Assessment of Therapeutic Potential of Stigma Maydis (Cornsilk) on Metabolic Syndrome

Overview

Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of people with nutrition related maladies due to changes in their dietary habits and lifestyle. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer have emerged as prominent contributors to both illness and death, particularly as the population continues to age. The mortality figures for cardiovascular disease and diabetes varied between 179.8 to 765.2 per 100,000 individuals, with the most elevated rates observed in poor nations. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome was markedly prevalent, spanning from 19% to 45%. The incidence of overweight and obesity (defined by a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) has surged to concerning levels across many countries in the region, ranging from 25% to 82%, with a higher occurrence among women. Due to side effects of allopathic treatments and increase in nutrition knowledge people are more inclined to natural therapies. Subsequently, corn silk with nutraceutical properties may provide an effective alternative therapy to alleviate symptoms and decrease healthcare loss. Cornsilk, the often-overlooked byproduct of maize cultivation, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, cornsilk has shown promising effects in promoting health and wellness.

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of people with nutrition related maladies due to changes in their dietary habits and lifestyle. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer have emerged as prominent contributors to both illness and death, particularly as the population continues to age. The mortality figures for cardiovascular disease and diabetes varied between 179.8 to 765.2 per 100,000 individuals, with the most elevated rates observed in poor nations. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome was markedly prevalent, spanning from 19% to 45%. The incidence of overweight and obesity (defined by a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) has surged to concerning levels across many countries in the region, ranging from 25% to 82%, with a higher occurrence among women. Due to side effects of allopathic treatments and increase in nutrition knowledge people are more inclined to natural therapies. Subsequently, corn silk with nutraceutical properties may provide an effective alternative therapy to alleviate symptoms and decrease healthcare loss. Cornsilk, the often-overlooked byproduct of maize cultivation, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, cornsilk has shown promising effects in promoting health and wellness. Hypothesis: Stigma maydis (corn silk) has a potential to manage metabolic syndrome. Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of Stigma maydis (corn silk) against metabolic syndrome. Methodology: Cornsilk powder will be procured from a local market. The proximate analysis and total phenolic content of the product will be performed and then capsules of powder will be prepared to be consumed by the participants. A total of 40 subjects (20 in treatment group and 20 in control group) will be selected and capsules will be added to their diets (1000mg twice a day). After a trial of 45 days, the patients will be assessed. Assessment will include anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile analysis and blood sugar levels which will be monitored before and after the trial and finally, the data collected will be analyzed by using SPSS 25 by paired sample t test. P value ≤ 0.05 will be considered significant. Expected outcomes: Stigma maydis (corn silk) capsules will prove to have therapeutic potential against obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia.