.0% [127]. The bar-
Barley is among the most stress-tolerant crops, its flag leaf ley seedling (1 g/mL) has significant effect on anti-fatigue in
γ-tocopherol, glutathione and succinate content by same mice, especially the exhausting swimming and antianoxic
genes encoding enzymes of the pathways producing antioxi- time with significant longer, which reduced blood glucose
dant metabolites [111]. The antioxidant phytonutrients of significantly of diabetes inducted by alloxan (C4H4N2O5)
barley grass include the superoxide dismutase, 2″-O-glucosyl and gastric ulcer induced by alcohol [128].
isovitexin (2″-O-GIV), and protoheme [112–114]. Flavo-
noids (lutonarin and saponarin) with antioxidative effects 3.16. Preventive Constipation and Functional Ingredients
have been isolated from young barley [99, 115], in which of Barley Grass. Young barley leaf powder has lots of
lutonarin and saponarin contents in barley grass increase health effects, such as preventive constipation [129]. The
with UV exposure [36]. Saponarin in barley grass possesses dietary fiber of germinated barley alleviates constipation
strong antioxidant activities, which can prevent diseases via the proliferation of the colonic crypts in loperamide
caused by oxidative damage such as various cancers, inflam- (C29H33ClN2O2)-administered rats [130]; however, dietary
mations, and cardiovascular diseases [81]. Isoorientin and fiber content of BG is 29.5% (see Table 1).
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 7

Table 2: Functional ingredients of barley grass for therapeutic chronic disease.

Number Chronic disease Functional ingredients References

1 Promote sleep GABA, Ca, K, tryptophan, vitamin C [70, 71, 137]
Saponarin; dietary fiber, Ca; AMP-activated protein kinase,
2 Antidiabetes [74, 75, 78, 79, 138, 139]
polyamines; GABA; SOD
Regulating blood
3 Saponarin; lutonarin, K, Ca; GABA [12, 81, 82, 140, 141]
pressure
4 Enhance immunity Arabinoxylan; polysaccharide; GABA [84, 87, 142]
5 Protective liver Saponarin; SOD; GABA [69, 88, 89, 143]
6 Beauty anti-acne/detox Metallothioneins [91]
7 Antidepressant GABA; saponarin; vitamins and minerals [10, 69, 93, 95, 144]
8 Improve gastrointestinal Dietary fiber; selenium; GABA [15, 98, 145]
9 Anticancer Alkaline, flavonoids, chlorophyll; tricin; SOD [99, 100, 103, 139]
10 Anti-inflammation Chlorophyll; saponarin; SOD; GABA; tryptophan [12, 106–108, 145, 146]
Chlorophyll; lutonarin, saponarin; isoorientin and orientin;
11 Antioxidants [12, 39, 81, 111–114, 147]
γ-tocopherol, glutathione; SOD, flavonoid, protein P4D1; GABA
12 Hypolipidemic Saponarin; α-tocopherol; 2″-O-glycosyl isovitexin, polysaccharide [69, 77, 119]
13 Antigout/hyperuricemia Alkaloid, SOD [122, 123]
Preventive
14 Saponarin; tryptophan; vitamins (A, B1, C, E), SOD; K, Ca; GABA [72, 81, 87, 126, 136, 140, 148]
cardiovascular diseases
15 Antihypoxia/anti-fatigue Flavones (lutonarin, saponarin) [127]
16 Preventive constipation Dietary fiber [130]
Alleviated atopic
17 GABA, SOD [131, 132, 149]
dermatitis
18 Preventive heart disease K, GABA [10, 50, 150]
19 Calcium supplement Ca [10, 50, 70, 134]
20 Improve cognition GABA, K, SOD [10, 28, 50, 151]

