Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N.

1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 © Mattioli 1885

WHEAT GRASS: “A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC FOOD TO COMBAT LIFESTYLE

DISEASES AND DISORDERS IN NATURAL WAY”

1*Lavanya D.,2 Sumit Ragho Gawai., 2Narendra Kumar., 3Bibek Bahadur Shrestha
1*,2
Department of Food Technology, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and
Research, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522213.
3
Department of Applied Engineering,Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and
Research, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522213.
Corresponding Author Email: drdl_ft@vignan.ac.in

Abstract
Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum, L.) is the young leaf blade obtained from wheatgrass seeds
of common bread wheat variety. The production of wheat grass involves soaking, germination,
transferring the germinated seeds to the potting mixture and cutting of the leaves using scissors
when it reaches certain height. The wheatgrass can be converted into either juice or powder by
implementing suitable drying technique. The obtained products from wheatgrass and also the fresh
leaves of wheatgrass were found to be rich in wide range of nutrients especially antioxidants. The
chlorophyll structure of wheatgrass is similar to the structure of the blood haemoglobin and hence
it can be used in the treatment of anaemia, leukaemia to improve the haemoglobin level. The juice
of wheatgrass can be useful in treating the cancer patients to recover from the toxicity of
chemotherapy. Wheat grass powder can be fortified with other ingredients in the development of
bakery items and breakfast recipe like idli, dosa etc. to enhance the fibre absorption in age old
people. The extracts from wheatgrass aids to maintain skin and hair health when applied externally.
Though it is considered as safe, gluten allergenic subjects, pregnant and lactating mothers should
avoid intake of wheatgrass based products as it inhibits the absorption of vitamin K. Thus the
review concludes the therapeutic benefits of wheatgrass and wheatgrass based products in
combating lifestyle diseases and disorders in a natural way without any harmful drugs.
Keywords: Antioxidants, Minerals, Vitamins, wheat grass, wheat grass powder, wheat grass juice.

1. Introduction

Wheat grass is considered as one of the nature’s finest gift, because of its therapeutic
benefits to combat so many lifestyle diseases and disorders. The young leaf blades of Wheat plant
is known as “wheat grass”, is an annual or biennial grass yielding different types of grasses [1]. It is
originated in the Mediterranean regions and South-West Asian countries Triticum aestivum Linn
is commonly known as “bread wheat” is almost cultivated globally and belongs to Gramineae
family. Around 15-20 species of wheat grass species are identified and out of which 8 were
recognized in India. The humble weeds of wheat grass is a power bank of all the essential nutrients
and vitamins like A,B,C,E followed by minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
and sulphur, 17 different amino acids, antioxidants and rich in live enzymes which are having
positive benefits on human body to live healthy life[2]. Wheat grass contains around 70% of the

