Barley Grass

Also known as: Hordeum vulgare, green barley, barley leaf, hulless barley grass, young barley

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Young barley plant with early-stage lab evidence for blood fat and weight support. No strong human trial data.

What it does

Barley grass is the young green shoot of the barley plant, harvested before the grain forms. Lab and animal studies suggest its polysaccharides and soluble dietary fiber may help reduce blood...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose
Found in

1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50, Beyond Collagen Powder Sachets, Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins and 10 more

What the Science Says

Barley grass is the young green shoot of the barley plant, harvested before the grain forms. Lab and animal studies suggest its polysaccharides and soluble dietary fiber may help reduce blood lipids and support weight management by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing liver glycogen storage. These findings come from rodent studies only — no robust human clinical trials are available in the provided research.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to treat or cure any disease in humans. No solid evidence it detoxifies your body. The single hyperthyroidism case report is not proof it treats thyroid conditions. Don't rely on it as a cancer treatment — in vitro cell studies are not clinical evidence. No proven weight loss effect in people.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Barley grass polysaccharides reduced blood fat levels in high-fat diet mice.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 200–400 mg/kg in mice (no human equivalent established)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 37449927

Soluble fiber from barley grass reduced weight gain and improved insulin resistance in obese rats.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No human dose established

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41542742

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic or absorption data in the provided studies

Red Flags to Watch For

All metabolic benefit studies are in animals (rats and mice), not humans — effects may not translate
One paper is a single case report mixing barley grass with multiple other treatments, making it impossible to attribute any benefit to barley grass alone
Several provided papers are about barley grass as a weed or livestock feed, not a human supplement — not relevant to health claims
Over 1,000 supplement products contain barley grass despite very limited human clinical evidence
Polysaccharide extracts used in studies are not the same as whole barley grass powder sold in supplements — dosing comparisons are unreliable

Products Containing Barley Grass

See how Barley Grass is used in these analyzed products:

Supplement

Overhyped

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barley Grass do?

Young barley plant with early-stage lab evidence for blood fat and weight support. No strong human trial data.

What is the effective dose of Barley Grass?

No established dose

Is Barley Grass safe?

All metabolic benefit studies are in animals (rats and mice), not humans — effects may not translate

What doesn't Barley Grass do?

Not proven to treat or cure any disease in humans.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25