J Korean Med Assoc.  2005 Jun;48(6):538-546.

Establishment of a System to Evaluate the Efficacy of Functional Foods

• Choi YD

Abstract

There are many functional foods available nowadays. Functional foods are believed to promote health, physical activities, and satisfaction. However, their efficacy should be proved through both laboratory and clinical trials. To evaluate the efficacy, in vitro effects of specific animal model can be used as an objective laboratory screening test. In vivo function tests can be used as a preclinical animal study with or without administration of functional foods. In clinical trials, validated questionnaires and objective function tests can be used according to various study models. Therefore to validate the efficacy of any nutritional supplement, one or more laboratory results and validated clinical study are necessary. In conclusion, the safety and efficacy of functional foods should be decided based on a functional testing guideline, which can substantially decrease the incidence of drug overuse and protect the public health, accordingly.

Keyword

Functional food; Effectiveness; Safety

MeSH Terms

Animals
Functional Food*
Incidence
Mass Screening
Models, Animal
Motor Activity
Public Health
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

• 

  Figure 1

• 

  Figure 2

• 

  Figure 3

Reference

1. Choi YD, Rha KH, Choi HK. In vitro and In vivo experimental effect of the korean red ginseng on erection. J Urol. 1999. 162:1508–1511.

2. Choi HK, Seong DH, Rha KH. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int J Impotence Res. 1995. 7:181–186.

3. Choi YD, Xin ZC, Choi HK. Effect of Korean red ginseng on the rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. Int J Impotence Res. 1998. 10:37–43.

4. Kim N, Azadzoi KM, Goldstein I, Tejada IS. A nitric oxide-like factor mediate nonadrenergic-noncholinergic neurogenic relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. J Clin Invest. 1991. 88:112–118.

5. Kim C, Choi H, Kim CC, Kim JK, Kim MS. Influence of ginseng on mating behavior of male rats. Am J Chin Med. 1976. 4:163–168.

6. Jones JK. Adverse drug reaction in community health setting : Approaches to recognizing counselling, and reporting. Fam Community Health. 1982. 5:58–67.

7. Rajfer J, Aronson WJ, Bush PA, Dorey FJ, Ignarro LJ. Nitric oxide as a ediator of relaxation of the corpus cavernosum in response to nonadrenergic noncholinergic neurotransmission. New Engl J Med. 1992. 326:90–94.