Drug Discov Ther. 2025;19(5):294-303. (DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2025.01092)

Food, medicine, and cosmetic homology: A comprehensive review of bioactive components, functions, and applications of Torreya grandis

Cui XY, Shi CY, Sun Y

Torreya grandis (T. grandis) is one of the evergreen tree species in China. The kernels of T. grandis have been used as traditional medicine and food for thousands of years in China. In recent years, it has also been developed as raw materials for cosmetics. T. grandis is rich in bioactive components, including unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, protein, amino acids, trace elements, minerals, polyphenols, squalene, phytosterol, terpenes, etc. Therefore, T. grandis possesses a wide range of biological activities such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, microbiota alteration, effects on blood pressure, blood glucose and lipids, neuroprotective effect, brightening, reducing uric acid (UA) level, ameliorating bone metabolism disorders, alleviating slow transit constipation, and antinociceptive activity. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of T. grandis on its active components and functions, and explores its existing and potential applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

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