Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science: 'Food and medicine homology' presents new opportunities in cancer care

The age-old principle of "food and medicine homology" (FMH), positing that certain substances can serve dual purposes as both nutrient-rich food and medicinal agents, may provide novel avenues for contemporary cancer therapy, suggest researchers. Although these compounds have demonstrated anti-tumor properties in preliminary laboratory tests, the team emphasizes the need for stringent scientific verification to effectively reconcile traditional knowledge with clinical practice.

In their scholarly opinion piece published in Food & Medicine Homology, the collaborative team from China and Turkey delineates the theoretical foundations, intrinsic benefits, and a prospective research paradigm for investigating FMH within the field of oncology.

FMH substances, due to their pharmacological properties and nutritional benefits, coupled with their notably low toxicity, are suitable for extended use. These characteristics make them promising candidates for the development of adjunctive tumor therapies with reduced toxicity.

"The exploration of food and medicine homology is not an uncritical return to tradition, but a scientifically-grounded endeavor to uncover its inherent value," said Meng-Yao Li, a professor at the Shanghai Cancer Institute and corresponding author of the article. "These substances offer a multi-component, multi-target approach that could address key clinical challenges like drug resistance and tumor heterogeneity, all while providing nutritional support that rectifies metabolic imbalances caused by cancer."

The theoretical foundation for this exploration is robust. Historical texts like Shang Han Za Bing Lun document the use of FMH formulations for cancer-like diseases. Practices in many developing countries, such as the use of diverse herbal remedies by traditional healers in Sub-Saharan Africa, further underscore a global recognition of traditional medicine's role in holistic cancer management. From a molecular perspective, FMH herbs are a rich source of natural compounds, and modern technologies like advanced mass spectrometry, network pharmacology, artificial intelligence, and organ-on-chip models are now making it feasible to precisely identify active components, unravel their complex mechanisms, and verify their efficacy.

The authors highlight several key advantages of the FMH approach. Its multi-component nature allows for synergistic effects on various biological targets, which can help inhibit tumor progression, reverse drug resistance, and enhance the sensitivity of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy while reducing their adverse side effects. Furthermore, FMH therapy aligns with the global shift from a "disease-centered" to a "health-centered" paradigm in cancer care. It is cost-effective, highly adaptable across the entire cancer care cycle—from prevention and treatment to recovery—and demonstrates high patient compliance and cultural acceptance when used as an adjunctive method.

The path forward, as proposed by the authors, involves in-depth fundamental research followed by structured clinical investigation. This includes using modern techniques to precisely analyze compound components, systematically comparing the efficacy of whole compounds versus their isolated active ingredients, delving into both pharmacodynamic and nutrient metabolism pathways, and conducting comprehensive safety evaluations.

"Ultimately, our goal is to translate this ancient wisdom into tangible clinical benefits," said co-corresponding author Gokhan Zengin, a professor at Selcuk University. "This requires a steadfast commitment to scientific rigor. With sustained research effort and policy support, we can work towards standardized extracts, prioritize clinical trials for combination therapy and nutritional support, and finally, formulate clinical guidelines for the use of FMH substances in oncology."

The article concludes that while FMH alone is not a miracle cure, its thoughtful integration into modern oncology, backed by robust evidence, could significantly enhance cancer care accessibility and patient outcomes.

The article, "Food and medicine homology in cancer treatment: traditional thoughts collide with scientific evidence," was published in the journal Food & Medicine Homology.

Other contributors include: Qian Zhang and Jun Li from the College of Pharmacy at Inner Mongolia Medical University.

About the Authors

Meng-Yao Li (limy@sioc.ac.cn) is a professor at the State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. His research focuses on systems medicine and novel strategies for cancer treatment.

Gokhan Zengin (gokhanzengin@selcuk.edu.tr) is a professor in the Department of Biology at Selcuk University, Turkey. His research interests include the discovery of bioactive compounds from natural sources, their pharmacological properties, and their potential applications in medicine.