Combining the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Astragalus and Shiitake as an Integrated Therapeutic Approach

Astragalus root (Huang Qi) and Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are both considered medicinal foods and are frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine due to their anticancer and immunomodulating properties. Here, the scientific literatures describing evidence for the anticancer and immunogenic properties of Shiitake and Astragalus were reviewed. Based on our experimental data, the potential to develop medicinal food with combined bioactivities was assessed using Shiitake mushrooms grown over Astragalus beds in a proprietary manufacturing process, as a novel cancer prevention approach. Notably, our data suggest that this new manufacturing process can result in transfer and increased bioavailability of Astragalus polysaccharides with therapeutic potential into edible Shiitake. Further research efforts are required to validate the therapeutic potential of this new Hengshan Astragalus Shiitake medicinal food.

Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz Polysaccharide Improved Constipation and Promoted Intestinal Motility in Rats

Natural products and medicinal foods have attracted more and more attention because of their potential prevention and inhibition effect on constipation. Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz Polysaccharide (NSKP) polysaccharide is a natural product rich in polysaccharides. This work attempted to prove the effects of aqueous extracts of NSKP on STC treatment and to determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model. The results show that, in rats of the NSKP group, compared with the model group, the colon propulsion rate was improved, the time of the first grain of black stool was shortened, and the fecal wet weight was increased remarkably. The 5-HT levels were increased, but the VIP and NO levels were reduced dramatically. The number of interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) was increased by c-kit/SCF signal pathway, and the intestines were moisturized; then, constipation was relieved. It is interesting to note that NSKP appeared to be effective on constipation, so further experiments are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms involved.

The Extracts of Angelica sinensis and Cinnamomum cassia from Oriental Medicinal Foods Regulate Inflammatory and Autophagic Pathways against Neural Injury after Ischemic Stroke

The study indicates inflammation and autophagy are closely related to neural apoptosis in the pathology of ischemic stroke. In the study, we investigate the effects and mechanisms of the extracts of Angelica sinensis and Cinnamomum cassia (AC) from oriental medicinal foods on inflammatory and autophagic pathways in rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model. Three doses of AC extract were, respectively, administered for 7 days. It suggests that AC extract treatment ameliorated scores of motor and sensory functions and ratio of glucose utilization in thalamic lesions in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of Iba1 was decreased and CD206 was increased by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting results showed expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated-IKKβ and IκBα, nuclear P65, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 were downregulated, and Beclin 1 and LC3 II were upregulated. Low concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were presented by ELISA assay. Additionally, caspase 8 and cleaved caspase-3 expressions and the number of TUNEL positive cells in ipsilateral hemisphere were decreased, while the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was increased. Simultaneously, in LPS-induced BV2 cells, it showed nuclear P65 translocation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines were suppressed by AC extract-contained cerebrospinal fluid, and its intervened effects were similar to TLR4 siRNA treatment. Our study demonstrates that AC extract treatment attenuates inflammatory response and elevates autophagy against neural apoptosis, which contributes to the improvement of neurological function poststroke. Therefore, AC extract may be a novel neuroprotective agent by regulation of inflammatory and autophagic pathways for ischemic stroke treatment.

Review of Functional and Pharmacological Activities of Berries

Functional plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and berries) can improve health, have a preventive effect, and diminish the risk of different chronic diseases during in vivo and in vitro studies. Berries contain many phytochemicals, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. The primary phytochemicals in berry fruits are phenolic compounds including flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, and isoflavonoids), tannins, and phenolic acids. Since berries have a high concentration of polyphenols, it is possible to use them for treating various diseases pharmacologically by acting on oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often the leading causes of diabetes, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review examines commonly consumed berries: blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, black raspberries, and strawberries and their polyphenols as potential medicinal foods (due to the presence of pharmacologically active compounds) in the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases. Moreover, much attention is paid to the bioavailability of active berry components. Hence, this comprehensive review shows that berries and their bioactive compounds possess medicinal properties and have therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, future clinical trials are required to study and improve the bioavailability of berries’ phenolic compounds and extend the evidence that the active compounds of berries can be used as medicinal foods against various diseases.

Role of Active Components of Medicinal Food in the Regulation of Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from the endothelial cells of existing arteries, veins, and capillaries. Angiogenesis is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, such as the formation of malignant and development of atherosclerosis and other diseases. In recent years, many studies have shown that the active components of food have a certain regulatory effect on angiogenesis and negligible clinical limitations. With the increasing attention being paid to medicine and food homology, exploring the effect of active food components on angiogenesis is of great significance. In this review, we discuss the source, composition, pharmacological activity, and mechanism of action of certain active components of medicinal foods in detail. These could help prevent angiogenesis-related complications or provide a basis for healthier dietary habits. This review can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of highly efficient anti-angiogenic drugs with low toxicity.

Gastrodin extends lifespan and protects neurodegeneration in Drosophila PINK1 model of Parkinson’s disease

Gastrodin is an active ingredient of the orchid plant Gastrodia elata Blume that is considered medicinal foods with bioactivity and nutritional value. Many studies have reported that gastrodin has antioxidative...

Making memories: Chinese foodscapes, medicinal foods, and generational eating

The availability and abundance of foods in 21st century China have dramatically expanded over the past three decades. Despite the proximity of memories of food insecurity—the intergenerational preparation and sharing of meals continue to mark social identity and belonging. This article explores how contemporary Chinese foodways and medicinal recipes connect with past times as well as convey cultural memory. Two case studies will animate this analysis. The first part of the article will examine the Cuisine Museum in Hangzhou where past coexists with present and future as attendees view displays of specific dishes and grand tables followed by consuming sumptuous meals recreated at the adjoining restaurant. The second half will explore the realms of medicinal foods and recipes that reflect longstanding notions of health that are being promoted in contemporary China. Altogether, these arenas suggest that foodscapes, particularly medicinal foods, offer key assemblages of food memory, time, and wellbeing.