Research Progress on Alleviating Inflammatory Responses by Regulating Macrophage Polarization Using Medicinal and Edible Homologous Traditional Chinese Medicines
Cheng Zhang, Xinyi Liu, Wenlin Chen, Weilin Song, Junjie Cai, Cheng Liang, Jun Shen, Ruoxuan Liu, Yiming Xu, Chunhui Li, Chenghong Li, Yuyuan Wu, Xinyi Li, Chuwen Li, Hongxun Tao, Yuanye DangABSTRACT
The inflammatory response is a physiological defense mechanism that combats pathogens and removes damaged tissue to maintain homeostasis. However, excessive inflammation can lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Macrophages, key immune cells, play a central role in inflammation. M1 macrophages initiate inflammation by promoting pathogen clearance and tissue damage, whereas M2 macrophages facilitate resolution and tissue repair. Thus, macrophage polarization critically influences inflammatory progression. Medicinal and edible homologous traditional Chinese medicines (MEHTCMs) are widely used for disease treatment and prevention. Their dual‐purpose nature allows safe dietary consumption alongside health‐promoting effects, aligning with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “preventive treatment of disease.” MEHTCMs are considered promising agents for modulating macrophage polarization and mitigating inflammation. Representative MEHTCMs include Astragalus membranaceus , Angelica sinensis , and Glycyrrhiza uralensis . These herbs are rich in bioactive compounds—such as Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides and saponins, licorice flavonoids and acids, and Angelica polysaccharides—that have been shown to regulate macrophage polarization, attenuate inflammatory responses, and enhance immunity. This review explores how MEHTCMs influence macrophage polarization and the inflammatory cascade. By elucidating their regulatory mechanisms, we highlight their therapeutic potential in inflammation management and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of novel anti‐inflammatory agents.