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Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development

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  • The city of Liuzhou, China, has developed a local specialty food policy since 2016 which today is considered one of the most successful local food policies in China and a best practice at international level. Liuzhou Luosifen (Liuzhou snail rice noodle), a famous traditional Chinese snack, boasts a unique combination of sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant flavors. In 2022, the pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen sales revenue reached 18.2 billion yuan, exported to 28 countries and regions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the contribution of Liuzhou local characteristic food policy implementation process on the regional economy. The review highlights key information on the product background, the policy formulation, the industrial standardization, and the policy implementation. The social groups and leading enterprises have been important drivers of the product standards and formulation of the policy, while the processing and transportation flow of standardized products, are essential for the integration of regional economies (tourism, production, transport, marketing, etc.). Although the specialty food industry chain has comprehensively driven the development of the regional economy, it is still necessary to carefully consider the joint development of new markets and new social practices.
  • Bletilla Rchb. f. is one of the most economically valuable groups of orchids in the world. Due to its ornamental significance, the genus Bletilla occupies an important place in the worldwide horticultural market. Furthermore, in China, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries, it is highly valued for its medicinal use[1].

    There are eight species in the genus Bletilla, including Bletilla chartacea (King & Pantl.) Tang & F.T. Wang, Bletilla cotoensis Schltr., Bletilla foliosa (King & Pantl.) Tang & F.T. Wang, Bletilla formosana Schltr., Bletilla guizhouensis J. Huang & G.Z. Chen, Bletilla morrisonensis Schltr., Bletilla ochracea Schltr., and Bletilla striata Rchb.f.[2,3]. The distribution area spans from northern Myanmar in Asia to Japan via China[4]. Five species are native to China, namely, B. foliosa, B. formosana, B. guizhouensis, B. ochracea, and B. striata. In China, people have assigned various names to Bletilla based on its morphology and efficacy, such as baiji (白及/白芨), baigen (白根), baige (白给), baijier (白鸡儿), baijiwa (白鸡娃), diluosi (地螺丝), gangen (甘根), junkouyao (皲口药), lianjicao (连及草), and yangjiaoqi (羊角七)[5]. These diverse appellations highlight the importance of this genus in Chinese folk biological culture.

    The medicinal material known as 'baiji' in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is usually the dried tuber of B. striata, which is also the authentic product included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia[6]. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020), TCM baiji is sliced, dried, and crushed into a powder that can be used topically or internally, with a recommended dosage of 3–6 g at a time, offering astringent, hemostatic, detumescence, and myogenic effects. It is often used for conditions such as hemoptysis, hematemesis, traumatic bleeding, sores, and skin chaps[7]. Although only B. striata is the authentic product of TCM baiji, the other four Bletilla species native to China are also used as substitutes, and this practice is widespread[8].

    Modern research indicates that Bletilla contains a variety of chemical components, including benzol, dihydrophenanthrene, phenanthrene, and quinone derivatives. These components confer pharmacological effects on Bletilla, such as hemostasis, anti-tumor activity, and promotion of cell growth[9]. Due to its outstanding medicinal value, Bletilla can be found in nearly every corner of the traditional medicine market (Fig. 1). However, habitat destruction and uncontrolled mining have led to a significant reduction in the native populations of Bletilla, making its protection an urgent priority. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of relevant research up to August 2023, covering botanical characteristics, resource distribution, ethnobotanical uses, chemical components, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, and safety evaluations of Bletilla. The aim is to raise awareness and promote the protection and sustainable use of this genus.

    Figure 1.  Varieties of Bletilla at the traditional March Medicinal Market in Dali, Yunnan, China.

    The morphology of different Bletilla species is highly similar. The primary taxonomic feature distinguishing each species is the characteristics of the flower, particularly the lip of the flower, including its size, shape, and the number and shape of longitudinal ridges on the lip plate (Table 1, Fig. 2)[1014].

