Hydroxymethyl Furfural in Chinese Herbal Medicines: Its Formation, Presence, Metabolism, Bioactivities and Implications

Abstract

Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) is one of important intermediates formed in Maillard reaction and caramelization. It was found that HMF existed in many Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and accumulated during CHM processing. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to its safety and actions in CHMs, which has led to many reports about different aspects of HMF. In this paper, previous and recent studies on HMF formation, its presence in CHMs, its metabolism and bioactivities, together with its implications for CHMs were summarized, with the purpose of contributing to a better understanding of CHMs.

Targeted Metabolomics Study on the Effect of Vinegar Processing on the Chemical Changes and Antioxidant Activity of Angelica sinensis

“…Chemical components were interplay births a plethora of intermediary products, such as restoring ketone compounds, aldehyde compounds, and aromatic heterocyclic entities. These compounds were pivotal in crafting the aromatic signature of the processed material [28]. Progressing through the Maillard reaction's stages, melanoidin emerges as the culmination product, renowned for its potent antioxidant prowess.…”

Sunflower Honey—Evaluation of Quality and Stability during Storage

“…Most often, liquefying crystallized honey involves heating at 32–40 °C [ 27 ]. The amount of fructose and glucose in honey is reduced during overheating for better ripening, which also causes the formation of HMF [ 26 , 28 ]. Honey producers worldwide have practiced by using a variety of heating methods using temperatures between 30° and 140 °C from short periods of time to many hours [ 6 ].…”