1966
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1967

chlorophyll content which helps to detoxify the body and strengthens immunity. It also stimulates
metabolism and restores blood alkalinity. The possible benefits upon wheatgrass consumption aids
in exoneration of blood, removes toxins from liver and cleanses colon [3]. Studies traced out intake
of wheatgrass of 15 pounds daily is analogue to consumption of vegetables like carrot, lettuce,
celery etc[4]. Wheat grass is mainly consumed in concentrated forms like juice, powder and
tablets[5]. Dried wheat grass can be converted into powdered form and can also be incorporated or
fortified in the development of bakery products formulations like bread, muffins, cakes, biscuits
etc. Apart from that it can also be incorporated in fermented products like dosa, dokla, idli etc and
consumed in the form of breakfast in order to get the goodness of all the nutrients present in the
wheat grass. When it is subjected to fermentation process the nutritional value of the breakfast also
get enhanced[6].
1.1. History of wheat grass cultivation
Cultivation of wheatgrass is not new to the mankind. Wheatgrass has been cultivated and
consumed for at least 5000 years, possibly even as early as Mesopotamian civilization. According
to legend, the young, leafy wheat blades were considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, who
utilized them to treat a variety of illnesses. As a result of tests undertaken by agricultural chemist
Charles Schnabel on his hens using wheatgrass to nurse them back to health, the western world
started consuming wheatgrass in the 1930s[4]. He discovered that doing this caused sick birds to
recover and increased egg production. He began transforming the nutritional advantages of
wheatgrass into health supplements like juice, powder, etc., and distributing them to his neighbours
to help them with their diets. Quaker Oats and American Diaries Inc., two significant businesses,
committed millions of dollars to advancing the development and manufacturing of goods for both
humans and animals.[7].
Dr.Ann Wigmore, a cancer victim healed herself from the deadly disease through
wheatgrass consumption was a pioneer and administrator of Hippocrates Health Institute of Boston
and USA promoted wheatgrass products after identifying its health benefits. From her research she
spotted that the components like abscisic acid and laterlie present in wheatgrass acts as a anti-
cancer agent that helps to combat cancer and also young leaves of wheatgrass are enriched with
chlorophyll aids in lowering blood pressure, cancer and other lifestyle diseases like diabetes,
pancreatic ulcers, gastritis, liver related problems, respiratory disorders like asthama, skin related
problems, eczema, body odour, constipation etc[8]. Findings of Dr Ann wigmore classified around
4700 species and justified that all the varieties has positive health impact. She is an author of a
book called “The Wheatgrsass Book” where she mentioned all the nutritional profits of
wheatgrass[9]. In 1970, wheatgrass juice became popular along with other vegetable based
beverages. Due to the positive effects of wheatgrass, the National Institutes of Health's National
Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States provided financial
support in 2002 for performing clinical trials to raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits of
wheatgrass[10].
In recent days, most of the Asian and European countries started using wheatgrass based
products in the form of extracts, powders. From the findings of Metrowritz (1992) [11] evaluated
1968 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

the nutritional components of wheatgrass juice and depicted that around 2 ounce of wheatgrass
imposes nutritional benefits present in five pounds of fresh raw vegetables of organic origin.
Wheatgrass contains between 98 and 102 soil-derived minerals, including phosphorus, calcium,
iron, magnesium, and potassium, as well as advantageous enzymes and 19 distinct amino acids
that have been shown to improve human immunity. It also contains double the amount of vitamin
C than in oranges followed by proteins present in the form of short chain polypeptides of amino
acids which can be easily absorbed into the blood stream.
1.2. Production of wheatgrass
As discussed in the previous sections of the review, cultivation of wheatgrass has been
practiced thousands of years ago. Any other cereals, apart from wheat like oats, rye, buckwheat,
millets, rice etc can be sprouted hydroponically, using only water eg: Alfalfa and bean sprouts 12.
Production and consumption of wheatgrass is cost effective. It can be cultivated either outdoor or
indoor in trays covered with growth supporting mixtures. The cultivation practice involves
selection of sound seeds of wheat of which may be any variety of T. Aestivum, durum and coccum
free from disease and damage. Step 2 involves soaking of seeds to foster germination. Step 3
transfer of germinated seeds into a tray consists of potting mixture. It requires around 15-21 days
for grass formation[13]. Step 4 Cutting stage; once the leaves started to grow it will split to reach a
stage called “jointing stage”. At this particular stage, leaves can be snipped off to promote further
growth of leaves. At field conditions, the growth of wheatgrass requires a relative humidity of 40-
50% with a temperature range of 18-26 °C. This temperature and RH combination propagate
healthy development of wheatgrass leaf blades. The cultivation practices of wheatgrass is depicted
in Figure 1.

a. Wheat grass seeds b. Germination c. Cultivation d. Harvesting

Figure. 1: Production methods of Wheatgrass

Harvesting of wheatgrass leaf blades were done manually using scissors once if it reaches
a height of 16-20cm and further it can be transformed into juice, powder and other products based
on the preference of consumption. The wheatgrass is blessed with all the required nutrients. It
contains moisture of 95g followed by carbohydrates (95g), fat (2g) followed by chlorophyll
(<0.1g) choline (92.4mg), glucose (0.80g) and 0rovides around 21.0 cal of energy upon daily
intake. The nutritional prospectus of wheatgrass is presented in Table 1.
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1969

Table 1 Nutrition prospectus of wheatgrass (Rimple et al., 2016).

