Geographical Origin & Distribution
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the oldest cultivated grains and has a long history that traces its geographical origin to the Fertile Crescent—a region in the Near East that includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, but is now cultivated in diverse climates all over the world.
Historical Use
Barley was a staple food in ancient Egypt, and barley grass was likely used for its nutritive properties. Egyptians are known to have cultivated barley around 5000 BCE, primarily for making bread and beer, but the grass itself may have been consumed for general health. The Greeks and Romans also used barley in many ways, and Gladiators were often referred to as “barley eaters” because barley was believed to give them strength and endurance. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), though, barley grass has been recognized for centuries as a detoxifying and cooling herb, used to treat conditions such as stomach disorders and to boost overall vitality. Monks and herbalists in the Middle Ages likely used barley grass in remedies aimed at digestive health and detoxification as well. In the early 20th century, barley grass gained popularity once more in the natural health movement. Research by Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, a Japanese scientist, brought barley grass to the forefront of natural health treatments in the 1970s. He studied its properties as a superfood, focusing on its ability to rejuvenate and improve health due to its high nutrient content.
Medical Use
Barley grass is often referred to as a “superfood” due to its dense nutritional profile, which includes vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, amino acids, chlorophyll, enzymes, and antioxidants. This grass is harvested before the barley grain develops.
Leaves
Barley has long, slender leaves that grow alternately along the stem. The leaves are generally flat and linear, similar to other grass species.
Roots
Barley has a fibrous root system that is well-adapted to drawing moisture from deeper soil layers, making it drought-tolerant.
Size
Barley plants typically grow between 0.5 to 1.2 m tall, depending on environmental conditions and variety.
Seed Heads
The barley plant produces a spike (inflorescence) that consists of spikelets arranged along a central axis. Each spikelet contains three florets, but only the central floret usually produces a fertile grain.
Growing Conditions
Barley is a versatile and hardy cereal grain that can grow in a wide range of climates and soils. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is well-adapted to various environmental conditions, making it one of the most widely grown crops in the world. It thrives in cool, temperate climate and well-drained, loamy soil with lots of full sun.
Active Substances
- Beta-Glucan: Beta-Glucan as primary active substance is a type of soluble fiber known for its significant health benefits, such as reduction in cholesterol levels and blood sugar regulation.
- Tocopherols & Tocotrienols: Vitamin E compounds, which are potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Phytosterols: plant-based compounds structurally similar to cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Flavonoids: various flavonoids, including quercetin, catechins, and luteolin with anti-flammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.
- Lignans: a type of phytoestrogen that has weak estrogen-like activity.
- Essential Amino Acids: Barley is a good source of lysine, which is important for protein synthesis, muscle maintenance, and overall growth.
- Saponins: anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Resistant Starch: Resistant starch feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health and improving digestion.
- Polyphenols: including ferulic acid and vanillic acid, which help protect the body from oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Chemical Breakdown (per 100g of dried Barley Grass)
Vitamins: A (~30,000-50,000 IU). C (~200-400 mg), E (~2-3 mg), K (~800-1000 mcg), B1 (~0.5-0.8 mg), B2 (~0.8-1 mg), B3(~6-8 mg), B9 (~30-60 mcg)
Minerals: Calcium (~300-400 mg), Iron (~10-12 mg), Magnesium (~100-150 mg), Potassium (~3500-4000 mg), Phosphorus (~300-400 mg), Zinc (~2-4 mg), Manganese (~3-4 mg), Sodium (~50-100 mg)
Chlorophyll: ~1-2 g
Flavonoids: ~50-100 mg
Saponins: ~0.1-0.5 g
Polyphenols: ~300-600 mg
Uses of Barley Grass for Horses & Dogs
While Barley Grass is generally considered safe for horses & dogs, it’s important to introduce any new ingredient or supplement gradually and monitor your horse’s response. Don’t feed to pregnant mares!
- Nutrients:
- Agnus Castus can help manage hormonal imbalances in mares, especially those experiencing irregular heat cycles, mood swings, or discomfort during estrus (heat).
- It is thought to reduce symptoms of irritability, moodiness, and even aggressive behavior related to hormone fluctuations.
- The herb may also help regulate reproductive hormones like progesterone and estrogen, promoting a more regular cycle.
- Hormonal Balance in Dogs:
- Agnus Castus is often used to help regulate reproductive hormones in both male and female dogs.
- False pregnancies (pseudo-pregnancy) in unspayed female dogs, which can cause symptoms like lactation, nesting behavior, and lethargy.
- Irregular heat cycles in female dogs, helping to normalize their estrous cycle.
- Excessive mounting or other hormonal behaviors in male dogs, as it may help reduce testosterone-driven behaviors.
- Cushing’s Disease (PPID) in Horses:
- In older horses, Agnus castus is often used to support horses suffering from Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as Cushing’s disease. This condition causes the pituitary gland to overproduce certain hormones, leading to symptoms like excessive thirst, abnormal hair growth, lethargy, and laminitis.
- The herb is believed to help regulate the pituitary gland’s function and may help lower adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, reducing the severity of Cushing’s symptoms.
- Cushing’s Disease (PPID) in Dogs:
- In older dogs, Agnus Castus can be used as a natural supplement to help balance the overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands.
- Cushing’s disease can lead to excessive thirst, weight gain, thinning hair, and lethargy. Agnus Castus may help regulate the adrenal and pituitary function in dogs with this condition, similar to its use in horses
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effect:
- Agnus Castus has mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial in supporting overall health, reducing inflammation, and promoting better immune function in horses and Dogs.
- Older Horses & Dogs:
- For older horses and dogs, Agnus Castus may provide general support for hormonal and metabolic health, especially in those experiencing age-related hormone issues such as Cushing’s disease or insulin resistance.
Additional sources: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 12(03), pp 034-044, March, 2022; National Center for Biotechnology Information