Coix Lacryma-jobi Research Articles (Page 1)

The utilization of local food resources is an essential effort to support diversification and food security. Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) contain high nutritional value and can be processed into modern food products with economic potential, such as jali brownies. This training program was conducted in Sukorejo Village, Sambirejo District, Sragen Regency, involving housewives from Plalangan Hamlet. The method included socialization on the nutritional and economic potential of Job’s tears, followed by a direct demonstration of making brownies using jali flour. The results showed an improvement in participants’ knowledge and skills in processing jali into healthy, appealing, and marketable food products. Overall, this activity demonstrated that the innovation of jali brownies not only promotes the use of local food but also contributes to economic empowerment within rural communities

Extensive research has revealed that neuroinflammation plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Coixol, extracted from Coix lacryma-jobi L., exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various diseases. However, the effect of coixol on PD remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of coixol in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model. Our results show that coixol improves the motor dysfunction and neuronal damage in PD mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation and maintaining mitochondrial function. Moreover, coixol suppressed the overactivation of the nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and regulated the NLR family pyrin structural domain 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase1)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway to inhibit neuroinflammation in PD mice. The results show that coixol mitigated reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial damage, thereby inhibiting the overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, we found that coixol alleviates dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD mice by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to suppress neuroinflammation and protect mitochondrial function from ROS production to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Genome-wide characterization of WRI1(WRINKLED1) gene family as a regulators of abiotic stress response in Coix (Coix lacryma-jobi L.).

Background/Objectives: The accumulation of Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), a major advanced glycation end product (AGE), has been implicated in neuronal dysfunction by promoting oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and dysregulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism. This study evaluated the neuroprotective properties of coixol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound derived from the outer layers of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen, in a CML-induced injury model using IMR-32 human neuronal-like cells. Methods: Cells were pretreated with coixol (1 μmol/L), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC, 1 mmol/L), or 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 200 μmol/L) for 1 h prior to CML (100 μmol/L) exposure for 24 h. Cell viability was determined by colorimetric analysis of 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was quantified using a fluorescence-based oxidative stress probe. Activities of key antioxidant enzymes and caspase-3 were determined using commercial assay kits. The expression of Aβ isoforms, amyloidogenic enzymes, ER stress markers, and apoptosis-related signaling proteins was quantified through validated immunoassays. Results: Coixol pretreatment significantly enhanced cell viability by attenuating ROS accumulation and restoring antioxidant enzyme activities. Concurrently, coixol suppressed ER stress signaling via downregulation of the protein kinase R-like ER kinase/C/EBP homologous protein axis and modulated apoptosis by increasing B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, reducing Bcl-2-associated X protein expression, and inhibiting caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, coixol regulated Aβ metabolism by inhibiting the expression of β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 and presenilin 1, while restoring insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin levels, leading to reduced accumulation of Aβ40 and Aβ42. Conclusions: Compared to NALC and 4-PBA, coixol demonstrated comparable or superior modulation across multiple pathological pathways. These findings highlight coixol’s potential as a neuroprotective candidate in AGE-associated neurodegenerative conditions.

Abstrak Penelitian yoghurt berbahan dasar nabati perlu dikembangkan sebagai alternatif bagi penderita intoleransi laktosa dan alergi susu sapi. Kelompok serealia, legum, dan kacang-kacangan dapat digunakan sebagai bahan baku pembuatan yoghurt nabati. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi kandungan gizi dan karakteristik sensori yoghurt berbahan dasar sari hanjeli sebagai alternatif produk fermentasi berbasis pangan lokal. Jenis penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimental dengan rancangan acak lengkap satu perlakuan yaitu penambahan rasio sari hanjeli 50%, 60%, dan 70%. Kemudian dilakukan analisis proksimat (kadar air, kadar abu, kadar protein, kadar lemak, kadar karbohidrat) dan pengujian karakteristik sensori (rasa, aroma, tekstur, warna, kenampakkan, overall). Pemilihan formula yoghurt terbaik dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode perbandingan eksponensial. Berdasarkan hasil evaluasi, formula F1 dengan penambahan sari hanjeli sebesar 50% teridentifikasi sebagai formula unggulan, yang menunjukkan kandungan air sebesar 83,36%, abu 0,69%, protein 3,09%, lemak 2,21%, dan karbohidrat 10,65%. Skor kesukaan panelis untuk atribut rasa, aroma, tekstur, warna, penampakan, dan keseluruhan berturut-turut adalah 4,30; 4,97; 5,00; 5,67; 5,63; dan 4,50. Kata kunci: yoghurt nabati, sari hanjeli, kandungan gizi, evaluasi sensori

