International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 69-79 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 72 4.3 Immune regulatory mechanism Immunomodulation is the process of enhancing or suppressing the immune response to maintain balance. Bee products can activate B cells and T cells and promote adaptive immune responses (El-Seedi et al., 2022). Polysaccharides derived from MFH can also enhance the activity of immune cells and the secretion of cytokines, and strengthen the defense function of the body (Xu et al., 2022). Furthermore, the Pan Jisheng formula enhances the overall immune response by regulating key immune genes and pathways (Wu et al., 2022). 4.4 Anti-tumor mechanism The components in the MFH substance can induce apoptosis of tumor cells, inhibit proliferation and regulate related signaling pathways, thereby exerting anti-cancer effects. Rheum palmatum L. can promote apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Network pharmacological studies have discovered a variety of active compounds targeting apoptotic genes in its extracts, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells (Zhang et al., 2020). Similarly, the active components in coix seed can also show anti-cancer potential by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor proliferation (Zeng et al., 2022). The synthetic lethal strategy was used to screen for trace components in traditional Chinese medicine that could synergistically enhance anti-tumor activity (Shan et al., 2021). 4.5 Mechanism of antibacterial and antiviral action The MFH substance shows remarkable effects in inhibiting the growth of pathogens, providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Bee products such as propolis inhibit pathogen reproduction by destroying the outer membrane of pathogens and interfering with the functions of key enzymes (El-Seedi et al., 2022). Coix seed contains specific components that can not only hinder the proliferation of viruses but also enhance the body's defense ability (Zeng et al., 2022). Classic combinations of traditional Chinese medicines, such as the combination of Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong, have the dual characteristics of inhibiting pathogens and regulating inflammatory responses, showing advantages in the treatment of infections (Zhang et al., 2021; Zhong, 2024). 5 Modern Applications of Substances of the Same Origin as Food and Medicine 5.1 Application in disease prevention This type of substance, which has both food and medicinal value, has broad prospects in disease prevention. For instance, hawthorn (HT) has been proven to prevent atherosclerosis (AS). Among them, components such as apenin, lignin and quercetin can regulate signals such as MAPK, HIF-1 and NF-κB, help cell survival and reduce inflammation (Li et al., 2022). Similarly, Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf is recommended as a preventive dietary supplement due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects (Figure 2) (Zeng et al., 2022). Figure 2 Actional relationship between functional components of adlay and chronic disease (Adopted from Zeng et al., 2022)
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