Edible plant Jiaosu: manufacturing, bioactive compounds, potential health benefits, and safety aspects

Edible plant Jiaosu (EPJ), a type of plant-based functional food fermented by beneficial bacteria, has gained publicity in recent years for its potential benefits to health. Important progress in relevant manufacturing technology has been made in the past decade with respect to raw materials, fermentation microorganisms and fermentation conditions. Current research has revealed that EPJ contains abundant nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as minerals, amino acids, polyphenols, organic acids and polysaccharides. Thus, many studies have focused on the beneficial effects of EPJ in preventing lifestyle diseases, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver, obesity, diabetes and some cancers, although limited studies have involved the related active compounds and their protective mechanisms. Furthermore, very few studies have investigated the potential safety risks associated with the consumption of such food. In this review, we present a brief summary of the current research progress pertaining to the manufacturing, bioactive compounds, potential health benefits and safety aspects of EPJ. However, as a result of the complex components in EPJ, further studies on the bioactive compounds with relevant beneficial effects in EPJ and the safety evaluations of EPJ consumption are needed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.