Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 259-274 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 267 study evaluated the effects of Sanghuangporus ethanol extract on serum uric acid metabolism and the gut microbiome in rats, concluding that the extract did not cause toxicity in the studied dosages (Li et al., 2021). These findings suggest that Sanghuangporus and its related species are generally safe. However, further pharmacological and toxicological studies on Sanghuangporus and its extracts are necessary to provide a scientific basis for more effective research, development, and utilization of this functional mushroom as a food resource. 5.3 Efficacy in clinical settings Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Sanghuangporus extracts in managing specific conditions. In the study on KOA, the group receiving 1,500 mg/day of Sanghuangporus extract showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to the placebo group (Ryu et al., 2022). Similarly, the randomized trial on immunity enhancement revealed that participants who received Sanghuangporus extract showed an increase in natural killer cell activity, indicating improved immune function (Ku and Kang, 2022). 5.4 Challenges and considerations for clinical application While current research points to the therapeutic potential of Sanghuangporus extracts, challenges remain in their clinical application. First, the variability in bioactive compound content due to differences in extraction methods and sources can affect the consistency of clinical outcomes. Therefore, standardizing Sanghuangporus extracts is crucial for ensuring their safety and efficacy. Additionally, while existing studies on Sanghuangporus and related species indicate a favorable safety profile, larger-scale, long-term clinical trials are needed to establish safe dosage ranges, especially for chronic use. Another consideration is the potential for interactions with other medications, which warrants careful evaluation when Sanghuangporus is used as an adjunct therapy. Addressing these challenges is essential for the successful integration of Sanghuangporus extracts into modern therapeutic protocols. 6 Development into Functional Foods and Pharmaceuticals 6.1 Potential of Sanghuangporus as a dietary supplement or functional food Sanghuangporus holds significant potential as a dietary supplement or functional food due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Sanghuangporus's bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, can be incorporated into functional foods to promote health and prevent diseases. For instance, a recent study demonstrated the antioxidant properties of yogurt fortified with Sanghuangporus extracts, indicating that Sanghuangporus can be effectively incorporated into food products to enhance their nutritional value and health benefits. Moreover, Sanghuangporus can be used as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powders, or extracts to provide a convenient way for consumers to access its health-promoting properties. Its natural origin and long history of use in traditional medicine further support its potential acceptance as a functional food or dietary supplement. 6.2 Strategies for developing Sanghuangporus-based pharmaceuticals Developing Sanghuangporus-based pharmaceuticals requires a multidisciplinary approach to harness its therapeutic potential effectively. The first step is to identify and isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for Sanghuangporus's pharmacological activities. Advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can be employed to purify and characterize these compounds. For example, a study using ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified several active compounds in Sanghuangporus with potential therapeutic effects (Wang et al., 2021). Following the identification of active constituents, in vitro and in vivo studies are crucial for understanding their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. To develop Sanghuangporus-based pharmaceuticals, formulating the extract into a suitable dosage form is essential, ensuring stability, bioavailability, and efficacy. Nanotechnology can be explored to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble Sanghuangporus compounds, while encapsulation techniques can protect the
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