Barley Grass
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare) is a dietary supplement with 23 published peer-reviewed studies involving 269 participants, researched for Antioxidant Support, Cholesterol Management, Anti-Inflammatory and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant Support
ModerateCholesterol Management
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModerateSystematic reviews
WeakClinical trials
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant Support
To assess barley grass powder antioxidant effects in healthy subjects
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess barley grass powder antioxidant effects in healthy subjects
Dose
15 g/day barley grass powder
Participants
60 healthy adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Barley grass powder significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and SOD activity while reducing MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Serum antioxidant capacity, SOD activity, MDA levels
To review functional ingredients of barley grass for chronic disease prevention
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review functional ingredients of barley grass for chronic disease prevention
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Barley grass contains chlorophyll, flavonoids, SOD, vitamins C and E, and beta-glucan with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties. PMID: 29849880
How They Measured It
Literature review of pharmacological studies
To investigate barley grass on oxidative stress and liver function in rats
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate barley grass on oxidative stress and liver function in rats
Dose
200 mg/kg
Participants
Rats exposed to dieldrin
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Barley grass significantly reduced oxidative stress and hepatic enzymes, protecting against pesticide-induced liver and kidney damage.
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, histopathology
Cholesterol Management
To assess barley sprout extract on blood cholesterol metabolism in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess barley sprout extract on blood cholesterol metabolism in healthy adults
Dose
15 g/day barley sprout extract
Participants
58 healthy hypercholesterolaemic adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Barley sprout extract supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C, attributed to hexacosanol inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. PMCID: PMC4458530
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides
To assess barley grass juice on obesity and lipid profile in high-fat diet rats
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To assess barley grass juice on obesity and lipid profile in high-fat diet rats
Dose
300 mg/kg barley grass juice
Participants
High-fat diet Wistar rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Barley grass juice significantly reduced body weight, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides in obese rats. Anti-obesity effects confirmed. PMID: 30951844
How They Measured It
Body weight, lipid profile, liver enzymes
Anti-Inflammatory
To evaluate antioxidative and antiproliferative properties of barley cultivars
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate antioxidative and antiproliferative properties of barley cultivars
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Caco-2 colorectal cell line
Duration
N/A
Results
Barley extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity and inhibited LDL oxidation, with antiproliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells.
How They Measured It
ORAC, HORAC, LDL oxidation inhibition, cell proliferation assays
To assess barley beta-glucan on inflammation markers in type 2 diabetics
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess barley beta-glucan on inflammation markers in type 2 diabetics
Dose
6 g/day barley beta-glucan
Participants
52 type 2 diabetic patients
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Barley beta-glucan significantly reduced hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha and improved lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients vs control.
How They Measured It
hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, lipid profile
To investigate cardiovascular protective activities of Hordeum vulgare L.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate cardiovascular protective activities of Hordeum vulgare L.
Dose
200 mg/kg extract
Participants
Male Wistar rats
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Barley extract demonstrated significant cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory activities via multiple anti-inflammatory pathways. PMID: 25484137
How They Measured It
Cardiac markers, inflammatory mediators, antioxidant enzymes
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of barley and oat consumption on immune system, inflammation and gut microbiota: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of barley and oat consumption on immune system, inflammation and gut microbiota: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
undertaken in line with PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of oats or barley consumption in adults and reported ≥ 1 of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-2, IL-8, IL-18, lipopolysacharide binding protein (LBP) or gut microbiota-related outcomes, were included.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
x2009;ml, 95% CI: 60-105). There is a lack of high-quality RCTs on herbal galactagogues within the preterm population. There is low certainty evidence that Barley malt with lemon balm, silymarin phytosomes with Galega, Pimpinella anisum seed tea, Moringa oleifera leaf capsules and Latuca sativa (lettuce) syrup increase breastmilk production. Higher-quality trials are needed to confirm this effect.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in barley-based cereals enhance metabolic health and satiety in overweight korean adults: a randomized trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in barley-based cereals enhance metabolic health and satiety in overweight korean adults: a randomized trial.
Dose
50 g
Participants
30 participants
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Barley-based cereals offer significant metabolic and satiety benefits for overweight adults compared to corn-based alternatives. These findings suggest that barley-based cereals may be an effective dietary intervention for managing obesity and metabolic disorders.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in field study of irrigation strategies with treated wastewater and saline water on heavy metal accumulation in barley grain.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in field study of irrigation strategies with treated wastewater and saline water on heavy metal accumulation in barley grain.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
n. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mixed saline water and treated wastewater and alternative irrigation enhanced grain yield. Saline water versus treated wastewater increased the grain heavy metal contents. Alternative irrigation decreased Fe, Cu, Pb, and Cd amounts in the grain. Grain Cu content had strong relationship with irrigation regime. 50%-deficit irrigation minimized Pb and Cr contents in the grain.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effectiveness of regular oat β-glucan-enriched bread compared with whole-grain wheat bread on long-term glycemic control in adults at risk of type 2 d
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effectiveness of regular oat β-glucan-enriched bread compared with whole-grain wheat bread on long-term glycemic control in adults at risk of type 2 d
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
e, and soluble fiber from oats and barley, that is, β-glucans, has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and postprandial glycaemia. Despite such data and the European Food Safety Authority health claims supporting β-glucan-induced reductions in glucose and cholesterol, effectiveness in real-life settings among individuals at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes remains unclear.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol on enteric methane emissions of feedlot cattle fed with a tempered barley-based diet with canola oil.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol on enteric methane emissions of feedlot cattle fed with a tempered barley-based diet with canola oil.