3.17. Alleviated Atopic Dermatitis and Functional Ingredients 3.20. Improve Cognition and Functional Ingredients of
of Barley Grass. GABAB receptor is a new therapeutic way to Barley Grass. GABA and K have increasing cognitive effects
treat inflammatory skin diseases [131]. Combined adminis- [10, 28, 50] due to higher concentration, such that GABA
tration of fermented barley extract P and GABA alleviated (377.46 mg/100 g) and K (3110 mg/100 g) of Yungong BG is
atopic dermatitis by regulating the Th1/Th2 balance to a 62.5 times and 31 times of polished rice [10, 70].
Th1-immune response [132]. GABA (377.46 mg/100 g) of
Yungong BG is 62.5 times and 37.8 times of polished and 3.21. Preventive Other Diseases and Functional Ingredients of
brown rice [10, 70]. Barley Grass. BG of Yungong brand has also lustihood, bone
injury recovery, antiaging, losing weight, reducing blood fat
[10]. Carotene is a fat-soluble vitamin, which plays a very
3.18. Preventive Heart Disease and Functional Ingredients of important role in the health of the retina, lungs, gastrointes-
Barley Grass. Western countries have more incident of coro- tinal tract, brain, and immune system [135]. Vitamin B1
nary heart disease than that of stroke and diabetes for Asian (daily intake 2.0 mg) is a water-soluble vitamin, which has
countries, based on the loss of K and Mg as well as dietary a favorable impact on the digestive, cardiovascular, and
fiber of major food from whole wheat to wheat flour [10]. nervous systems [136].
An increase in K+ intake can prevent heart disease which
associate with decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress 4. Major Mechanisms of Functional
[10, 50]. K (3110 mg/100 g) of Yungong BG is 31 times of
polished rice [10, 70]. Ingredients of Barley Grass for Preventive
Chronic Disease
3.19. Calcium Supplement and Functional Ingredients of 4.1. GABA Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases.
Barley Grass. Calcium homeostasis is paramount physiologi- GABA (C4H9NO2) in BG promotes sleep, is antidiabetic,
cal and pathophysiological importance in health and disease regulates blood pressure, enhances immunity, protects liver,
[133]. BG can be used as the prevention or treatment of is antidepressant, improves gastrointestinal function, is
osteoporosis [134]. Yungong BG has the health effect due anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, prevents cardiovascular
to the highest Ca content (845 mg/100 g) that is 99.6 times and heart diseases, alleviates atopic dermatitis, increases
of polished rice [10, 70]. cognition, and so on (Table 2). Sleep is regulated by
8 Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

