International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 369-379 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 369 Research Insight Open Access The Integration of Holistic Approaches in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Micronutrient Research in Modern Nutrition Science: Theory and Application Zichao Chen1, Haijuan Zhang2 1 Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Longquan People's Hospital, Lishui, 323000, Zhejiang, China 2 Longquan Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Longquan, 323700, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 305755091@qq.com International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmms.2024.14.0036 Received: 22 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 25 Nov., 2024 Published: 08 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen Z.C., and Zhang H.J., 2024, The integration of holistic approaches in traditional chinese medicine and micronutrient research in modern nutrition science: theory and application, International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 14(6): 369-379 (doi: 10.5376/ijmms.2024.14.0036) Abstract This study explores the theoretical foundation and practical applications of integrating the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with micronutrient research in modern nutrition science. TCM's holistic view emphasizes internal balance and harmony, using theories such as "the spleen and stomach as the root of post-heaven" and "the homology of medicine and food" to guide dietary interventions. Modern nutrition science, on the other hand, focuses on the specific roles of micronutrients in physiological functions, such as energy metabolism, immune regulation, and DNA synthesis. By leveraging the strengths of both fields, interdisciplinary research can develop more comprehensive and personalized strategies for health management and chronic disease treatment. Studies have shown that TCM herbs, rich in fibers, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, exhibit prebiotic-like activities that can modulate gut microbiota, thereby improving conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite significant theoretical and methodological differences between TCM and modern nutrition science, the application of emerging research methods such as network pharmacology and systems biology can deepen our understanding of TCM's mechanisms and facilitate the development of more effective treatment strategies. Future research should focus on conducting evidence-based clinical trials and constructing theoretical models to validate the efficacy and safety of integrative therapies. Additionally, personalized nutritional guidelines should be developed for different populations, along with the creation of nutritional foods incorporating TCM principles, to provide new insights for health management and chronic disease treatment. Keywords TCM holistic approach; Micronutrients; Network pharmacology; Chronic disease management; Personalized nutrition. 1 Introduction Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long-standing history of utilizing holistic approaches to health and wellness, emphasizing the balance and harmony within the body through various practices, including nutrition. TCM nutrition, in particular, focuses on using food as a therapeutic tool to maintain and restore health, guided by principles such as the homology of medicine and food and the central role of the spleen-stomach system c. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating TCM with modern scientific methods, such as systems biology and network pharmacology, to enhance its applicability and acceptance in contemporary healthcare (Xu et al., 2021; Jiashuo et al., 2022). This integration aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern nutrition science, providing a more comprehensive approach to disease prevention and health maintenance. The integration of TCM and modern nutrition science holds significant potential for advancing healthcare. TCM's holistic perspective aligns well with the emerging trends in personalized and precision medicine, which focus on individualized treatment plans based on a person's unique health profile (Wang and Zhang, 2017; Li et al., 2019). By combining the ancient wisdom of TCM with modern scientific techniques, such as omics and network pharmacology, researchers can develop more effective and targeted nutritional interventions (Buriani et al., 2012; Li and Zhang, 2013). This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances the understanding of TCM's mechanisms but also promotes the development of new therapeutic strategies that can address complex diseases more effectively (Robinson, 2006; Jiang et al., 2022; Chen, 2024). Furthermore, the integration of these fields can lead to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds and the improvement of quality control in TCM products, ultimately benefiting public health (Chen et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2021).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==