Dose
0 mg
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
mmonium-N, VFA concentration nor VFA molar proportions. Although this experimental design was not focused on the effect of 3-NOP dose on feedlot performance, no negative effects of any 3-NOP dose were detected on animal production parameters. Ultimately, the knowledge on the CH4 suppression pattern of 3-NOP may facilitate sustainable pathways for the feedlot industry to lower its carbon footprint.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in high β-glucan whole grain barley reduces postprandial glycemic response in healthy adults-part one of a randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in high β-glucan whole grain barley reduces postprandial glycemic response in healthy adults-part one of a randomized controlled trial.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The effects of sweetened and unsweetened high β-glucan whole grain barley on postprandial blood glucose response in normoglycemic human subjects were evaluated in a randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of barley on postprandial blood glucose response and appetite in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effect of barley on postprandial blood glucose response and appetite in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Dose
126 mg
Participants
67 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
BDF consumption, particularly from β-glucan-rich barley, may improve postprandial glycemic control and suppress appetite, making it a promising dietary intervention for managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Further studies are needed to explore its long-term impact on glycemic variability.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in the effect of barley savigh consumption on blood sugar among pre-diabetic postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in the effect of barley savigh consumption on blood sugar among pre-diabetic postmenopausal women.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ctively, p = 0.009). The results of the present study showed that barley savigh consumption could improve blood sugar regulation in pre-diabetic postmenopausal women.Trial registration: The present study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial. The study protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT code 20200929048880N1). Registration date (25/10/2020).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in evaluating the efficacy of barley water in alleviating radiotherapy-induced dysuria in prostate cancer patients: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in evaluating the efficacy of barley water in alleviating radiotherapy-induced dysuria in prostate cancer patients: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Radiotherapy is an essential treatment for various cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa), but it can lead to several adverse events, such as dysuria. While there is no gold standard treatment for this condition, some options, including herbal preparations, are suggested in traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of barley water compared to placebo in patients with PCa.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in postprandial glycemic response, sensory, and appetite evaluation of highland barley-multigrain rice versus white rice in healthy chinese adults: a ran
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in postprandial glycemic response, sensory, and appetite evaluation of highland barley-multigrain rice versus white rice in healthy chinese adults: a ran
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
er, cereal grains with low glycemic indices may reduce postprandial glycemic response. We developed a highland barley-multigrain rice by combining traditional Chinese grains including, highland barley, brown rice, oats, corn grit, and buckwheat. This study aimed to evaluate the glycemic impact, sensory attributes, and appetite response of our highland barley-multigrain rice compared to white rice.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in the effects of waxy barley on defecation, sleep, mental health, and quality of life: a randomized double-blind parallel-group comparison study.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in the effects of waxy barley on defecation, sleep, mental health, and quality of life: a randomized double-blind parallel-group comparison study.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ion has been reported to affect mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to increase DF intake and examined its effects on daily DF and β-G consumption using two types of waxy barley (WB), rich in DF with varying β-glucan (β-G) content. Additionally, this study examined the effects of WB consumption on defecation, sleep, mental health, and HRQoL.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in high-amylose barley bread improves postprandial glycemia compared to regular barley and wheat bread in subjects with or without type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in high-amylose barley bread improves postprandial glycemia compared to regular barley and wheat bread in subjects with or without type 2 diabetes.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Genetically modified (GMO) high-amylose barley lowers postprandial glucose. Since certain EU countries do not allow GMO barley, we therefore assessed if high-amylose barley made from traditional breeding (Lean Baking Barley, LBB) lowers postprandial glucose compared to bread made from regular barley (RB) or wheat (WF) in individuals with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effects of chronic barley consumption on upper respiratory tract symptoms in japanese healthy adults: a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in effects of chronic barley consumption on upper respiratory tract symptoms in japanese healthy adults: a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial.
Dose
100 g
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
8 weeks
Results
ater reduction of the Tension-Anguish score ( p < 0.05) in the barley group than in the control group. This study suggests that supplementation of cooked waxy barley containing β-(1,3/1,4)-glucan prevents or alleviates nasal upper respiratory tract symptoms and improves mood status. The findings of this study should be confirmed by double-blind trials with a larger number of participants.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in beneficial glycaemic effects of high-amylose barley bread compared to wheat bread in type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Barley Grass in beneficial glycaemic effects of high-amylose barley bread compared to wheat bread in type 2 diabetes.
Dose
Barley Grass (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Cereals foods with a high content of dietary fibres or amylose have potential to lower postprandial glucose levels. Optimisation of cereal foods may improve management of type 2 diabetes (T2D).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Barley Grass research
There are currently 23 peer-reviewed studies on Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare), involving 269 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant Support, Cholesterol Management, Anti-Inflammatory and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (16 human studies, 3 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Barley Grass has been researched for: Antioxidant Support, Cholesterol Management, Anti-Inflammatory, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 16 out of 23 studies are human trials. The remaining 3 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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