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Open Access | Online First

Overview of research on the application of medicine food homologous bioactive ingredients to functional constipation

Yang-Yang Yu1, Hai-Qi Fu1, Hao-Yang Du1, Jing Zhang1, Ke-Yu Chen1, Yu-Xing Zhao1, Yuan Gao1,2(), Min-Hui Li1,2,3,4()
Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China
Inner Mongolia Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot 010020, China
Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot 010010, China
Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
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Highlights

(1) Multifunctional Medicine-Food Homologous Substances: The mechanisms by which medicine-food homologous substances regulate intestinal function and alleviate functional constipation are revealed.

(2) Key Bioactive Components: Highlights the key bioactive components of medicine-food homologous substances that have a regulatory effect on functional constipation, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, etc.

(3) Therapeutic Challenges and New Opportunities: Discusses the limitations of traditional methods for treating functional constipation and emphasizes the new opportunities for medicine-food homologous substances as potential alternative therapies.

(4) Future Research Prospects: Identifies future research directions in the field of functional constipation treatment with medicine-food homologous substances.

Graphical Abstract

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Medicine food homology (MFH) substances refer to natural compounds with both drug properties and food sources, which have significant effects on the treatment and maintenance of functional constipation (FC) due to their natural safety and effectiveness. This graphical abstract introduces the bioactive components of some medicine food homology substances acting on constipation and presents their possible mechanism of action.

Abstract

Medicine food homology (MFH) items are plants or foods that possess therapeutic characteristics and can be utilized as ingredients in food. In different cultures, people often use a variety of herbs, foods and plants to maintain good health. These homologues are considered to have potential pharmacological activities and are particularly important for the maintenance of gastrointestinal health. Functional constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. The patients show symptoms such as difficulty in defecation, constipation and dry stool, which seriously affect the quality of life. Traditional treatments include lifestyle changes, dietary fiber supplementation and medication. Nevertheless, prolonged utilization of the medication might result in adverse reactions, and there are specific constraints in the management of functional constipation. Consequently, individuals are increasingly focusing on the homologous substances found in natural medicine that are also present in food and medicine, with the aim of discovering novel therapeutic approaches. In this paper, the research on functional constipation with drug and food homologous substances will be summarized, focusing on their role in promoting intestinal peristalsis, regulating intestinal flora, increasing fecal water and so on, so as to provide more effective treatment options for patients with functional constipation.

Keywords

bioactive ingredientsmedicine food homologyconstipationfunctional constipationmechanism of action

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Food & Medicine Homology
DOI: 10.26599/FMH.2025.9420057
Cite this article:
Yu Y-Y, Fu H-Q, Du H-Y, et al. Overview of research on the application of medicine food homologous bioactive ingredients to functional constipation. Food & Medicine Homology, 2025, https://doi.org/10.26599/FMH.2025.9420057
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Prevalent categories of MFH in China and their primary utilizations