    Table 1.  The morphological differences among five species of Bletilla plants native to China.
    Morphological featureBletilla striataBletilla formosanaBletilla ochraceaBletilla foliosaBletilla guizhouensis
    Plant height (cm)18−6015−8025−5515−2045−60
    Rhizome shapeCompressedCompressedSomewhat compressedSubgloboseCompressed
    Rhizome diameter (cm)1−31−2About 21−1.53−4
    Stem characteristicsStoutEnclosed by sheathsStoutStout, shortThin
    Leaf shapeNarrowly oblongLinear-lanceolateOblong-lanceolateElliptic-lanceolateNarrowly lanceolate
    Leaf size (cm)8−29 × 1.5−46−40 × 0.5−4.58−35 × 1.5−2.85−12 × 0.8−325−45 × 1.2−4.5
    Flower colorPurplish red or pinkPale purple or pinkYellowPale purpleDeep purple
    Flower sizeLargeMediumMediumSmall to mediumLarge
    Inflorescence structureBranched or simpleBranched or simpleSimpleSimpleBranched
    Pedicel and ovary length (mm)10−248−12About 187−913−17
    Sepal shapeNarrowly oblongLanceolateLanceolateLinear-lanceolateOblong-elliptic
    Petal shapeSlightly larger than sepalsSlightly narrower than sepalsObliqueLanceolateOblong-elliptic
    Lip shapeObovate-ellipticBroadly ellipticNarrowly rhombic-obovateNarrowly oblongNarrowly oblong
    Lip colorWhite with purplish veinsWhitish to pale yellow with small dark purple spotsWhitish to pale yellow with small dark purple spotsWhite with purplish spots and purple edgeWhite with deep purple edge
    Number of lip Lamellae5 lamellae5 undulate lamellae5 longitudinal lamellae3 fimbriate lamellae7 longitudinal lamellae
    Column characteristicsSubterete, dilated towards apexSubterete, dilated towards apexSlender, dilated towards apexCylindric, dilated towards apexSuberect, with narrow wings
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    Figure 2.  (a)−(d) Bletilla striata (Thunb. ex Murray) Rchb. f. (e)−(h) Bletilla formosana (Hayata) Schltr. (i)−(l) Bletilla ochracea Schltr. (m), (n) Bletilla sinensis (Rolf) Schltr. (o), (p) Bletilla guizhouensis Jie Huang & G.Z. Chen (Photographed by Wang Meina, Zhu Xinxin, and He Songhua).

    The flowers of B. striata are large and purplish-red or pink, with narrowly oblong sepals and petals measuring 25−30 mm in length and 6−8 mm in width. They have acute apices, nearly as long as the sepals and petals. The lip is obovate or elliptic, predominantly white with purplish-red coloration and purple veins, measuring 23−28 mm in length, slightly shorter than the sepals and petals. The lip disc exhibits five longitudinal folds extending from the base to near the apex of the middle lobe, with waviness occurring only above the middle lobe[11]. In China, B. striata is found in regions such as Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Gansu, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. It also occurs in the Korean Peninsula and Japan, thriving in evergreen broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, roadside grassy areas, or rock crevices, at altitudes ranging from 100−3,200 m[12].

    B. ochracea's flowers are medium to large, featuring yellow or yellow-green exteriors on the sepals and petals, while the insides are yellow-white, occasionally nearly white. The sepals and petals are nearly equal in length, oblong, measuring 18−23 mm long and 5−7 mm wide, with obtuse or slightly pointed apices, often adorned with fine purple spots on the reverse side. The lip is elliptic, typically white or light yellow, measuring 15−20 mm in length and 8−12 mm in width, with three lobes above the middle. The lip disc is characterized by five longitudinally ridged pleats, with undulations primarily occurring above the middle lobe[13]. B. ochracea is native to southeastern Gansu, southern Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan, thriving in evergreen broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, or beneath shrubs, in grassy areas or alongside ditches at altitudes ranging from 300−2,350 m[14].

    B. formosana's flowers come in shades of lavender or pink, occasionally white, and are relatively small. The sepals and petals are narrowly oblong, measuring 15−21 mm in length and 4−6.5 mm in width, and are nearly equal in size. The sepals have subacute apices, while the petal apices are slightly obtuse. The lip is elliptic, measuring 15−18 mm in length and 8−9 mm in width, with three lobes above the middle. The lip disc exhibits five longitudinal ridge-like pleats, which are wavy from the base to the top of the middle lobe[15]. B. formosana is indigenous to southern Shaanxi, southeastern Gansu, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, central to northwest Yunnan, southeast Tibet (Chayu), and Japan. It is typically found in evergreen broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, road verges, valley grasslands, grassy slopes, and rock crevices, at altitudes ranging from 600−3,100 m[16].

    The flowers of B. foliosa are small and lavender, with white sepals and petals featuring purple apices. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, measuring 11−13 mm in length and 3 mm in width, with subacute apices. The petals are lanceolate, also measuring 11−13 mm in length and 3 mm in width, with acute apices. The lip is white, oblong, adorned with fine spots, and features a purple apex. It measures 11−13 mm in length and 5−6 mm in width, tapering near the base and forming a scaphoid shape. The lip is anteriorly attenuated, unlobed, or abruptly narrowing with inconspicuous three lobes and exhibits fringe-like fine serrations along the edge. Three longitudinal ridge-like pleats are present on the upper lip disc[17]. B. foliosa typically grows on hillside forests, with its type specimen collected from Mengzi City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China[17].