neurotransmitter systems of GABA and dopamine signaling, diseased barley leaves, which play a role in adaptation to
which improves the sleeping quality [152]. GABA has a very unfavorable growth conditions [157].
important intraislet transmitter in adjusting islet-cell secre-
tion and anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activi- 4.3. SOD Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases. SOD in
ties, which can treat diabetes by promoting the regenerative BG has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antig-
functions and against apoptosis of β-cell [138]. GABA can out and hyperuricemia, and anticancer effects, prevents
inhibit an increase in blood pressure and accelerate growth cardiovascular disease, alleviates atopic dermatitis, improves
hormone secretion, however GABA associated with CO2 cognition, and so on (Table 2). Oxygen radical absorbance
concentrations [141]. Baclofen (C10H12ClNO2) of GABAB capacity values are associated with the increases in CAT
receptor agonist regulates Toll-like receptor 3 and Toll-like and SOD activities and the reduction in reactive oxygen
receptor 4 signaling in glia and immune cells, which has the species, in which the extract has a significant therapeutic
therapeutic role in neuroinflammatory disease [142]. Hepatic and preventive potentials of cancer and diabetes [139]. Zinc
encephalopathy is related with a regional reduce GABA is cofactor of SOD with antioxidant defense in type 2 diabetes
levels in the visual cortex due to liver failure and cerebral by regulating the glutathione metabolism and metallothio-
osmolytic disorders [143]. Antidepressant effect of ascorbic nein expression, competing with Fe and Cu in the cell
acid and ketamine in tail suspension test may involve an membrane, inhibiting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
activation of GABAA receptors and a possible inhibition phosphate-oxidase enzyme (C21H29N7O17P3) [158]. Gout
of GABAB receptors [144]. GABA and GABA receptor patients have oxidative stress and HDL protective effects
function can modulate gastrointestinal motility and inflam- against atherosclerosis dependent on paraoxonase-1 activity,
mation [145]. Antioxidants L-carnitine (C7H15NO3) and which correlated positively with SOD, negatively with mal-
D-methionine (C5H11NO2S) regulate cortical electrical spike ondialdehyde, and oxidized LDL [159]. SOD is a characteris-
activity through GABAA receptor activation [147]; GABAB tic of cardiovascular alterations in hypertension and diabetes,
receptor positive allosteric modulators are very important which is associated with alterations in vascular structure and
in the treatment of alcoholism [153]. GABA can treat cardio- function [160]. Atopic dermatitis patients can be damaged by
vascular diseases that is associated with glycoprotein VI in oxidants, which is evident from an increase of malondialde-
platelet membrane, such as stroke and myocardial infarction, hyde and a decrease of SOD and CAT enzymatic antioxi-
in which GABA inhibited platelet activation stimulated dants [149]. Hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions
by convulsed and prolonged the closure time of whole have the aid of production of new neurons and dendritic
blood and the occlusion time of platelet plug formation structures; however, oxidative stress plays an important part
[148, 149]. The central mechanisms are an interaction in the SOD-deficient and radiation environment, which can
between angiotensin II receptor 1 and interleukin-1 beta with be effective use of SOD deficiency in cognitive functions
decrease GABA expression in the paraventricular nucleus and identify therapeutic methods [151]. The natural ROS-
contributing to progression in heart failure [150]. Bone scavenging compounds for vitamins and SOD of barley grass
marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve are crucial and promising therapeutic strategies for vascular
cognitive impairment via upregulating the hippocampal repair [161].
GABAergic system in a rat model of chronic cerebral
hypoperfusion [154]. 4.4. K-Ca Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases. K or
Ca in BG promotes sleep, has antidiabetic effect, regulates
4.2. Flavonoids Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases. blood pressure, prevents cardiovascular and heart diseases,
Flavonoids especially saponarin and lutonarin in BG have is a calcium supplement, increases cognition, and so on
antidiabetic effect; regulate blood pressure; protect liver; have (Table 2). Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels
antidepressant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regulate rhythmicity for sleep-wake in suprachiasmatic
and hypolipidemic effects; prevent cardiovascular diseases; nucleus neuronal actions [162]. The role of Ca2+-activated
have antihypoxia and anti-fatigue effects; and so on K+ channels for endothelial cell in uterine vascular
(Table 2). Saponarin from young barley leaves can regulate dysfunction of diabetes, especially the impaired function of
gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake by activated AMPK in IKCa channels [163]. Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+
a calcium-dependent manner [155]. Saponarin and lutonarin channels not only expressed in the paraventricular nucleus
with regulating blood pressure in BG can promote blood play a key role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure
flow, digestion, and detoxification of whole body [12]. The and cardiovascular function [140], but also inhibited lots of
liver-protective effect of saponarin is blocked nitric oxide situations of atrial fibrillation in the heart under normal
synthase and cyclooxygenase expression; however, antide- and pathophysiological conditions [164]. Barley seedling
pressant of saponarin in BG is associated with its anti- extracts inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation
inflammation and antioxidation [69]. Anti-inflammation of with alteration of IκB degradation, c-Fos, and NFATc1
saponarin in barley is LPS-induced macrophages via inhibi- molecules in osteoclastogenesis [134].
tion of NF-κB, ERK, and p38 signaling [106]. Saponarin/
lutonarin (4.5/1) from BG has very strong antioxidation 4.5. Vitamins Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases.
using cod liver oil, ω-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and blood Vitamins in BG promote sleep; have antidepressant, antioxi-
plasma [156]. Twenty-five secondary metabolites (saponarin, dant, hypolipidemic, gastrointestinal, and anti-inflammatory
lutonarin, etc.) are putatively identified in healthy and effects; prevent cardiovascular diseases; and so on (Table 2).
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 9