Minerals
Fe 0.61 mg
Mn 24 mg
K 147 mg
Phosphorus 75.2 mg
Zn 0.33 mg
Ca 24.2mg
Na 10.33mg
Selenium <1ppm
Vitamins
Vitamin C 3.64 mg
Carotene 427 IU
Thiamine 0.08 mg
Riboflavin 0.13 mg
Nicotinic acid 0.11 mg
Panthothenic acid 6.0 mg
Pyridoxin 0.2 mg
Cobalamin <1 mcg
Tocopherol 15.2 IU
Folic acid 29 cg

1.3. Morphological features of wheat grass

The leafs of wheat grass appears like a common field grass, which will be slender with
long erected spikelet’s located far from the stem, flat, pressed dorsally with tough rachis. Length
of leaf will be 20-38 cm and1.3 cm broad with simple clumps which are hollow or pithy [14].
1.4. Clinical and therapeutic benefits of wheatgrass
Wheatgrass contains all the vitamins, minerals with a rich source of chlorophyll to support
optimal health and is consumed by many because of its therapeutic value in healing to overcome
the negative impacts of harmful drugs to cure powerful disorders like cancer. It was found from
the research that cancer is caused mainly due to deficiency of vitamin B17 which can easily be
cured through regular usage of wheatgrass product in daily diet. According to James and Phyllis
balch, biotin is the major component responsible for cellular growth which emphasises the
synthesis of free fatty acids to promote the mechanism of fats and aminoacids. Biotin, which is
abundant in wheat grass, is needed to maintain healthy hair, skin, sweat glands, nerve tissue, and
bone marrow[15]. Apart from other components, wheatgrass contains larger amount of chlorophyll
to an extinct of 70%. The molecular structure of wheatgrass chlorophyll is found to be similar to
the haemoglobin structure of human blood. So, wheat grass juice can be used in the treatment of
anaemia to improve the haemoglobin level which is also called as “Blood therapies”. The similarity
in the molecular structure of human haemoglobin and chlorophyll of wheatgrass is depicted in
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Figure 2. The only difference which will come across is that in chlorophyll of wheatgrass contains
magnesium as the central element, whereas in case of human haemoglobin, the main or the central
element present is Iron. In both human blood and wheatgrass chlorophyll posses a similar pH of
7.5. Due to its distinctive structural characteristics, it is utilised to treat human blood-related
diseases like anaemia, bleeding issues like haemophilia, blood clots, and blood cancers like
leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.[1].

Fig. 2 (a): Chlorophyll present in Wheatgrass Fig. 2 (b): Haemoglobin

Fig. 2 (a) & 2 (b): Structure of Chlorophyll present in Wheatgrass and Haemoglobin

Additionally, it was discovered that oxygen is carried in conjunction with the iron molecule of the
haem group1,9 and that the number and arrangement of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen molecules
are comparable. Wheatgrass is also known as "Green Blood" because the proton of chlorophyll
contains magnesium, an essential ingredient for around 30 enzymes in our body [16].
2. Processed products of wheatgrass
As mentioned in the previous part of the review, wheatgrass cannot be consumed directly because
the complex compounds present in wheatgrass like complex fibres cellulose, hemicelluloses and
lignocellulosic components are not easily digested by the human intestine when it is consumed
directly. So only it is processed into various forms like juice, powder, tablets and also the powder
of wheatgrass can be fortified with other products to enhance the nutritional values in new product
development[17].
2.1. Wheat grass juice
Wheat grass juice is a processed product obtained after subjecting wheatgrass into screw
press juice extractor to obtain juice which is a liquid with green colour due to its rich chlorophyll
content and represents bitter taste mainly due to polyphenols and chlorophyll content. The shelf-
life of wheatgrass is very less and prescribed to be consumed fresh. For better adsorption of
nutrients present in wheatgrass juice, it is advised to consume in empty stomach. The processing
steps involved in wheatgrass juice are presented in Figure 3.
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1971

Freshly Harvested Wheat Grass

(16-21 cm height)

Washing with Portable Water

Extraction
(Screw Extractor 75 RPM)

