In recent years, the convergence of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science has sparked renewed interest in exploring ancient medicinal concepts through the lens of modern oncology. At the forefront of this convergence lies the principle of “food and medicine homology” (FMH), a philosophy rooted in the idea that certain substances can function dually as both nourishing foods and therapeutic agents. This ancient concept has garnered contemporary scientific attention for its promising potential in cancer treatment, suggesting a paradigm shift toward integrative and holistic approaches in oncology. A collaborative group of researchers from China and Turkey recently detailed their perspective on the scientific underpinnings, clinical promise, and research roadmap for FMH in a thought-provoking article published in Food & Medicine Homology.
The FMH principle posits a blurred boundary between food and medicine, emphasizing natural substances that confer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Historically, such substances were employed in traditional Chinese medicine and various indigenous healing systems to address ailments resembling modern-day cancers. Today, the challenge lies in translating this rich heritage into rigorous scientific frameworks that validate efficacy, elucidate mechanisms, and ensure safety. The authors assert that FMH substances’ inherent pharmacological activity combined with their nutritional value and low toxicity makes them exemplary candidates for adjunctive cancer therapies, capable of complementing existing treatment modalities with minimal adverse effects.
From a biochemical perspective, FMH substances harbor a complex milieu of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, each potentially acting upon multiple molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis. Recent advances in analytical technologies, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, have enabled unparalleled characterization of these compounds at the molecular level. Coupled with systems biology approaches like network pharmacology, researchers can now map intricate interactions between these multi-component mixtures and targeted cellular signaling networks, presenting a compelling case for their multi-targeted therapeutic potential in overcoming challenges like tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance.
The implications for cancer management are profound. Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while often effective, are frequently limited by systemic toxicity, acquired resistance, and diminished patient quality of life. Integrating FMH-derived adjuncts into treatment regimens could enhance therapeutic efficacy by modulating tumor microenvironments, sensitizing cancer cells to cytotoxic agents, and ameliorating metabolic dysregulation frequently encountered in cancer patients. Moreover, the nutritional support provided by FMH substances may assist in correcting cancer-induced cachexia and improving overall patient resilience, thereby addressing both disease and host factors comprehensively.
Importantly, the research team stresses that their exploration is far from a nostalgic return to uncritical traditionalism. Rather, it represents a scientifically rigorous endeavor committed to disentangling empirical observations from anecdotal claims. Emerging tools such as organ-on-chip models and artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery platforms enable systematic evaluation of FMH therapies with unprecedented precision. These approaches permit not only dissection of pharmacodynamic properties but also simultaneous assessment of nutrient metabolism and toxicity, laying the foundation for refining dosing strategies and ensuring safety—even with chronic use.
Historical medical texts continue to inspire contemporary inquiry, with canonical works such as the Shang Han Za Bing Lun documenting ancient FMH formulations aimed at diseases resembling neoplastic conditions. Similarly, ethnopharmacological practices prevalent in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing areas underscore a globally recognized role for traditional medicine in holistic cancer care. Such rich cultural repositories offer a vast yet largely untapped source for novel compound discovery, especially when evaluated through the prism of modern scientific validation. This global perspective encourages a synthesis of diverse medicinal heritages into a unified, evidence-based framework for integrative oncology.
The multifaceted nature of FMH also aligns perfectly with the contemporary shift from a purely “disease-centered” model of cancer care to a broader “health-centered” paradigm. Beyond eradicating malignant cells, this approach advocates for restoration of systemic balance and enhancement of patient well-being. FMH therapies fit within this philosophy by simultaneously targeting multiple etiological and symptomatic facets of cancer progression. Furthermore, their cost-effectiveness and adaptability across the cancer care continuum—from prevention through recovery—position them as promising tools to enhance accessibility in resource-limited settings, where conventional treatments may be scarce or unaffordable.
Clinical translation nevertheless remains a formidable but surmountable hurdle. The authors advocate for a phased research process beginning with in-depth fundamental studies to parse out active constituents and their synergistic or antagonistic interactions. This should be followed by preclinical validation using innovative models that recapitulate human tumor biology and metabolic complexities. Subsequently, carefully designed clinical trials are imperative to confirm safety, optimal dosing, and efficacy. Such rigorous methodologies will help move FMH interventions from purported remedies to standardized, clinically actionable therapies, supported by regulatory approval and integrated guidelines.
Furthermore, attention must be given to exploring the differential effects of whole FMH formulations versus isolated active ingredients. Whole extracts may exploit synergistic interactions among constituent compounds, producing augmented anti-cancer effects. Conversely, isolating specific molecules permits dose precision and mechanistic clarity, both critical for meeting clinical trial and regulatory standards. Bridging this knowledge gap will require coordinated efforts among pharmacologists, oncologists, chemists, and nutrition scientists.
The societal and cultural dimensions of adopting FMH-based therapies should not be underestimated. High patient acceptance and cultural resonance can drive adherence, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Meanwhile, their use as adjuncts reduces the burden of side effects common to conventional therapies, potentially improving patients’ quality of life and treatment sustainability. However, cultivating this acceptance demands transparent communication and education grounded in robust scientific evidence, thereby dispelling misconceptions and avoiding exploitation through unregulated claims.
Ultimately, the integration of FMH into modern oncology represents a bold endeavor to harness the best of ancient insights and modern science. Co-corresponding author Professor Gokhan Zengin emphasizes the necessity for unwavering scientific rigor supported by persistent research investment and favorable policy frameworks. With such infrastructure in place, the development of standardized extracts, prioritization of clinical trials involving combination therapy and nutritional support, and establishment of comprehensive clinical guidelines for FMH use could redefine adjunctive cancer care.
In conclusion, while FMH is not a panacea, its thoughtful and evidence-based incorporation into contemporary oncology promises to enhance patient outcomes, alleviate therapeutic toxicity, and democratize access to cancer care worldwide. This emerging interdisciplinary field epitomizes the future of integrative medicine—where tradition and innovation collide to produce clinically meaningful advances.
Subject of Research: Food and medicine homology (FMH) substances as potential adjunctive therapies in cancer treatment.
Article Title: Food and medicine homology in cancer treatment: traditional thoughts collide with scientific evidence
News Publication Date: 20-Jun-2025
Web References: DOI: 10.26599/FMH.2025.9420120
Keywords: Food and medicine homology, FMH, cancer therapy, natural compounds, adjunctive treatment, systems medicine, pharmacology, tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, nutrition support, integrative oncology, traditional medicine, multi-target therapy
