Research Advances of the Effects of Food and Medicine Homology Substances on Gastric Cancer.

[BACKGROUND] Gastric cancer (GC), a common malignant tumor, poses a significant threat to human health. Conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens come with significant drawbacks, including high toxicity, adverse side effects, inadequate targeting ability, and the potential for developing drug resistance, which ultimately diminishes patients' overall well-being.

[METHODS] Food and medicine homology substances exhibit favorable pharmacological activity and minimal toxic side effects. They comprise a range of components that are beneficial to the human body, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other biologically active components such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. In recent years, they have attracted considerable attention in the field of GC prevention and treatment. A comprehensive review of extant literature, alongside a rigorous analysis of contemporary nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine, forms the foundation of this study.

[RESULTS] Its systematic approach encompasses the examination of the effects and mechanisms of food and medicine homology substances and their active ingredients on the prophylaxis and therapy of GC.

[CONCLUSIONS] The study's findings expand the cognitive boundaries of GC prevention and improvement and offer novel insights and directions for the development of clinical anticancer therapeutic drugs.