Straining

Wheat Grass Juice

(Skoczylas et al., 2017)18

Figure 3: Process flow chart for the preparation of Wheatgrass Juice

2.2. Therapeutic benefits of wheatgrass juice

The chlorophyll of wheatgrass is blessed with healing properties to treat infections and
inflammations caused by parasites. As we know, wheatgrass plays a major function in purification
of blood, detoxification of liver and cleanses the colon.The essential nutrients found in 100ml of
wheat grass juice include protein (to the extent of 860 mg), chlorophyll (18.5 mg), calcium (15
mg), lysine (38 mg), vitamin C (3.48–7.5 mg/100ml), beta carotene (405 IU/100 ml juice),
potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulphur, and 17 amino acids, of which 8 are essential. Along
with these nutrients it contains live enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase,
catalase, cytochrome oxidase, phosphatase, DNases, RNases, and malate dehydrogenase which
promotes helps to maintain the health of intestinal microflora with a strong antioxidant activity to
inhibit ageing process[19]. In addition to bioflavonoids like apigenin, quercitin, and luteolin,
wheatgrass juice also includes indole, choline, and laetrile. It is used to treat diabetes,
atherosclerosis, constipation, renal and colon problems, anaemia, and some forms of cancer
because of its nutritional profile.
The amino acids present per 100ml of wheatgrass juice is presented in Table 2.
. Table. 2Amino Acids profile of wheatgrass juice
Aminoacids mg/100 ml
Aspartic acid 510.3
Threonine 105.8
Serine 201.8
Asparagine 3039.6
1972 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

Glutamine 200.6
Proline 33.6
Glycine 20.6
Alanin 166.4
Valin 272.1
Metheonine 14.0
Isoleucine 145.1
Leucine 101.0
Tyrosine 121.8

2.3. Health benefits of wheatgrass juice consumption

Wheatgrass juice is having efficient healing properties and contains more than 100
elements needed for a healthy individual[20] .The anti-bacterial nature of chlorophyll present in
wheatgrass cleanses the body both internally and externally. It acts as an instant healer in curing
external problems like eczema or psoriasis protects hair from premature greying, protects hair and
internal problems related to digestion and helps in easy bowel movement to overcome
constipation21. It is also effective in maintaining health of heart in removing and neutralizing the
toxins present in blood. The chlorophyll content helps to rebuilt bloodstream which restores red
blood cell count within 4-5 days. Due to its antibacterial properties, Benjamin Ruskin, M.D.,
recommended it in the American Journal of Surgery in 1940. Wheatgrass juice can be used to treat
dental problems like tooth discomfort and decay in small dosages. Consequently, it also effectively
cleans the mouth. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties assist in alleviating joint pain,
osteoarthritis, and bone deterioration[14].
Applying wheatgrass juice right away to a suspected fracture site can significantly reduce
pain, bruising, and swelling. It is an active blood purifier which helps to fight against skin related
problems like acne, skin itching, cuts, boils, wounds, bites and burns. The miracle benefit of
wheatgrass juice/ powder application on gangrene effected part continuously for 10 months can
cure gangrene surprisingly. Diseases concerned with reproductive organs, ear disease, prelukemia,
breast cancer can be cured by usage of wheatgrass juice. The other treatment benefits of wheatgrass
juice are worthful in treating migraine, Thalassemia etc 22.
Wheatgrass juice can also be incorporated in the milk products to an extent of 3, 6 and 9
% to formulate green milk, green and enrobed paneer. Conversely, WGJ can also be used in
fortification of meat products like meat nuggents and balls to enhance the organolepic and
antioxidant properties5.
2.4. Wheatgrass powder
The other form which we can consume wheatgrass is converting the dried wheat grass into
powder form by adopting various drying techniques spray drying, tray drying, freeze drying, oven
drying etc. The protocol for the preparation of wheatgrass powder is presented in the Figure 4.
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1973

