Coix Seed: A Review of Its Physicochemical Composition, Bioactivity, Processing, Application, Functionality, and Safety Aspects

Coix seed (also known as adlay, Job's tears) is a cereal grain mainly popular in tropical Asia. It is used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat various types of diseases and also consumed as food. It is rich nutritionally and contains a wide range of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. The functionality of coix seed has been explored to the extent that it may provide a basis for its use as a food ingredient. Several studies have demonstrated the biological activity of coix seed. Published reviews on coix seed are scattered and not systematic. This review gives a comprehensive summary of the physicochemical composition, bioactivity, processing, application, and safety aspects of coix seed.