Origin (Latin name/English name/Pinyin)Pharmacological actionApplications in the field of foodApplications in the field of medicineReferences
Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat./Chrysanthemi Flos/JuhuaAnti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidantChrysanthemum cake, chrysanthemum tea, chrysanthemum wineCompound Chrysanthemum Granules[53]
Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A.DC./Platycodonis Radix/JiegengIt possesses the properties of an expectorant, antitussive, anti-tumor, and immune system enhancerPickling and cookingCompound Platycodon Cough Tablets, Tangerine Peel Tablets[54]
Lycium barbarum L./LyciiFructus/GouqiziAntioxidant, anti-neoplastic, liver protectionSoaking water, cooking soup, and making porridgeQijudihuang Soft Capsule, Zhikang Granules[55]
Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle.) C.Jeffrey ex A. M. Lu et Z. Y.Zhang/SiraitiaeAntioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effect, immune effect and hepatoprotective effectMonk fruit fermented wine, monk fruit cake, monk fruit preserves, monk fruitLuo Han Guo Xue Li Paste, Luo Han Guo Throat Tablets, Compound Luo Han Guo Cough Granules[56]
Hippophae rhamnoides L./Hippophae Fructus/ShajiAntineoplastic impact, impact on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systemsSeabuckthorn probiotic jam, seabuckthorn drink or direct consumptionSeabuckthorn Huangtong Soft Capsule, Seabuckthorn Seed Oil Soft Capsule[57]
Crataegus pinnatifida Bge./CrataegiFructus/ShanzhaThe cardiovascular system is impacted, including effects on cholesterol levels, reduction of edema, and lowering of blood sugar levelsUtilized in confectionery, pastries, beverages, or consumed in its raw formShanzha Neixiao Pills, Shanzha Jiangzhi Pills[58]
Prunus mume (Sieb.) Sieb. et Zucc./Mume Fructus/WumeiAntibacterial, antitussive, antiviral, hypoglycemic effectsPreserved fruit or eaten directlyWumei Pills[59]
Dioscorea opposita Thunb./Dioscoreae Rhizoma/ShanyaoEnhance immune system performance, optimize digestive function, reduce blood cholesterol levels, decrease blood sugar levels, and exhibit anti-tumor propertiesMake dishes, yam porridgeStomach-strengthening and Digestion-Promoting Tablets[60]
Illicium verum Hook. f./Anisi StellatiFructus/BajiaohuixiangAntibacterial, analgesic, antioxidantFor spices and flavorsFennel Pills, Fennel Oil[61]
Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf/Codonopsis Radix/DangshenControl blood glucose levels, boost immune function, and decrease inflammationUsed in soup, porridge, steamed rice, stir-fry, hot pot ingredients, wine, dried fruits, etc.Bazhen Pills, Sijunzi Pills[62]
Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma/Cistanches Herba/RoucongrongBoost immune system, combat oxidative stress, safeguard liver, provide neuroprotective effectsFor dishes, wine and teaCistanche Bushen Pills, Compound Cistanche Capsules[63]
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.)Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.)Hsiao/Astragali Radix/HuangqiEnhance immune activity and produce therapeutic benefits on the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systemsUtilized in culinary preparations, as well as in the creation of porridge and wineAstragalus Oral Liquid, Compound Astragalus and Angelica Tablets[64]
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch./Glycyrrhizae Radix EtRhizoma/GancaoThe compound exhibits adrenocortical hormone-like properties, acts as an anti-peptic ulcer agent, possesses immunosuppressive effects, and demonstrates antiviral activityFor tea and spicesCompound Glycyrrhizin Tablets[65]
Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch./Rehmanniae Radix/DihuangRegulate immune function, enhance hematopoietic function, and protect the cardiovascular systemStewLiuwei Dihuang Pills[66]
Aloe barbadensis Miller/Aloe/LuhuiAnti-neoplastic, hypoglycemicAloe vera drinks, aloe vera yogurtAloe vera drinks, aloe vera yogurt[67]
Mentha haplocalyx Briq./MenthaeHaplocalycis Herba/BoheEffectiveness against tumors, therapeutic effectiveness on the nervous system and digestive systemPrepare dishes, cakes, drinks and sweetsFangfeng Tongsheng Pills, Ganmao Qingre Granules[68]
Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. mayuen.(Roman.) Stapf/CoicisSemen/YiyirenAnti-neoplastic, immunostimulatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemicJob’s tears porridge and Job’s tears teaJob’s Tears Soup[69]
Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) Ker-Gawl./OphiopogonisRadix/MaidongAnti-myocardial ischemia, antithrombotic, hypoglycemicTeaShengmai Injection, Shengmai Powder[70]
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.)Makino/Fiveleaf gynostemmaherb/JiaogulanNeuroprotective, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, immunological regulating, various other qualitiesTeaGynostemma Pentaphyllum Saponin Tablets[71]
Plantago asiatica L./PlantaginisHerba/CheqiancaoAntibacterial, diuretic and antioxidant effectsCookingMilin Capsules, Niushitong Pills[72]