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Other common
name(s): couchgrass, wheatgrass diet, agropyron
Scientific/medical
name(s): Triticum
aestivum (subspecies of the family Poaceae)
Description
Wheatgrass is a member of the family Poaceae, which includes a
wide variety of wheat-like grasses. Wheatgrass is commonly found in
temperate regions of Europe and the United States. It can be grown
outdoors or indoors. The roots and underground stems may be used in
herbal remedies.
Overview
There have been almost no clinical studies in humans to
support claims made for wheatgrass or wheatgrass diet programs. One
very small study suggested that it may help people with colitis, a
bowel problem.
How is it promoted for use?
Wheatgrass is promoted to treat a number of conditions
including the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, fevers, infections, and
inflammation of the mouth and throat. In folk medicine, practitioners
used wheatgrass to treat cystitis, gout, rheumatic pain, chronic skin
disorders, and constipation. Some proponents equate chlorophyll (the
component that makes wheatgrass and other plants green) with
hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, saying that wheatgrass
raises the body's oxygen levels.
Although most people use wheatgrass juice as a dietary
supplement or as a serving of vegetables, some proponents claim that a
dietary program commonly called "the wheatgrass diet" can cause cancer
to regress or "shrink" and can extend the lives of people with cancer.
They believe that the wheatgrass diet strengthens the immune system,
kills harmful bacteria in the digestive system, and rids the body of
toxins and waste matter.
What does it involve?
Wheatgrass is available planted in trays of soil and in
tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures, and juices. Some people
buy seeds or kits and grow it at home, either indoors or outside. It is
most often made into juice (see Juicing),
but can also be used to make tea. People generally drink the juice,
although a few mix it with water and use it as an enema to
“cleanse the liver” (see Colon Therapy).
It is also mixed into smoothies and other drinks.
The wheatgrass diet, which is used by a small number of
wheatgrass enthusiasts, avoids all meat, dairy products, and cooked
foods. This diet emphasizes "live foods," such as uncooked sprouts, raw
vegetables and fruits, nuts, and seeds (see Vegetarianism).
What is the history behind it?
The wheatgrass diet was developed by Boston resident Ann
Wigmore, who immigrated to the United States from Lithuania. Wigmore
believed strongly in the healing power of nature. Wigmore's notion that
fresh wheatgrass had value came from her interpretation of the Bible
and observations that dogs and cats eat grass when they feel ill.
Wigmore claimed that the wheatgrass diet could cure disease.
In 1982, the Massachusetts Attorney General sued Wigmore for
claiming that her program could reduce or eliminate the need for
insulin in diabetics. She later retracted her claims. In 1988, the
Massachusetts Attorney General sued Wigmore again, this time for
claiming that an "energy enzyme soup" she invented could cure AIDS.
Wigmore was ordered to stop representing herself as a physician or
person licensed to treat disease. Although Wigmore died in 1993, her
Creative Health Institute is still active. Wheatgrass is readily
available, and her diet is still in use.
What is the evidence?
Wheatgrass is a natural source of vitamins and minerals.
However, available scientific evidence does not support the idea that
wheatgrass or the wheatgrass diet can cure or prevent disease. One
small early study found that wheatgrass juice, when used along with
standard medical care, seemed to help control symptoms of chronic
inflammation of the large intestine, a condition called ulcerative
colitis. This 2002 study tested fresh wheatgrass juice against a sham
drink in a group of people with ulcerative colitis. All of them
received regular medical care, including their usual diet. Those who
drank about 3 ounces of the juice every day for a month had less pain,
diarrhea, and rectal bleeding than those in the group drinking the
placebo.
Although there are individual reports that describe tumor
shrinkage and extended survival among people with cancer who followed
the wheatgrass diet, there are no clinical trials in the available
scientific literature that support this claim.
The American Cancer Society's nutrition guidelines recommend
eating a balanced diet that includes 5 or more servings a day of
vegetables and fruit, choosing whole grains over processed and refined
foods and limiting red meats and animal fats. Choosing foods from a
variety of fruits, vegetables and other plant sources such as nuts,
seeds, whole grain cereals, and beans is healthier than consuming large
amounts of one particular food.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease.
Some such products may not
contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the
label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Wheatgrass is generally considered safe, although a few
individuals have reported nausea, headaches, hives, or swelling in the
throat within minutes of drinking its juice. Hives and swollen throat
are often signs of a serious allergic reaction and should be handled as
an emergency. Anyone having these kinds of symptoms after ingesting
wheatgrass may have even more severe reactions to it later.
Because it is grown in soils or water and consumed raw,
contamination with bacteria, molds, or other substances may be a
concern. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use
wheatgrass.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Ben-Arye E, Goldin E, Wengrower D, Stamper A, Kohn R, Berry E.
Wheat grass juice in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis:
a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol.
2002;37:444-449.
Blumenthal M, ed. The
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Byers T, Nestle M, McTiernan A, et al. American Cancer Society
Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention:
Reducing the Risk of Cancer with Healthy Food Choices and Physical
Activity. CA Cancer J
Clin. 2002;52:92-119.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's
Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines.
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines,
Third Edition. Thomson PDR, Montvale NJ, 2004.
Jarvis WT. Wheatgrass therapy. Accessed at:
www.ncahf.org/articles/s-z/wheatgrass.html on June 20, 2007.
MacIntosh CJ. Wheatgrass and mold. Accessed at:
www.cityfarmer.org/wheatgrass.html on June 10, 2008.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Wheat Grass, Clinical
Summary. Accessed at: www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69419.cfm on June 10,
2008.
US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. Unconventional
Cancer Treatments. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 1990.
Publication OTA-H-405.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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