Research Progress on Physicochemical Properties, Physiological Functions and Application of Resistant Starch in Edible Medicinal Substances with Starch as the Main Component

Resistant starch has shown great advantages in maintaining intestinal ecology, regulating glycolipid metabolism, and protecting against cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-digestibility and probiotic function. Pueraria, lotus seeds, yam root and other edible medicinal substances that rich in resistant starch have gradually become a hot spot for researchers. In this paper, the research progress on the physicochemical properties and physiological functions of resistant starch derived from edible medicinal substances is reviewed. Its processing adaptability and application scenarios as raw food materials have also been discussed. Resistant starch derived from edible medicinal substances is widely used in food industry due to its good physical and chemical processing properties. It can improve the quality of food and has a positive impact on disease prevention and treatment, with physiological functions such as regulating intestinal flora, improving the intestinal barrier, reducing inflammatory factors, regulating the body's glucose metabolism and inhibiting fat accumulation. The physicochemical properties, physiological functions and application scenarios of resistant starch from different sources differ significantly and the underlying mechanisms need to be investigated in depth. Whether resistant starch encapsulate and carry specific functional components from edible medicinal substances to perform specific physiological functions also needs to be further explored. This paper may provide some basis and ideas for the further development of resistant starch in starch-based edible medicinal substances.