A Bioinformatics Investigation into the Hidden Potential of Corn Silk
Corn silk, the thin filaments found on the cob of corn, has traditionally been disregarded as an agricultural waste product. However, recent studies are looking into the hidden potential of this by-product, revealing a wealth of bioactive compounds that offer many health benefits. A study conducted by students of Andalas University entitled “Identification of Bioactive Solutions of Maize Silk (Zea mays L.) Extract and Biological Activity Test by Bioinformatics”, investigated the bioactive properties of corn silk using bioinformatics methods.
The search for bioactive compounds
The objective of the research was to identify and evaluate the bioactive compounds in corn silk. Using the maceration extraction method followed by identification of compound by LC-MS and phytochemical analysis, the researchers identified a variety of active compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and triterpenoids.
Bioinformatics investigation: Trying to be a modern-day alchemist
To predict the biological activities of these compounds, the team used the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) test, which utilizes data from the PubChem, ChemSpider, and way2drug web platforms. This bioinformatics approach allowed them to predict the potential bioactivity of the identified compounds. PASS uses the structure-activity relationship (SAR) to estimate the likelihood that a compound will exhibit a given biological activity.
Key Findings: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antibacterial Properties
Among the identified compounds, several stood out for their significant bioactivities:
Acaciin:
- Type: Flavonoid glycoside
- Bioactivity: High antioxidant
- Pa Value: 0.815
- Functions: neutralizes free radicals, inhibits lipid peroxidation, chelates metal ions, protects cells from oxidative stress
- Molecular Formula: C28H32O14
2-Arachidonoylglycerol:
- Bioactivity: Significant anti-inflammatory
- Pa Value: 0.736
- Molecular Formula: C23H38O4
1,2-di-O-methyl-4-[(2R)-2,4-dihydrobutyramido]-4,6-dideoxy-α-D-mannopyranoside:
- Bioactivity: Moderate antibacterial
- Pa Value: 0.643
- Molecular formula: C12H23NO7
The Broader Context
Recent studies have further supported the findings of Raihan et al. For example, a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine demonstrated that the ethyl acetate fraction of corn silk has dual antioxidant and anti-glycation activities, protecting insulin-secreting cells from glucotoxicity. Similarly, another study highlighted the neuroprotective effects of corn silk flavonoids, which inhibit H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death in neuronal cells.
In addition, the antioxidant potential of corn silk has been extensively studied, with various extraction methods showing significant free radical scavenging activity. For example, the ethanolic extract of immature corn silk was found to have the strongest antioxidant activity, further emphasizing the importance of extraction methods and maturity stages in determining the bioactive potential of corn silk.
Implications for Health and Industry
Discovering these bioactive compounds opens new avenues for using corn silk in medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is a promising candidate for the development of treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases, inflammation, and bacterial infections due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. In addition, the potential of corn silk extracts in the functional food and nutraceutical industries cannot be underestimated. They offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for improving human health.
Conclusion
The study led by Raihan et al. is just the beginning of a journey to discover the hidden potential of corn silk. Traditional extraction methods combined with bioinformatics tools will provide a window into future research and applications of this agricultural byproduct. Corn silk is an example of turning waste into a valuable commodity in the exploration of the bioactive potential of natural products for a healthy and sustainable future.
Further Reading
Raihan, A. ., Illahi, A. K., Rokhimah, S. ., Elisa, T. P. P., & Maliza, R. (2023). Identification of Bioactive Solutions of Corn Silk (Zea mays L.) Extract and Biological Activity Test By Bioinformatics. Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 23(1), 245–250. https://doi.org/10.29303/jbt.v23i1.5846
