# Coix lacryma-jobi (Job's Tears)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/coix-lacryma-jobi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ancient Grains
**Also Known As:** Coix lacryma-jobi, Adlay, Yi Yi Ren, Coix seed, Chinese pearl barley, Tear grass, Ma-yuen

## Overview

Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) contains coixenolide, a fatty acid ester, and coixol, which modulate [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and may inhibit tumor cell proliferation via lipid-mediated signaling pathways. Its seed oil extract, commercialized as Kanglaite®, has advanced to FDA-approved Phase II clinical trials for stage IV lung and pancreatic cancers.

## Health Benefits

• Enhanced antitumor [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) - Small human study (n=7) showed increased peripheral cytotoxic lymphocytes after 4 weeks of supplementation
• Potential cancer growth inhibition - Kanglaite® extract received FDA approval for Phase II trials in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer (with gemcitabine)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects - Animal studies demonstrate COX-2 suppression in lung tumorigenesis models
• Traditional digestive support - Used in TCM to strengthen spleen and stop diarrhea (traditional use evidence only)
• Diuretic and detoxification properties - Traditional use for edema and heat-clearing (traditional use evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Coixenolide, a glycerol triester found in Coix seed oil, is believed to suppress tumor proliferation by inhibiting fatty acid synthase (FASN) and disrupting lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) in cancer cells. Coixol acts as a skeletal muscle relaxant and mild [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) agent by downregulating COX-2 expression and reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Polysaccharide fractions from Job's Tears also stimulate natural killer (NK) cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity, suggesting [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects via Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways.

## Clinical Summary

A small human pilot study (n=7) demonstrated that four weeks of Job's Tears supplementation significantly increased peripheral cytotoxic lymphocyte counts, suggesting measurable immunostimulatory effects, though the absence of a control group severely limits interpretation. Kanglaite® injection, derived from Coix seed oil, received FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for Phase II trials in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, representing the most clinically advanced application of this ingredient. Preclinical rodent studies have shown tumor weight reduction in sarcoma and hepatoma models, but human randomized controlled trial data remain sparse and underpowered. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary; no large-scale RCT has confirmed efficacy for any indication in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100g of raw Job's Tears (dehulled grain): Energy ~360 kcal; Protein 15–18g (notably higher than polished rice at ~7g; rich in leucine, glutamic acid, and proline; digestibility ~80–85%); Total fat 5–7g (unusually high for a cereal grain, predominantly oleic acid ~50%, linoleic acid ~30%, and palmitic acid ~15%; lipid fraction concentrated in bran layer); Carbohydrates ~62–65g; Dietary fiber 1.5–3g (dehulled) or up to 9–10g (whole grain with bran); Starch ~55–60g (amylose content ~25–30%, contributing to moderate glycemic index ~50–55 for cooked grain). Key micronutrients per 100g: Iron 4–5mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced with vitamin C co-consumption); Zinc 3–4mg; Calcium 20–30mg; Phosphorus 280–380mg; Potassium 240–300mg; Magnesium 100–120mg; Manganese ~1.5mg; B-vitamins including Thiamine (B1) 0.28–0.40mg, Riboflavin (B2) 0.15–0.20mg, Niacin (B3) 4–6mg; Vitamin E (tocopherols/tocotrienols) ~3–5mg. Bioactive compounds: Coixenolide (a glyceride-type lipid unique to Coix, present at ~0.1–0.5% of seed weight, considered the primary antitumor-active lipid); Coixol (6-methoxybenzoxazolinone) ~0.01–0.04% in seed, an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and sedative compound; Coixan A, B, and C (polysaccharides with [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties, total polysaccharide content ~2–5% of dry weight); Trans-ferulic acid and feruloylstigmasterol (phenolic compounds contributing to COX-2 suppression); β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (phytosterols, ~50–100mg/100g total sterols, potentially cholesterol-lowering); Tricin (a flavone found at ~0.5–2mg/100g with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity); Polyphenols total ~150–300mg GAE/100g (concentrated in bran/hull layers; bioavailability moderate, improved with thermal processing); Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) present in germinated forms at ~20–40mg/100g. The Kanglaite® injectable extract is a standardized triglyceride fraction (primarily C18:1 and C18:2 fatty acids) extracted from the endosperm lipid. Note: Whole-grain forms with intact bran retain significantly higher fiber, polyphenol, and coixenolide concentrations compared to polished/pearled forms, where 40–60% of bioactives may be lost.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied forms include: Kanglaite® injection (seed oil microemulsion) used in cancer trials with unspecified dosages; Adlay seed tablets at 6 tablets daily for 4 weeks in [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies. Traditional use involves consuming seeds as porridge or rice substitute without standardized doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Job's Tears is generally regarded as safe when consumed as a food grain, but concentrated extracts and injectable forms (Kanglaite®) carry a different risk profile and should only be used under medical supervision. Uterotonic activity has been reported in animal studies, making supplemental doses contraindicated during pregnancy. Potential drug interactions include additive [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects when combined with immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids, which could unpredictably alter immune responses. Individuals with grain allergies or on anticoagulant therapy should exercise caution, as high-dose seed oil extracts may mildly affect platelet aggregation.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence remains limited, with no large-scale RCTs or meta-analyses available. The most significant clinical development is Kanglaite® (KLT), a seed oil extract that received FDA approval for Phase II trials in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, though specific outcomes and sample sizes were not detailed in the available research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Job's tears has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries as Yi Yi Ren to promote diuresis, drain dampness, and treat conditions ranging from edema to cancer. The plant also features prominently in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani-Tibb medicine systems for treating diabetes, rheumatism, and fertility issues.

