Current Biotechnology ›› 2026, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (2): 299-308.DOI: 10.19586/j.2095-2341.2025.0191

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Research Progress on Effects of Medicinal and Food Homologous Substances on Skin Health

Ge YAN1(), Kunlun HUANG1,2, Tao TONG1,2()   

  1. 1.College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering,China Agricultural University,Beijing 100083,China
    2.Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety),the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,Beijing 100083,China
  • Received:2025-12-28 Accepted:2026-02-12 Online:2026-03-25 Published:2026-04-27
  • Contact: Tao TONG

Abstract:

With the intensification of population aging, medicinal and food homologous substances, which possess both dietary and medicinal values, have garnered increasing attention in the field of skin health. Current studies have reported the positive effects of various medicinal and food homologous substances in alleviating skin inflammation, promoting wound healing, removing spots and whitening, delaying skin photoaging and natural aging, as well as improving acne. This article systematically reviewed the current research status of medicinal and food homologous substances in improving skin health, and analyzed the active components, efficacy, and molecular mechanisms of representative substances such as licorice, astragalus, poria, and kudzu root. Furthermore, it discussed and prospected future research directions in terms of mechanistic insights, clinical translation potential, and systematic efficacy evaluation. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical reference for further research and product development of medicinal and food homologous substances in the field of skin health.

Key words: homology of medicine and food, skin health, physiological activity

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