Soil salinization is a major environmental constraint that poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity and food security. Coix lacryma-jobi L., a minor cereal crop that is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, displays moderate susceptibility to salinity stress. Although exogenous treatments have been demonstrated to enhance plant resilience against various biotic and abiotic stresses, the potential of nano-silicon (NaSi), melatonin (MT), and their combined application in mitigating salinity-induced damage, particularly in relation to the medicinal properties of this medicinal and edible crop, remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of exogenous NaSi and MT application on Coix under salinity stress using two varieties with contrasting salinity tolerances. The plants were subjected to salinity stress and treated with NaSi, MT, or a combination of both. The results revealed that salinity stress significantly impaired the agronomic traits, physiological performance, and accumulation of medicinal compounds of Coix. Exogenous MT application effectively alleviated salinity-induced damage to agronomic and physiological parameters, exhibiting superior protective effects compared to NaSi treatment. Strikingly, the combined application of MT and NaSi demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to substantial improvements in growth and physiological indices. However, the medicinal components were only marginally affected by exogenous treatments under both control and salinity-stressed conditions. Further clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity stress responses and exogenous substance-induced effects is critical to achieving a comprehensive understanding of these protective mechanisms.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly polyphagous pest posing a major threat to Poaceae crops, particularly corn (Zea mays), in China. However, its ability to adapt to Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), an edible and medicinal Poaceae species, under continuous rearing remains insufficiently understood. In this study, FAW survival, development, and reproduction were assessed over eight generations on two cultivars of Job's tears, 'Cuiyi 1' and 'Puyi 6'. Feeding and oviposition preferences were also examined in FAW populations reared on 'Puyi 6' by offering corn and 'Puyi 6' as hosts. Sustained rearing for five to eight generations on both cultivars significantly increased population fitness, with greater improvements observed in the 'Puyi 6' group. FAW reared on corn or 'Puyi 6' for two generations exhibited strong preferences for corn, whereas those reared on 'Puyi 6' for five to eight generations showed no significant host preference. These findings suggest that transgenerational adaptation markedly improved FAW performance and acceptance of Job's tears, underscoring the need for intensified monitoring of FAW dynamics during the cultivation of Job's tears.

Job's tears (Coix lacryma-Jobi L.) are known to contain chemical compounds of the alkaloid, flavonoid and tannin groups that have the potential as antifungals. Microsporum gypseum is one of the dermatophyte fungi that causes dermatitis, a disease that infects skin of both animals and humans. The study aims to test the activity and determine optimal concentration of Job's tears seed extract, Job's tears seed boiled water, Job's tears leaf kombucha, and Job's tears seed extract bath soap formulation as antifungals against Microsporum gypseum which causes skin disease infections. The research method used agar diffusion with the well technique (Agar Well Diffusion), the research parameters included phytochemical tests of the extract, measuring diameter inhibition area. The results phytochemical test obtained alkaloid compounds, and results of activity test of the Job's tears seed extract formulation, Job's tears seed boiled water, Job's tears leaf kombucha, and Job's tears seed extract bath soap obtained optimal diameter of the inhibition area overall at an extract concentration of 40%. Conclusion, activity of ethanol extract of hanjeli seeds, boiled water of hanjeli seeds, hanjeli leaf kombucha, and hanjeli seed extract bath soap at a concentration of 40% have antifungal activity against Microsporum gypseum which causes skin diseases.

