Analysis of Nutritional Components of Common Tonifying Traditional Chinese Medicines and Research on Their Compatibility in Daily Diet

Abstract

Tonifying traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are widely applied in clinical TCM practice, primarily used to ameliorate physical debilitation and treat various deficiency disorders based on the TCM theory of “strengthening healthy qi and consolidating the root”. In recent years, the concept of “medicine and food sharing the same origin” has gained increasing attention, and the application of tonifying TCMs in daily diets has expanded gradually. This paper takes several common tonifying TCMs including Ginseng, Astragalus, Chinese Angelica, Lycium barbarum, Polygonatum, Codonopsis and Hedysarum polybotrys as research objects. It sorts out major nutritional and active components such as polysaccharides, amino acids, trace elements, saponins and flavonoids contained in these herbs. Combined with recent relevant studies, this paper analyzes the correlation between these components and the tonifying effects of the herbs. Furthermore, integrating classical medicinal food compatibility experience and modern pharmacological research (covering immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, anti-hypoxia, intestinal microflora regulation and other fields), it discusses the scientific rationality of matching tonifying TCMs with daily food ingredients.

The study concludes that the nutritional and active components in these herbs not only scientifically explain their tonifying efficacy, but also form the material basis for daily dietary compatibility. Integrating the TCM principle of dietary therapy based on syndrome differentiation with modern nutrition science is an effective path to promote the rational development and utilization of tonifying TCMs. This paper can provide learning references for students majoring in TCM Resources and Development, and offer theoretical support for the research and development of health products.