# Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/job-s-tears
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Coix lacryma-jobi, Adlay, Chinese Pearl Barley, Yi Yi Ren, Coix Seed, Tear Grass, Ma-yuen

## Overview

Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) contains coixol and other bioactive compounds that demonstrate anti-cancer properties through inhibition of [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression and tumor cell proliferation. The seed extract has been developed into Kanglaite®, an approved injectable treatment for lung, breast, and liver cancers in China.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-cancer activity: Kanglaite®, an injectable lipid extract, has been approved by Chinese Ministry of Public Health for treating lung, breast, and liver cancer (preclinical evidence)
• Anti-proliferative effects: Extracts suppress preneoplastic lesions and [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) protein expression in colon tumors (in vitro studies)
• Metabolic support: Consumption improves lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and reduces liver fat accumulation (preliminary evidence)
• Antioxidant properties: Demonstrates [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and lipid peroxidation inhibition (in vitro evidence)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: Contains compounds effective against bacteria, yeasts, and fungi (laboratory studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Job's tears extract exerts anti-cancer effects primarily through suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression, which reduces [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators that promote tumor development. The bioactive compounds, including coixol and coix seed oil, inhibit cellular proliferation pathways and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These mechanisms help prevent progression of preneoplastic lesions to malignant tumors.

## Clinical Summary

Preclinical studies demonstrate that Job's tears extract suppresses preneoplastic lesions and reduces [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression in colon tumor models. The most significant clinical development is Kanglaite®, an injectable lipid extract approved by China's Ministry of Public Health for treating lung, breast, and liver cancers. However, most evidence comes from preclinical research and Chinese clinical studies, with limited large-scale randomized controlled trials in Western populations. Additional human studies are needed to fully establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Job's Tears is a nutrient-dense grain with the following approximate composition per 100g dry weight: Protein: 13–18g (notably high for a cereal grain; contains essential amino acids including leucine ~1.2g, lysine ~0.5g, and glutamic acid as the dominant amino acid ~2.8g); Total Carbohydrates: 60–70g (primarily starch, with a relatively low glycemic index compared to refined grains); Dietary Fiber: 3–6g (mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, including [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s which contribute to cholesterol-lowering effects); Total Fat: 5–9g (higher fat content than most cereals; rich in unsaturated fatty acids — oleic acid ~35–40% of total fatty acids, linoleic acid ~40–45% of total fatty acids, and palmitic acid ~15–18%); Moisture: ~11–13g when dried. Key Micronutrients: Calcium: ~20–30mg; Iron: ~3–6mg (bioavailability moderate, enhanced by vitamin C co-consumption); Magnesium: ~70–110mg; Phosphorus: ~200–240mg; Zinc: ~1.5–2.5mg; Potassium: ~200–280mg; B Vitamins: Thiamine (B1): ~0.28–0.35mg; Riboflavin (B2): ~0.15–0.19mg; Niacin (B3): ~1.5–2.5mg; Vitamin E (tocopherols): ~0.5–1.0mg. Bioactive Compounds: Coixenolide (a lipid ester mixture, primary active component in Kanglaite®, concentrated in the seed oil at ~5–8% of oil weight); Coixol (6-methoxybenzoxazolinone): a benzoxazinone derivative with muscle-relaxant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties, present at trace levels (~0.1–0.5mg/100g); Polysaccharides (coixan A, B, C): present at ~1–3% of dry weight, demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in animal models; Phytosterols: beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol (~50–100mg/100g total), contributing to lipid-lowering effects; Ferulic acid and other phenolic acids: ~200–500mg/100g ([antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity); Glycerides: mono- and diacylglycerols structurally similar to those found in olive oil. Bioavailability Notes: The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) is moderate (~0.5–0.7); soaking or sprouting improves mineral bioavailability by reducing phytate content (phytic acid present at ~0.5–1.2g/100g in whole grain form); fat-soluble bioactive compounds (coixenolide, phytosterols) show enhanced absorption when consumed with dietary fat; traditional preparation by boiling into porridge increases starch gelatinization and may improve overall digestibility.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research does not provide specific clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized extract concentrations. Traditional use involves consumption as whole seeds in porridge, rice, and pasta preparations, while Kanglaite® is administered as an injectable extract. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Job's tears is generally considered safe when consumed as a food grain, with centuries of traditional use in Asian cuisines. However, safety data for concentrated extracts or injectable forms like Kanglaite® is limited in Western literature. Potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs or blood thinners have not been thoroughly studied. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data, though dietary consumption appears safe.

## Scientific Research

While the research dossier lacks specific human RCTs with PMIDs, preclinical evidence exists for Job's Tears extracts, particularly Kanglaite® which inhibited tumor growth in mice transplanted with HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In vitro studies tested 330 extracts from different cultivars on human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) for anti-proliferative activity.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Job's Tears has centuries of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating pulmonary edema, wet pleurisy, and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, considered sweet in taste and cold in nature. In Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani-Tibb systems, the leaves are used as tea for diabetes and rheumatism, while roots are decocted for dysentery and menstrual problems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, turmeric, reishi mushroom, milk thistle, astragalus

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Kanglaite and how is it made from Job's tears?

Kanglaite® is an injectable lipid extract derived from Job's tears seeds, approved in China for treating lung, breast, and liver cancers. It concentrates the bioactive compounds including coixol and fatty acids that demonstrate anti-tumor properties.

### How does Job's tears work against cancer cells?

Job's tears extract works by suppressing COX-2 protein expression, which reduces inflammatory pathways that promote tumor growth. The bioactive compounds also directly inhibit cancer cell proliferation and can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis).

### Can I eat Job's tears seeds instead of taking supplements?

While Job's tears seeds are edible and nutritious, the anti-cancer research focuses on concentrated extracts with standardized bioactive compounds. Regular consumption of the seeds may provide some benefits but likely at much lower concentrations than studied extracts.

### Is there clinical evidence for Job's tears anti-cancer effects?

The strongest clinical evidence is Kanglaite's approval for cancer treatment in China, though most supporting research is preclinical. Large-scale randomized controlled trials in Western populations are still needed to fully establish therapeutic efficacy.

### What cancers has Job's tears been studied for?

Research has focused primarily on lung, breast, and liver cancers, which are the approved indications for Kanglaite® in China. Preclinical studies have also investigated effects on colon cancer, showing suppression of preneoplastic lesions.

### What forms of Job's tears are available, and which is most bioavailable?

Job's tears is available as whole seeds, seed powders, extracts, and as Kanglaite® injectable lipid extract. The lipid extract form (Kanglaite) demonstrates superior bioavailability for anti-cancer compounds compared to whole seeds, as it concentrates the active lipid and polysaccharide fractions. Oral extracts offer moderate bioavailability, while whole seeds provide lower concentrations of bioactive components that must be extracted during digestion.

### Is Job's tears safe to take with chemotherapy or cancer medications?

While Job's tears has been studied as an adjunctive treatment in cancer care in traditional medicine systems, specific drug interactions with chemotherapy agents have not been thoroughly documented in clinical literature. Anyone currently undergoing cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before adding Job's tears supplements, as some herbal compounds may interfere with medication efficacy or increase toxicity risks. Kanglaite® is administered under medical supervision in clinical settings where compatibility is monitored.

### Who should avoid Job's tears supplementation?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Job's tears supplements due to limited safety data in these populations, though whole food consumption is generally considered safe. Individuals with known allergies to grains or with severe digestive conditions should exercise caution, as Job's tears contains compounds that may trigger sensitivities. Those taking immunosuppressive medications should consult a healthcare provider, as Job's tears may have immunomodulatory effects that could interfere with treatment.

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