Food and medicine homology: a potential nutritional intervention strategy for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome

July 2025 in “ Frontiers in Pharmacology ”

Li Zhan, Yingqi Liu, Wei Ding, Yue Liu, Wang Li, Shanshan Guan, Xianjun Liu, Guizhen Wang, Qiong Liu, Cheng Jiang, Xi Peng, Hao Li, Zhandong Li, Jing Li, Zhandong Li, Jing Li

TLDR FMH foods may help manage post-acute COVID-19 symptoms safely and easily.

This review explores the potential of foods with food and medicine homology (FMH) as a nutritional intervention strategy for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been significant in COVID-19 recovery, and FMH foods, which combine the properties of drugs and food, offer safety and ease of daily use. The review analyzed 290 peer-reviewed publications on various FMH formulas and botanical drugs, highlighting their role in alleviating PACS symptoms. It also addresses challenges related to regulatory characteristics and food safety. The findings suggest that FMH foods could provide new opportunities for PACS treatment and daily management, laying the groundwork for developing PACS intervention foods.

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