(Rahman et al., 2015)23

Figure 4: Process flowchart for the preparation of wheatgrass powder

1974 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

Wheatgrass contains all essential antioxidants and phytochemicals. Das et al. (2011)[6] compared
the impact of freeze drying and hot air oven drying of wheatgrass. The dried wheatgrass were
analysed for antioxidants by Ferric ion reducing test (FRAP) followed by total phenols, ascorbic
acids and flavonoids. They observed that fresh wheat grass contains highest ascorbic acid with the
lowest total flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The researchers opined that the freeze dried
wheatgrass samples retained the maximum amount of tocopherol with maximum antioxidant
activity in comparison to hot air oven, where most of the nutrients will be lost when it is directly
exposed to elevated temperature.
Wheatgrass was dried using a variety of techniques, including hot air oven drying (50 °C,
6 h and 60 °C, 5 h), microwave drying (600 °W, 15 min and 800 °W, 10 min), and vacuum oven
drying (50 °C, 25 kPa, 6 h). To determine the best drying technique for making wheat grass
powder, the moisture level of various samples of wheat grass powder was examined. They found
that microwave drying wheatgrass powder at 800 W for 10 minutes was superior to other drying
techniques since it could reduce the moisture content to 7.3, which was just right for powder
production [24].
Encapsulation and characterisation of physico-chemical properties of wheatgrass juice in
the development of wheatgrass juice powder was done by Akbas et al. (2017)25. Maltodextrin and
whey protein were used to encapsulate wheatgrass juice in order to shield its useful components
from smell and protect it from contamination. According to the findings of the experiment,
encapsulated wheatgrass juice powder had antioxidant activity between 0.30 and 0.06 mg 2-
DPPH/g, a phenolic content between 3.5 and 2.28 mg (GAE/g), and a higher phenolic content of
62% with good gastric juice digestion stability. According to the researchers, encapsulated
wheatgrass juice powder can withstand temperatures of 40 °C, 55 °C, and 70 °C for wheatgrass,
respectively.
2.5. Other wheatgrass based products
In the recent era, people are more aware about the lifestyle diseases due to over
consumption of diet rich in fat and sugar with low fibre and energy. In the previous part of the
review revealed about the conversion of wheatgrass into juice and powder. Wheatgrass aids in
providing instant energy but also enhances the fibre content of the product. Apart from wheat grass
juice and powder various processed products can be developed by incorporating wheatgrass
powder bakery products in the preparation chlorophyll and antioxidants enriched bakery products
like bread, cake muffins etc. Upon consumption of wheatgrass fortified products helps to reduce
the blood sugar level in diabetic patients[26]. The survey conducted by Cheng et al. (2009)[27]
concluded that most of the people suffering from lifestyle diseases obesity, diabetes and other diet
related illness were the consumers of products which is rich in fat and sugar that provides high
calories with less energy. As per the dietary allowances, the diet which provides 1000 kcal of
energy should contains 14g of dietary fibre for adult women and for adult men 38g of fibers to
overcome coronary diseases based on epidemiologic studies [28].
Bakery products are gaining more prominence and diverting the attention of all age olds
because of its pleasing taste. In the preparation of bakery products ingredients like maida, sugar,
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1975

egg, fat, food colourants and were widely used which are high in fat, sugar along with carcinogenic
agents. Several attempts were tried to improvise the fibre content in bakery products by fortifying
with fiber obtained from peach[29], corn bran fiber[30], corn dextrin[31], guar gum or carboxymethyl
cellulose[32], resistance starch[33]. Potato pulp and pea flour[34] or β- glucan concentrates prepared
from barley and oats or soluble fiber or soluble fiber from corn and oats [35].
In the current study, an effort was made to create muffins—a sweetened, calorie-dense
baked good—using wheatgrass flour, which has a high level of fibre and would improve the
muffins' nutritional value. Customers loved muffins for their soft, spongy texture, which is
characterised by their porous construction. Figure 5 shows the creation of muffins made with
various quantities of wheatgrass powder. The elements needed to prepare the muffin batter include
milk, water, sucrose, and fat, all of which are disseminated in the batter as a continuous phase with
the dispersion of air bubbles acting as the discontinuous phase[36]. With this regard Rahaman et al.
(2015)[23] evaluated the physicochemical properties of wheatgrass powder incorporated muffins
added in the range of 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% levels in muffin batters as a wheatflour replacer. In
order to determine the final product's total phenolic content, the generated wheatgrass muffin batter
was tested for viscosity, texture (hardness, chewiness), protein, dietary fibre, ash, and other factors.
The physicochemical properties of baked muffins, such as thickness, weight, crude protein, crude
fat, moisture content, carbohydrates, crude fibre, total ash, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness,
increased as the amount of wheatgrass powder in the muffin increased, while the textural qualities
and colour values of the muffins trended downward. The study found that adding 7.5% wheatgrass
powder made muffins taste bitter and had poor visual perception among the sensory panel
members, whereas adding 5.0% wheatgrass powder made muffins have a maximum sensory score
of 8.4 among the other muffins.
1976 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