## Synergistic Combinations

Reishi mushroom, Astragalus, Green tea extract, Turmeric, [Beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Job's Tears responsible for its anticancer effects?

The primary bioactive compound is coixenolide, a glycerol triester fatty acid ester concentrated in Coix seed oil. It is believed to inhibit tumor cell growth by disrupting lipid biosynthesis pathways, particularly by suppressing fatty acid synthase (FASN), an enzyme overexpressed in many cancer types. Coixol and immunostimulatory polysaccharides are secondary bioactives that contribute to overall pharmacological activity.

### Is Kanglaite approved by the FDA for cancer treatment?

Kanglaite® is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment; it has received FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) status, which permits Phase II clinical trials in the United States for stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. This means it is still experimental and legally available only within approved clinical trial protocols. It has been used more broadly in China and Russia under different regulatory frameworks.

### What dosage of Job's Tears supplement is supported by research?

No standardized supplemental dose has been established from human clinical trials for oral Job's Tears extract. The small immunostimulatory pilot study (n=7) did not publish a precise standardized dose in widely accessible form, and Kanglaite® injectable doses used in oncology trials are medically administered and not applicable to over-the-counter supplementation. Traditional dietary use involves consuming 30–60 grams of the whole grain daily, but this differs substantially from concentrated extracts.

### Can Job's Tears be taken during pregnancy?

Job's Tears supplementation is generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to documented uterotonic activity in animal models, meaning it may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Consuming modest culinary amounts as a food grain is traditionally considered safer, but concentrated extracts or supplements should be avoided without explicit medical guidance. Pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### How does Job's Tears increase cytotoxic lymphocytes?

Polysaccharide fractions in Job's Tears are thought to stimulate innate and adaptive immune cells by engaging pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), on immune effector cells. This activation enhances the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which are the primary peripheral cytotoxic lymphocytes measured in the human pilot study. The coixenolide-rich seed oil may further modulate the tumor microenvironment by reducing immunosuppressive prostaglandin signaling via COX-2 inhibition.

### What are the best food sources of Job's Tears, and can I get therapeutic amounts from diet alone?

Job's Tears is primarily consumed as a grain in Asian cuisines, particularly in soups, porridges, and tea preparations, and is available in whole grain, flour, and pearl forms. While dietary consumption provides nutritional benefits including fiber and minerals, clinical studies showing immune and anti-inflammatory effects have used concentrated extracts (like Kanglaite®) at doses difficult to achieve through food alone, suggesting supplemental forms may be necessary for therapeutic applications.

### Does Job's Tears interact with common cancer medications or immunotherapy drugs?

Job's Tears extracts have been studied alongside chemotherapy agents (notably gemcitabine in Phase II trials for pancreatic and lung cancer), suggesting potential complementary use rather than antagonism. However, because Job's Tears enhances cytotoxic lymphocyte activity and immune function, patients taking immunosuppressive medications or certain targeted cancer therapies should consult their oncologist before supplementing to avoid unintended interactions.

### Who benefits most from Job's Tears supplementation, and are there groups who should avoid it?

Job's Tears supplementation may benefit individuals seeking immune support and those with elevated cancer risk or undergoing adjunctive cancer treatment, particularly those with non-small-cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer. Individuals with autoimmune conditions that require immune suppression, organ transplant recipients, or those with known grain allergies should avoid supplementation, and pregnant women should consult healthcare providers given limited safety data in pregnancy.

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