Demystifying the potential pharmaceutical attributes of corn silk: An agriculture bio-waste

Abstract

Corn silk (CS) typically considered an agricultural by-product, has emerged as a versatile biomimetic resource with considerable potential in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic fields. CS is a plethora of bioactive reservoirs, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and essential vitamins, hence showing a wide range of pharmacological properties. The established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities of the compound reflect the possible uses in controlling chronic diseases. Apart from its therapeutic application, CS is an excellent pharmaceutical excipient with remarkable utility. Several literature reports showed that it has been used as a binder, disintegrant, and stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations. Along with its biocompatibility and eco-friendliness, it makes it a sustainable alternative to synthetic excipients. The valorization of CSs and isolation of bioactive compounds extends its versatility to advanced drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and controlled-release formulations, where it improves drug solubility, absorption, and bioavailability. Despite its promise, challenges exist, such as variability in chemical composition, formulation stability, large-scale processing, and regulatory hurdles, which makes its full-scale adoption to the mainstream a challenge. With the development of nanotechnology, analytical methods, and personalized medicine in the future, the CS may become a cornerstone of pharmaceutical innovation and sustainable development. CS presents a promising natural resource with multifunctional pharmaceutical applications, warranting further exploration and integration into modern drug delivery and therapeutic systems.