Preparation and standardization of sitosterol enriched fraction from corn silk for its use in management of kidney dysfunction

Corn silk, style of Zea mays (Maize), has been traditionally used in the treatment of urinary problems, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections and nephritis. Corn silk, a natural source of sitosterol, has great potential, as a dietary supplement in management of kidney diseases. A sitosterol enriched fraction was obtained by column chromatography of the chloroform extract of corn silk. Therapeutic efficacy of this fraction was evaluated by gentamicin induced kidney dysfunction model. Results from earlier studies investigating gentamicin induced kidney damage examining kidney function parameters and histopathology indicated that treatment with the aqueous slurry of corn silk aids in the recovery of the kidney after drug induced damage. The results of the study will help to generate more scientific data about corn silk and validate its therapeutic use in management of kidney diseases. Moreover, this study also attempts to transform or recycle corn silk, usually seen as an agricultural waste, into a potential therapeutic agent.