Unlocking the potential of Chenpi for healthy diets: Insights into bioactive compounds and health-promoting benefits

Abstract

With rapid global population growth and climate change, food systems face immense pressure to provide adequate nutrition for all. This challenge could further exacerbate global health concerns. In this context, developing and providing healthier and affordable food ingredients and introducing them into daily diets are important strategies to address this challenge. Chenpi is a traditional medicine-food homology ingredient in China and is widely utilised in the development of food products and domestic cooking as a flavouring. Chenpi has received much attention due to its various health-promoting benefits, and its wider inclusion and promotion in daily diets could contribute to providing health support for all and preventing diet-related diseases. Therefore, this review provides insights into the potential of Chenpi and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research evidence to improve understanding of its health-promoting properties, aiming to maximise its potential for supporting healthy diets for all.