Figure.5: Process flowchart for the preparation of wheatgrass muffins

Multi grain cookies developed by using flours like wheat, bajra, oats, Bengalgram, barley, ragi
along with 5% of wheatgrass powder not only enhances the nutritional properties but also imparts
better taste, texture and functional properties[1].

2.6. Wheatgrass fortified idli

In South India, fermented products made from cereal in combination with legumes are very
popular and is economical in preparation with less energy consumption. Idli, dosa, and other
fermented foods are regarded as healthy morning foods full of essential nutrients because the
fermentation process increases the product's vitamin C content. As a result, it is easily digestible
and excellent for feeding both adults and children. Idli is a fermented, steam-cooked sponge cake
that is becoming more popular due to its comforting texture, flavour, and preparation. The first
step in making idli is making the batter by combining the milled rice and blackgram in the correct
amounts[37]. Leuconostoc mesenteroids, Streptococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii,
Lactobacillus fermenti, Lactobacillus lactis, and Pediococcus cerevisiae are among the lactic acid-
producing bacteria that perform the majority of the fermentation process. [38]
Tender wheatgrass is a good source of essential trace elements and water extricate of wheat
grass is loaded with good source of antioxidants. The antioxidant activity obtained from different
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1977

assay shows that a higher level of antioxidant is present in fresh wheatgrass of 7-8 days 39. Das et
al. (2013)[6] developed wheatgrass powder fortified idlis in order to enhance the nutritional profile
of the prepared idli and analysed for total antioxidant activity, nutritive value, texture and general
acceptability of the product. Wheatgrass were subjected for freeze drying to obtain wheatgrass
flour and was added to the formulation mix at a level of 0.05-0.3%, respectively. Select strains of
bacteria, including Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum, were added to the
samples to prepare them. They discovered that adding wheatgrass to the batter dramatically raised
the concentration of phenolic chemicals while lowering the volume of the batter and finished
product. The volume of the batter is indirectly inversely proportional to the product's hardness. 1%
of wheatgrass flour might be used in the products, according to the sensory test panel. The process
flow chart for the preparation of wheatgrass flour incorporated idli was presented in figure.6.

Figure. 6: Process flow chart for the preparation of wheatgrass fortified Idli
1978 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

3. Dosage of wheatgrass used in different studies and their outcome

Different studies were undertaken using wheatgrass in different dosages to treat various
kinds of diseases and disorders and the outcome of the studies has been depicted in Table 3.
No. of
Dosage Disease Outcome/ benefits Author
patients
Fed wheatgrass Thalassemia 40 Observed an increase in [4]
tablets for different major haemoglobin level
age group people to children
combat thalassemia
Fed 100ml of freshly Thalassemia 38 Opined upon wheatgrass [12]
extracted wheatgrass major juice consumption 50% of
juice to thalassemia the subjects recovered
affected people from thalassemia
Treated cancer Breast 60 Reduction in myelotoxicity [40]
effected patients with cancer
16ml of wheatgrass
juice during
chemotherapy
External application Breast Noticed reduction in skin [41]
of wheatgrass cream cancer toxicity after radiotherapy
extracted from
wheatgrass

Individuals with Ulcerative 23 Reduction is severity of [42]

ulcerative colitis were Colitis rectal bleeding
given 100 ml of
wheatgrass juice
every day for a
month.
Fed 100 g of Healthy rats 8 different both alcoholic and [39]
wheatgrass extract to groups ethanolic extracts
healthy rats for 15 displayed the strongest
days. antioxidant activity, with
alcoholic extract having a
250% greater antioxidant
recovery.
 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1979

Patients with Thalassemia 200 Effective treatment for [43]

thalassemia were Intermedia thalassemia intermedia
given 30ml of fresh patients other than blood
wheatgrass juice transfusions
made from 6-week-
old wheatgrass for six
months.