Tabha Lame is a traditional food of the Ua Tribe in Nagekeo Regency which has been traditionally believed to increase breast milk production. However, this belief has never been scientifically studied and systematically documented, especially regarding its nutritional function and ethnobotanical value. This study aims to identify the composition of ingredients, processing, and nutritional potential of Tabha Lame as a locally based functional food. This study was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach through interviews and field documentation methods with traditional leaders and women who possess traditional knowledge. The results show that Tabha Lame is made from local ingredients, such as: jali (Coix lacryma-jobi), moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), and coconut milk cooked using the Dhedhu Zaka technique. The content of phytoestrogens, iron, vegetable protein, vitamin A, and unsaturated fatty acids in these ingredients contribute to supporting the lactation process. The slow cooking process maintains micronutrients, while the symbolic presentation demonstrates the integration between nutrition and culture. The conclusion of this study confirms that Tabha Lame is a locally based functional food with potential for development in community-based nutritional interventions for breastfeeding mothers and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

In order to understand the current situation of mycotoxin contamination and risk assessment of dietary exposure of coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi) sold in Gansu Province, China, a total of 67 coix seed samples were collected from the local markets and supermarkets in 14 prefectures and cities in Gansu Province. Sixteen mycotoxins were determined by isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that 37.3% of coix seed was contaminated by mycotoxins. Among them, fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2(FB2), fumonisin B3 (FB3) and zearalenone (ZEN) had the highest prevalence in coix seed, 10.5%, 11.9%, 17.9% and 10.5%, respectively. Coix seed was susceptible to mixed contamination of various mycotoxins, which was often detected in the forms of an FB1, FB2, and FB3 combination (35.7%) and an ZEN-FBs combination (21.5%). In this study, the exposure assessment was evaluated separately according to the use of coix seed for food or clinical use. It was found that the EDI values of ZEN, FB1, FB2, FB3, AME (alternariol monomethyl ether), TeA (tenuazonic acid), and TEN (tentoxin) calculated from the intake of coix seed for both medicinal and edible purposes were less than their TDIs, indicating that the health risk of exposure to the above toxins caused by the consumption of coix seed was within an acceptable range.

This study investigates how edugastrotourism contributes to the preservation of local food heritage and sustainable rural development. Using Hanjeli Tourism Village in Sukabumi, Indonesia, as a case study, a qualitative methodology was employed comprising participant observation, semi-structured interviews with 30 local stakeholders, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to interpret data and recurring themes related to gastronomy, sustainability, and community participation. The findings reveal that edugastrotourism—through experiental learning activities such as farming, food processing, and cultural storytelling—strengthens cultural appreciation, supports agrobiodiversity, and empowers local communities. Specifically, the revitalization of hanjeli or Job’s Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), an underutilized indigenous grain, becomes a medium for experiential learning and community-based tourism. This study introduces hanjeli-based edugastrotourism as a culturally embedded and replicable model for regenerative tourism, emphasizing the transformative role of local food in education, heritage preservation, and economic resilience.

Evaluation of agronomic traits, correlation, and genetic diversity in S4 inbred Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) lines in Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam

Natural variation of ClCCT promoter promotes flowering and dwarfing in adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.)

Jali (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) is a promising food crop in Indonesia, but its contribution to food security needs more improvement. This research aimed to analyze physico-chemical characteristics of native jali flour and its modified flour after treated by heat moisture treatment (HMT) and autoclaving-cooling (AC) method, and finally observe their effects on breakfast meal flakes (BMF). Both native and treated flour were analyzed for degree of whiteness, swelling power, solubility, water absorption index (WAI), water holding capacity (WHC), and gelatinization profile. HMT-modified jali flour exhibited solubility of 7.77%, gelatinization temperature of 74.95 °C, and peak viscosity of 3255 cP while amylose and resistant starch content reached 20.50% and 6.27%, respectively. Meanwhile, AC-modified jali flour showed lower solubility (4.13%), higher gelatinization temperature (76.15 °C), peak viscosity of 3220 cP, with amylose content of 22.30% and significantly higher resistant starch content (13.93%). Due to its superior resistant starch content, AC-modified Jali flour was selected for BMF formulation. The formulation was optimized through D-optimal with independent variables of 50−100% jali flour and 0−50% sorghum flour. As a result, the optimum formulation was obtained with a desirability value of 0.713, consisted of 100% jali flour without added sorghum flour. The optimized BMF had resistant starch 11.46%, rehydration capacity 58.48%, and hardness 415.12 gf. The product has the potential to diversify healthy breakfast options for community and may contribute to diabetes prevention.

