NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents
The stigmas and styles of Zea mays are used for the treatment of cholangitis,
hepatitis and cholecystitis (43), and of acute and chronic cystitis and
urethritis (36). Also used in the treatment of heart disease (as a diuretic),
hypertension, rheumatism and diabetes mellitus (49).
Uses described in traditional medicine
The stigmas and styles of Zea mays have been used externally in Mayan,
Incan and American traditional medicine to treat bruises, swellings, sores,
boils, erysipelas, dermatitis and external inflammations (22, 50, 51). Their
internal uses in the treatment of gout, gastritis, bile congestion, alcoholism,
prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturnal enuresis and
whooping cough have been described (52, 53). They are also used as a
sedative and laxative (54–58). Research in China and the former USSR
countries indicates that the stigmas and styles of Zea mays lower blood
pressure and reduce blood-clotting time (21, 59). The stigmas and styles
of Zea mays are also used in the treatment of cystitis and urethritis (60).
Pharmacology
Experimental pharmacology
Diuretic effect
Oral administration of a methanol extract of the styles and stigmas of Zea
mays at a dose of 0.6 g/animal had diuretic effects in rats (61). A 50%
ethanol-aqueous extract of fresh styles given by intragastric administration
to rats at a dose of 40 ml/kg had diuretic action (62). When an infusion
of dried stigmas of Zea mays was administered to rats at a concentration
of 2 g/l (dry weight of stigmas) in drinking-water, a diuretic effect
and decreased urinary magnesium and phosphate concentrations were
observed. These effects were seen in animals fed a standard diet, but not
in those receiving a high-protein or carbohydrate diet (63).
The effects of an aqueous extract of the styles and stigmas of Zea mays on
the urinary excretion of water, sodium ions (Na + ), potassium ions (K + ) and
uric acid were studied in water-loaded rats (2.5 ml/100 g bw) by continuous
urine collection. Excretion of K + was observed in rats given an intragastric
dose of 350 mg/kg (100.42–120.28 µEq/5 h/100 g bw), and of 500 mg/kg bw
(94.97–134.32 µEq/5 h/100 g; p < 0.01). The higher dose resulted in diuresis
as well (1.98–2.41 ml/5 h/100 g bw; p < 0.05). The effects of the 500 mg/kg
bw dose of the extract on urine volume, Na + , K + , uric acid excretions, and
glomerular function, were measured by creatinine and lithium ion (Li + )
clearance, in water-loaded rats (5 ml/100 g bw). Creatinine (294.6–241.7 µl/
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