Background

Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted shoot of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). It's native to Asia and the Mediterranean, but it's grown worldwide.

Wheatgrass contains large amounts of chlorophyll. High-chlorophyll diets are sometimes promoted to treat certain diseases, such as cancer. Wheatgrass also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids.

People use wheatgrass for a blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia), cancer, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Wheat is considered a major food allergen in the US. Wheat contents, including wheatgrass, must be labeled on packaged foods and supplement products. Don't confuse wheatgrass with similarly named wheat bran or couch grass. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Wheatgrass is commonly consumed in foods. Wheatgrass juice is possibly safe when consumed as medicine in amounts of 60-100 mL daily for up to 18 months. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use longer-term as medicine. It's generally well-tolerated. Side effects might include allergic reactions, anorexia, constipation and nausea.

When applied to the skin: Wheatgrass is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if wheatgrass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking wheatgrass as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of wheatgrass might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Wheatgrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar levels. Taking wheatgrass along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Wheatgrass might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.