Seeds of Coix lacryma-jobi as a functional additive in steamed buns: Effects on bun quality and starch digestibility

ABSTRACT Jali (Coix lacryma jobi L.) is one of the local foods of the cereal group that is widely found in Central Java. Jali cereal is known to contain various nutrients such as protein by 14% and fat content by 7.9%. Microgreen is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds so that it becomes one of the functional foods. One of the efforts to develop the potential of Jali is to increase the variety of its production such as producing microgreen Jali which can be consumed directly either as food or healthy drink. Microgreen is a young plant that is harvested when the cotyledons become a pair of young leaves that grow. Consumption of microgreen is expected to obtain maximum benefits from cereals without having to harvest Jali in mature plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional content and antioxidants in various parts of Jali microgreen. Tests were carried out on all parts including roots, stem leaves and complete microgreen plants at the age of 4, 7 and 10 days. The analysis carried out includes fat content, protein content, total carbohydrates, crude fiber content, total sugar, salt content and IC50 antioxidant activity. The results showed that microgreen Jali contains nutritional values including fat, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber and antioxidant activity in all parts, from the root to the leaf stem during its growth. The leaf stems have higher levels of fat, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber, total sugar and antioxidant activity compared to other parts of microgreen Jali. The growth age of microgreen Jali affects the nutrient content of each part. Keywords: Antioxidant Activity, Jali, Microgreen, Nutrition

HD-Zip (homeodomain-leucine zipper) transcription factors play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress response; however, the HD-Zip gene family of Coix lacryma-jobi L. has not been identified. In this study, a total of 40 HD-Zip gene family members were identified in the genome of Coix. According to phylogenetic analysis, the Coix HD-Zip gene was divided into four subfamilies (I-IV), of which the HD-Zip I subfamily can be further divided into five branches. Moreover, HD-Zip members of the same subfamily usually share similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The transcription factor binding site enrichment analysis showed that there are many motifs for binding with transcription factors such as ERF (Ethylene responsive factor), MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog), and ARF (Auxin Response Factor) in the promoter region of the ClHDZ genes. The results of qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) and expression profile analysis showed that ClHD-Zip I genes showed different levels of expression under different stress treatments. Among them, ClHDZ4 was located in the nucleus, and its expression pattern was significantly upregulated under salt, drought, and high-temperature stress. In addition, ectopic expression of ClHDZ4 enhanced the growth of yeast strains under drought, salt, or high-temperature treatment. In summary, these results laid a foundation for further research on the resistance function of the Coix HD-Zip gene.

This study explored coixol, a natural compound from Coix lacryma-jobi, as a potential neuroprotective agent. Coixol’s efficacy was assessed through in vitro assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, focusing on its effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress, and Aβ1-42 protofibril interactions. Coixol inhibited AChE with an IC50 value of 3.63 ± 1.2 µM and stably interacted with its active site, mimicking tacrine, a known AChE inhibitor. It also protected SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2 and Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Gaussian accelerated MD (GaMD) simulations revealed two stable binding modes of coixol with Aβ1-42 protofibrils. One mode significantly disrupted the protofibril’s structural integrity, explaining coixol’s protective effects. These results highlight coixol’s multi-target therapeutic potential in modulating AChE activity, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting Aβ aggregation, offering promising opportunities for neuroprotective drug development.

Enhancement of apoptosis in HCT116 and HepG2 cells by Coix lacryma-jobi var. lacryma-jobi seed extract in combination with sorafenib.

Ciletuh Geopark has a unique local gastronomic potential that supports food security, namely Hanjeli (Coix lacryma-jobi). To maximize the potential and opportunities for local gastronomy development, a gastro-tourism ecosystem is needed to develop. This study aims to identify key components, assess potential, observe current conditions, and opportunities for developing a sustainable gastro-tourism ecosystem. The research was conducted in Hanjeli Tourism Village, Waluran District, Sukabumi. The descriptive qualitative method with thematic and narrative analysis are needed to explain the findings. Primary data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis. The research findings indicate that Ciletuh possesses a highly promising and distinctive value proposition for establishing a gastro-tourism ecosystem. There are 12 sub ecosystems that have been inventoried and there are 4 sub ecosystems that are ready to support the ecosystem, namely product value, tourism offerings, destination appeal, and marketing strategies. However, key components such as the income, investment, human resources, infrastructure, and supporting industries require greater attention and involvement from various stakeholders. The conclusion obtained shows that high effort is needed in developing gastro-tourism in Ciletuh. The most important thing to start developing an ecosystem is raising public awareness of the existing tourism products and values, which is essential for fostering a sustainable gastro-tourism ecosystem in Ciletuh.