3.1. Wheatgrass brands available in the market

Sl.no Product
1 Satvikk Wheat Grass Powder (50 gm)
dosage form: solid powder
Therapeutic purposes include body detoxification, immune system support, and rapid
weight loss.
2 Product name: Planet Ayurveda
Powdered wheat grass (100 g)
dosage form: powder (solid)
Use in therapy: lowers cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure while preventing
constipation
3 Amazing Organic Wheat Grass Tablets 200-Count , tablet shape for administration
Enhances and sustains energy naturally for therapeutic purposes.
4 Dr Wheatgrass Super Shots is the brand of product.
Juice-based liquid dosage
Enhances and sustains energy naturally for therapeutic purposes.
5 Name of product: Antioxidant Skin Recovery Spray
Dosage form: liquid (spray)
Therapeutic use: Skin recovery and repair Natural moisturizer
6 Dosage form: liquid (spray)
Therapeutic use: Skin recovery and repair Natural moisturizer
Dr. Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Cream is the name of the product.
dosage style: Cream's medicinal purposes include skin healing. organic moisturiser
7 Dosage form: liquid (spray)
Therapeutic use: Skin recovery and repair Natural moisturizer
Product name: Sweet Wheat Freeze Dried Wheat Grass Juice Powder 60 Vegan Capsules
from Bright Core Nutrition.
Solid (capsule) dosage form energy booster as a therapeutic application
8 Bagrry's Wheat Bran Box, the brand name
Solid dosage form
Use in therapy:
1. Preserves digestive wellness
 1980 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745

2. An excellent source of soluble fibre.

3. Could aid in managing weight
9 Name of the item: Powdered wheatgrass (Triticum sativum)
capsules for solid dosage
Medicinal use: to promote general health
10 The brand of the item is Herbal Hills Wheat-O-Power.
Solid dosage form (tablets)
therapeutic use: enhancing immune system health
11 Name of the item: wheatgrass beverage
Juice-based liquid dosage
Use as medicine: a tonic
(Rimple et al., 2016)[14]
4. Limitations of wheatgrass usage
Wheatgrass is considered as one of the safest product to treat various diseases and
disorders. It was found to be effective in treating thalassaemia. Wheatgrass products can be used
both internally and externally specially to treat toxicity caused by chemotherapy among cancer
patients. Wheatgrass powder can be fortified with various products to improve the nutritional
profile of the developed products, as it is rich in antioxidant. Apart from health benefits,
wheatgrass consumption has certain limitations too. The recommended dosage for wheatgrass
juice consumption is recommended to be 100ml per day. In case of pregnant and lactating mother
consumption of wheatgrass juice is prohibited as it hinders the absorption of vitamin k, a blood
clotting agent. People who are allergenic to wheat protein (Gluten) found in wheat berry or people
who are under blood thinning medications should restrict the use of wheatgrass products. The
other side effects of wheatgrass product consumption include slight nausea, vomiting if taken in
empty stomach in some subjects are some of the minor symptoms [22].
5. Conclusion
Wheatgrass seems to be a very promising herbal drug with no harmful ingredients to cause
negative impact on health but exception in case of gluten allergic patients. Advantages for
health of wheatgrass products Consumption reduces weariness, combats sleeplessness, boosts
the immune system, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar naturally, promotes weight
reduction, and enhances digestion and excretion. In addition to its internal advantages, exterior
application of this substance aids in the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, the treatment of
ulcers, psoriasis, and other skin-related issues. It has numerous advantages, including raising
blood haemoglobin levels, reducing muscle cramps, curing cancer, constipation, arthritis, and
diabetes, among others. It can be transformed into a number of goods with added value, such
as muffins and breads, as well as used as a breakfast snack to improve the body's absorption of
fibre. The best way to reap its benefits in the fight against lifestyle diseases and illnesses is to
include it in daily food intake.
Acknowledgment
Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745 1981

The authors would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Dept. Of Food Technology, VFSTR,
Guntur for their immense support in communicating the review article.
Conflict of Interest
There are no competing authors.
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