Researchers tested whether a special extract from hulless barley grass could help prevent colorectal cancer in mice with ulcerative colitis, a condition that increases cancer risk. The phenolic extract (a type of plant compound) reduced tumor numbers by 41% and made tumors smaller. It also calmed down inflammation in the gut and improved the balance of healthy bacteria. These results suggest that barley grass extracts might become a natural supplement to help protect people with inflammatory bowel disease from developing colon cancer, though human studies are still needed.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether extracts from hulless barley grass could reduce colon cancer development and growth in mice with ulcerative colitis
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with induced ulcerative colitis and colon cancer (no human participants in this study)
  • Key finding: The phenolic extract reduced tumor numbers by 41% and smaller tumors by 17%, while also reducing inflammation markers and improving gut bacteria balance
  • What it means for you: This suggests barley grass extracts may someday help people with inflammatory bowel disease reduce their colon cancer risk, but human studies are needed before it can be recommended as a treatment

The Research Details

Scientists created a mouse model of ulcerative colitis that develops into colon cancer using chemicals. They then gave different groups of mice three types of extracts from hulless barley grass: phenolic extract, polysaccharide extract, and lipid extract. The researchers measured tumor development, inflammation levels, and changes in gut bacteria to see which extract worked best. The phenolic extract was the most effective at reducing tumors and inflammation. This approach allowed researchers to test the extracts in a controlled way before considering human studies.

Testing in animal models first helps scientists understand how a treatment works and whether it’s safe before testing in humans. This study specifically looked at the mechanism—how barley grass actually stops cancer development—by measuring specific inflammatory markers and genetic pathways involved in cancer growth.

This is laboratory research in mice, which is an important first step but doesn’t directly prove the same results will happen in humans. The study was well-designed with control groups and measured multiple outcomes. However, the sample size of mice wasn’t specified in the abstract, and the Journal of Food Science, while reputable, is not a top-tier medical journal. Human clinical trials would be needed to confirm these findings are safe and effective for people.

What the Results Show

The phenolic extract from barley grass was the most powerful form tested. At a dose of 600 mg per kilogram of body weight daily, it reduced the number of tumors by 41% compared to untreated mice with cancer. It also made existing tumors smaller—reducing large tumors (over 2mm) by 17%. Beyond tumor reduction, the extract significantly lowered inflammation markers in the gut, including three key inflammatory proteins (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) that drive both colitis and cancer development. The extract also improved the diversity and balance of bacteria in the gut, which is important for intestinal health. These improvements happened because the extract blocked a specific cancer-promoting pathway called Wnt/β-Catenin, reducing key cancer-driving genes by 50-70%.

The other two extracts tested—polysaccharide and lipid extracts—also reduced some inflammation markers but were less effective overall. They lowered TNF-α and IL-6 but didn’t significantly affect other cancer-related genes. This suggests that the phenolic compounds are the most active ingredients in barley grass for cancer prevention. The study identified three specific plant compounds in the phenolic extract that appear responsible for the benefits: quercetin-3-O-(2″,6″-α-L-dirhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside, Quercetin-3-O-β-D-rutinoside, and Baicalin-7-diglucoside.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that barley grass helps with ulcerative colitis symptoms. This new study goes further by showing it may also prevent the progression to cancer. The findings align with other research on plant phenolics reducing inflammation and cancer risk, but this is one of the first studies specifically examining barley grass for colitis-related colon cancer prevention.

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so results may not directly apply to people. The exact number of mice used wasn’t specified. The study used artificially induced cancer, which may not perfectly mirror how cancer develops naturally in people with colitis. The doses used in mice would need to be adjusted for human use. Long-term safety data in humans is not available. This is early-stage research and should not be considered proof that barley grass supplements prevent colon cancer in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, barley grass extracts cannot yet be recommended as a colon cancer prevention treatment for people with ulcerative colitis. However, the findings are promising enough to warrant human clinical trials. People with inflammatory bowel disease should continue following their doctor’s treatment plans while this research progresses. If interested in barley grass as a supplement, discuss it with your healthcare provider first.

This research is most relevant to people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease who are concerned about colon cancer risk. It may also interest people with chronic gut inflammation. This is NOT yet a recommendation for the general public without inflammatory bowel disease. People currently taking cancer medications or immunosuppressants should definitely consult their doctor before trying new supplements.

In the mouse study, benefits appeared over several weeks of treatment. If human trials eventually confirm these findings, it would likely take months to years of consistent use to see protective effects. Cancer prevention is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily barley grass supplement intake (if recommended by your doctor) and monitor gut health markers like bowel regularity, bloating, and energy levels weekly using a simple 1-10 scale
  • If your doctor approves, add a barley grass supplement to your daily routine at the same time each day (such as with breakfast) and log it in the app to build consistency
  • Create a monthly check-in to assess overall gut health, inflammation symptoms, and energy levels. Share this data with your healthcare provider during regular appointments to evaluate whether the supplement is helping your individual situation

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. These findings do not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to use barley grass supplements. People with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or other inflammatory bowel conditions should continue following their doctor’s prescribed treatment plan. Before starting any new supplement, including barley grass extracts, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking medications, undergoing cancer treatment, or have a history of colorectal cancer. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical guidance.