In a groundbreaking study blending centuries-old tradition with modern science, researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have unveiled potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties in polysaccharides extracted from two popular Chinese medicinal herbs—Poria (茯苓) and Taiwan-native Antrodia cinnamomea (牛樟芝). This discovery marks a pivotal step toward the scientific modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
While polysaccharides have long been believed to play a crucial role in regulating physiological functions, most TCM research has historically focused on small-molecule compounds, leaving the biological potential of these complex carbohydrates largely unexplored. To bridge this critical gap, NYCU’s College of Medicine established Taiwan’s first-ever Traditional Chinese Medicine Glycomics Research Center (TCMGRC), following the founding of its School of Chinese Medicine. The center is dedicated to investigating the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides in traditional herbal remedies and accelerating their clinical applications.
Taiwan’s First TCMGRC Showcases Breakthrough Research Achievements
The center’s current research zeroes in on Poria and Antrodia cinnamomea, both highly valued in folk medicine. Under the leadership of Professor Mei-Kuang Lu, the research team successfully isolated a novel compound, Suc40 F3, from sulfated polysaccharides in Poria. Laboratory tests have confirmed that this compound exhibits dual functionality—effectively suppressing inflammation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The team is now actively decoding its chemical structure to pave the way for clinical therapies based on Poria polysaccharides.
In parallel, Professor Tung-Yi Lin’s prior research on the use of Scutellaria baicalensis (黃芩) for oral treatments earned a prestigious gold medal at the 2025 Tokyo International Exhibition of Genius Inventions, showcasing Taiwan’s innovative edge in herbal medicine applications. Professor Lin continues to collaborate with Professor Lu to explore the untapped therapeutic potential of herbal polysaccharides.
Precision Agriculture Boosts Antrodia Cinnamomea’s Anti-Cancer Potential
Turning their focus to Antrodia cinnamomea, a rare medicinal fungus unique to Taiwan, Professors Lin and Lu are pioneering precision agriculture techniques to enhance the yield of its bioactive sulfated polysaccharides. Their experiments show that cultivating Antrodia cinnamomea with specific trace elements—particularly zinc sulfate—significantly increases the production of highly bioactive compounds. These compounds have demonstrated remarkable results in vitro, inhibiting lung cancer cell growth and activating macrophages, key components of the immune system, to further suppress cancer survival.
“This is a highly interdisciplinary initiative,” said Professor Dong-Yi Lin, Director of the Center and Head of the Institute of Traditional Medicine. “If we can successfully establish a comprehensive biochemical database for TCM polysaccharides, it will not only fill a longstanding research gap but also chart a new course for future drug development based on traditional medicine.”
Despite these promising advances, the research team cautions that polysaccharide studies remain in their early stages. They advise the public to consult qualified medical professionals before considering polysaccharide-based therapies.
As global interest in natural substances for biomedical applications continues to grow, Taiwan’s cutting-edge research into TCM polysaccharides could well become a shining beacon for the future of herbal medicine. These sustained research efforts underscore NYCU’s unwavering commitment to modernizing Chinese medicine and fulfilling the founding mission of its Department of Chinese Medicine.
Source : NYCU News
