Highland barley (Hordeum vulgare, Poaceae) is a cereal grown on the Tibetan Plateau. It contains wide-ranging nutrients, such as bioactive carbohydrates, polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, phenolic, flavonoids, and β-glucan.  

The unique composition of highland barley contributes to its various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiobesity, antifatigue, anti-aging hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. 

Compared with various barley cultivars, highland barley contains higher amounts of bioactive components, including β-glucan, effectively inhibiting/treating disorders such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancers.