Overview
Wheatgrass contains large amounts of chlorophyll. High-chlorophyll diets are sometimes promoted to treat certain diseases, such as cancer. Wheatgrass also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids.
People use wheatgrass for a blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia), cancer, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheatgrass, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products. Don't confuse wheatgrass with similarly named wheat bran or couch grass. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
Insufficient Evidence for
- A blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia). Some early research suggests that drinking 100 mL of wheatgrass juice daily for 18 months or taking tablets containing 1-4 grams of wheatgrass daily for 12 months can reduce the need for blood transfusions in children with beta-thalassemia. But other early research suggests that taking tablets containing 100-200 mg/kg of wheatgrass daily for 12 months does not reduce the need for blood transfusions in children and adults with beta-thalassemia.
- Heel pain. Early research suggests that applying a wheatgrass cream to the bottom of the feet twice daily for 6 weeks does not reduce heel pain.
- High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking wheatgrass powder in a capsule daily for 10 weeks reduces total cholesterol and triglyceridecholesterol levels by a small amount in females with elevated cholesterol levels.
- A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Early research suggests that freshly extracted wheatgrass juice might reduce overall disease activity and the severity of rectal bleeding in people with this condition.
- Anemia.
- Cancer.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Preventing infections.
- Preventing tooth decay.
- Removing drugs, metals, toxins, and cancer-causing substances from the body.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: Wheatgrass is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When applied to the skin: Wheatgrass is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if wheatgrass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking wheatgrass as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar levels. Taking wheatgrass along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with WHEATGRASS
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Wheatgrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.