Barley Grass Powder

Othercereal grassLimited dose evidence

Also known as: Hordeum vulgare grass, young barley leaf, barley leaf powder, green barley

Add to a formula

Barley grass is the young leaf of Hordeum vulgare, harvested before the plant heads and dried or juiced into a green powder. Like wheatgrass it is a staple of greens blends and is valued for chlorophyll, fiber, and antioxidant flavonoids such as saponarin. Small human studies of young barley leaf extract have looked at lipid and glucose markers, and a review has catalogued its constituents. Evidence is preliminary, so it is treated as a nutrient-dense green rather than a targeted active.

Research summary

Flavonoids and insoluble fiber studied for antioxidant activity and slowing of postprandial glucose rise.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
3 g3–5 g

3 to 5 g of leaf powder daily in a drink. Juice powders are more concentrated than whole-leaf powders.

Source material: dried young leaf or juice powder

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Mild grassy flavor, one of the more palatable cereal grasses.

Formulation notes

Verify gluten-free status; barley grain contains gluten and cross-contact is possible.

Sources

  1. Effect of young barley leaf extract and adlay on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation in hyperlipidemic smokers. (Yu YM 2004)PubMed
  2. Preventive and Therapeutic Role of Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass for Chronic Diseases in Human Beings. (Zeng Y 2018)PubMed

Related ingredients