Vitamin B1 has a favorable impact on the sleep and gas- has not been reported, which may still open new venues for
trointestinal and cardiovascular systems, which stimulates therapeutic interventions. Regular consumption of barley
the brain and improves the psycho-emotional state [136]. has 8000 years history, which may become a successful and
VC treatment can prevent the spatial memory impairment safe strategy to treat chronic disease conditions. These data
of chronic sleep deprivation by the antioxidant defense support that barley grass powder is rich in GABA, flavonoids,
mechanisms of the hippocampus [137]. Vitamins in BG SOD, K-Ca, vitamins, and tryptophan, which are known to
have very effective antistress capabilities by preventing play a pivotal role in many chronic diseases.
reduction in the wheel-running activity and hippocampal This review provides important information and effective
mRNA of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in response strategies that will guide future research and production of
to restraint stress [95]. The vitamin E has unique therapy functional foods, especially GABA, flavonoids, SOD, K-Ca,
chronic diseases, antioxidation and anti-inflammations, vitamins, and tryptophan for prevention and treatment of
based on scavenge active nitrogen, inhibit cyclooxygenase- chronic diseases. BG of Yungong brand can prevent more
and 5-lipoxygenase-catalyzed eicosanoids, as well as suppress than 20 chronic diseases, which is associated with its rich
proinflammatory signaling [165]. Antioxidants vitamins C functional components, based on its growth stage from
and E in BG may prevent cardiovascular diseases, which autumn via winter to summer, drying process under sunlight
decrease total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxygen free at 1900–2300 m at spring with dry and windy conditions;
radicals [72]. Yunnan province at 1900–2300 m can plant barley in the four
seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and may be
4.6. Tryptophan Mechanism for Preventive Chronic Diseases. associated with the rich and complex enzyme system in BG.
Tryptophan in BG promotes sleep, has anti-inflammatory Further researches are indispensable to resolve lots of prob-
effect, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and so on (Table 2). lems, such as a better understanding of the interconnection
Tryptophan may improve sleep quality in stress-vulnerable between other 20 functional ingredients and preventing
individuals carrying the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter- chronic diseases in clinical trials as well as ecological contri-
linked promoter region S-allele [166]. Kynurenine and bution. Further studies are necessary to unravel major path-
tryptophan as well as their ratio will contribute to the ological mechanism of coevolution between preventive
interplay between inflammation, metabolic syndrome, mood chronic diseases and young barley grass for functional
disturbance, anemia, and cardiovascular diseases [146]. The foods of human beings. This review may be used as a start-
kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation in preventive ing point for novel nutraceuticals, functional foods, or com-
cardiovascular diseases is very important by an inducible plementary and alternative drugs to maintain or improve
indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-mediated tryptophan metabo- the chronic diseases in barley grass.
lism [126]. Lineage-specific duplications of genes associated
in the transport of nutrients to developing seeds and the Conflicts of Interest
mobilization of carbohydrates in barley grains [167].
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest
5. Conclusion Remarks and Future Perspectives whatsoever to declare.

The data summarized in current review point out that major

mechanism and more than 30 functional ingredients of
Acknowledgments
barley grass exert potent preventive exceed 20 chronic dis- This research was supported by China Agriculture Research
eases. The result reveals coevolution between preventive System (CARS-05-01A, CARS-05-02B), the National Natural
chronic diseases and young barley grass for functional Science Foundation of China (no. 31260326), and the Science
foods of human beings. We can suggest that chronic diseases and Technology to Benefit the People (2014RA060) and
of human beings are associated with six major dietary struc- Natural Science Foundation (no. 2017FD021) from Yunnan
tures: (i) fruits/vegetables, (ii) young grass/barley grass, Provincial Scientific and Technology Department. The
(iii) carnivorous, (iv) cereal crops (rice, wheat, millet, authors thank Dr. Md. Jahid Hasan and Mainuddin from
beans, barley, and corn), (v) polished rice or wheat flour, Bangladesh for revisions of the grammar mistakes for
and (vi) white rice or wheat flour + grass powder. The the manuscript.
modern diet of polished rice and wheat flour is the key for
the outbreak of chronic diseases in human beings, but white
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