But what if the part we’re so determined to get rid of is actually the interesting part?
What Is Corn Silk?
Corn silk refers to the long strands of fiber that emerge from the corn ear. They’re also known by their scientific name: Stigma maydis. Corn silk is a source of antioxidants and contains flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, sterols, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Supports Urinary Tract Health
Corn silk has traditionally been used for bladder and urinary function. Test-tube studies have shown that corn-silk extracts decreased the binding of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) to human bladder cells. Prevention of bacterial binding may inhibit colonization of the urinary tract.
Several studies have demonstrated diuretic effects from corn silk extract. Preclinical studies show potential for supporting temporary fluid retention and urinary function.
A review of the research concluded that participants in a clinical trial who suffered from UTIs and took an aqueous corn-silk extract showed significant decreases in clinical symptoms as well as blood cells in their urine.
And recently in 2025, a study published in Phytothérapie examined corn-silk extracts and their effects on several types of bacteria known to cause UTIs. These bacteria included E. coli, Enterobacter sakazakii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Interestingly, both aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk demonstrated antibacterial effects in this study, with the methanolic extract showing significantly stronger results.
May Support Healthy Blood Pressure
In one systematic review and meta-analysis from 2019, researchers looked at five randomized controlled trials that included 567 participants with high blood pressure. Results indicated using corn silk tea alongside standard blood-pressure medication improved blood-pressure levels more than medication alone.
Diuretic activity is one possible mechanism for this effect. By promoting urination and helping your body get rid of sodium, corn silk may reduce total body fluid volume which could help lower blood pressure.
Corn-silk tea has also been studied specifically for hypertension in 2024 research. They enrolled 45 participants and compared two dosages (2 g and 4 g) of corn silk tea taken twice daily for 12 weeks against a control group. The study is completed but results have not been added to ClinicalTrials.gov yet. Stay tuned.
May Help Lower Cholesterol
Corn silk might also help improve cholesterol and other lipid parameters. One animal study showed that rats fed an aqueous extract of corn silk experienced significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. They also experienced increases in HDL cholesterol.
One systematic review and meta-analysis from 2019 looked at randomized controlled trials giving corn-silk decoction to people with angina pectoris. They found evidence that corn silk improved blood lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol.
Contains Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Corn silk might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help account for some of its traditional uses. Corn silk contains several bioactive flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides. In test-tube studies, corn silk extract has been shown to have free-radical scavenging ability and decreases oxidative stress. One study comparing various corn- silk extracts found significant antioxidant activity. The antioxidant capacity varied based on both corn silk maturity and extraction procedure.
Corn silk has also been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers tested aqueous corn silk extract on rats with experimentally induced inflammation. Inflammation was reduced by the extract. The antioxidant activity of corn silk has also been studied in test tubes. It has been shown to scavenge nitric oxide and ABTS free radicals.
Supports Prostate Health
Corn silk may also have an interesting connection to prostate health, particularly the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, nighttime urination, difficulty starting the urine stream, weak or interrupted flow, and a feeling that the bladder hasn't completely emptied.
The research on corn silk and BPH is still limited, but one study provides an intriguing starting point. Researchers used a testosterone-induced BPH model in rats and found that corn silk extract significantly reduced prostate weight. The extract also lowered levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5-alpha-reductase type 2, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the animals.
Supports Blood Sugar Regulation
One animal study found that diabetic mice treated with corn silk extract had significantly lower levels of blood glucose and HbA1c. Additionally, insulin secretion was stimulated, and some pancreatic beta cell damage was reversed. Therefore, corn silk could potentially modulate blood glucose regulation through changes in insulin.
Evidence from human trials are also promising. One study conducted on humans with type 2 diabetes showed that after three months of treatment with corn silk, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c had decreased significantly from baseline when compared with a control group.
Another randomized trial studying 28 adults with type 2 diabetes found that extracts containing mulberry leaf and corn silk decreased certain markers of post-prandial glucose excursions.
May Help With Kidney Stones
Research published in 2020 found that corn silk polysaccharides might impact calcium oxalate crystal growth and support kidney cell health by preventing oxidative stress triggered by the crystals.
Going one step further, a 2024 study published in ACS Omega showed that corn silk polysaccharides helped prevent calcium oxalate crystals from sticking to and aggregating on kidney cells, along with reducing oxidative stress. Because adhesion and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals are thought to play an important role in kidney stone formation, the study’s authors concluded that corn silk might have kidney stone-preventing potential.
Corn silk could also promote urinary tract health by its well-known diuretic action, potentially increasing urine volume. Diluted urine can prevent stone-causing substances from reaching very high concentrations.
How To Use Corn Silk?
Corn silk can be consumed as a tea or infusion. Both fresh and dried corn silk can be used to prepare the tea. Directly from the ear of corn is best. Corn silk has a mild, grassy taste to it.