Food And Medicine Homology: A Potential Nutritional Intervention Strategy For Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

The review examines the potential of foods with food and medicine homology (FMH), a concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a nutritional intervention for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). FMH foods, which have both medicinal and dietary properties, are considered safer for daily use than conventional drugs. The review analyzed 290 publications and found that FMH foods, rich in active ingredients like flavonoids and saponins, offer a multi-target approach to treating PACS symptoms affecting multiple body systems. Key compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are noted for their beneficial effects on fatigue, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. Despite promising results, challenges remain in understanding regulatory mechanisms and ensuring food safety. The review suggests that FMH foods could provide new opportunities for PACS treatment and management, emphasizing the need for further research to validate findings and explore underlying mechanisms.