    B. guizhouensis is a recently discovered species in Guizhou, China. In terms of shape, B. guizhouensis closely resembles B. striata, but it can be distinguished by its ovate-oblong buds, oblong dorsal sepals, obovate lips, and middle lobes of the lips, which are oval in shape. The disc of B. guizhouensis features seven distinct longitudinal lamellae, setting it apart from other known Bletilla species and establishing it as a distinct species[2]. Presently, B. guizhouensis has only been found in Guizhou, China, primarily thriving in evergreen broad-leaved forests at altitudes ranging from 900−1,200 m[3].

    Understanding the morphology, habitat, and distribution of Bletilla species is crucial for the conservation and propagation of these resources. To effectively implement plant conservation and breeding programs, a comprehensive understanding of the specific morphological characteristics, growth environments, and native habitats of these plants is essential, as without this knowledge, effective results cannot be achieved.

    The ethnobotanical uses of Bletilla worldwide primarily fall into two categories: ornamental and medicinal purposes. Bletilla orchids, renowned for their striking and distinct flowers, are commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes across many countries[18]. Valued for their aesthetic appeal, these orchids are frequently grown in gardens and utilized as potted plants. Among the various cultivars, B. striata stands out as the most favored choice for ornamental horticulture due to its ease of cultivation and adaptability to diverse climates[19,20].

    Contrastingly, in select Asian countries, Bletilla assumes a crucial role as a medicinal plant. For instance, influenced by TCM, the tuber of Bletilla also serves as a crude drug for hemostatic and anti-swelling purposes in Japan[21]. Likewise, traditional Korean medicine, deeply rooted in TCM principles, extensively documents the versatile use of Bletilla in addressing issues such as alimentary canal mucosal damage, ulcers, bleeding, bruises, and burns[22]. In Vietnam, Bletilla has been used as a medicinal herb for treating tumors and skin fissures, aligning with practices observed in the ethnic communities of southwest China[23].

    In China, Bletilla boasts a longstanding medicinal history, with numerous classical ancient Chinese medicine books containing detailed records of its medicinal applications[2432]. Even in contemporary society, many ethnic groups residing in mountainous areas in China continue to uphold the traditional medical practice of using Bletilla medicinally[31].

    In ancient Chinese medical literature, detailed records of Bletilla's morphology can be traced back to the late Han Dynasty, around 200 AD[24]. The Mingyi Bielu, a historical source, documented, 'Bletilla grows in the valley, with leaves resembling those of Veratrum nigrum L., and its root is white and interconnected. The ideal time for harvesting is September'. As awareness of the medicinal significance of Bletilla grew, successive dynastic-era Chinese medical texts consistently included descriptions of Bletilla's morphology (Table 2). In the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen compiled these earlier accounts of Bletilla's plant characteristics in his work, the Compendium of Materia Medica. He even provided an illustrative depiction of this plant genus (Fig. 3)[25].

    Table 2.  Morphological description of the plants belonging to Bletilla in the ancientChinese medicinal books.
    Dynasty (Year)TitleAuthorOriginal ChineseEnglish translation
    Late Han
    (184−220 AD)
    Mingyi Bielu/白给生山谷, 叶如藜芦,
    根白相连, 九月采
    Bletilla grows in the valley, with leaves like Veratrum nigrum L., root is white and connected. September is the time for harvesting.
    Wei-Jin period
    (220−420 AD)
    WuPu BencaoWu Pu白根, 茎叶如生姜, 藜芦,
    十月花, 直上, 紫赤色,
    根白连, 二月, 八月, 九月采
    Bletilla, stems and leaves like Zingiber officinale Roscoe and V. nigrum. It blooms in October and is purple and red, the inflorescence is vertical and upward. The roots are white and connected. It can be dug in February, August, and September.
    the Northern and Southern
    (420−589 AD)
    Bencao JizhuTao Hongjing近道处处有之, 叶似杜若,
    根形似菱米, 节间有毛
    It is everywhere near the road. The leaves are like Pollia japonica Thunb. The roots are like the fruit of Trapa natans L., and internode are many fibrous roots.
    Tang
    (618−907 AD)
    Su Jing, Zhangsun Wuji, etcTang materia medica生山谷, 如藜芦, 根白连, 九月采Born in the valley, with leaves like V. nigrum, root is white and connected. September is the time for harvesting.
    Song
    (960−1279 AD)
    Su SongCommentaries on the Illustrations白芨, 生石山上。春生苗,
    长一尺许, 似栟榈及藜芦,
    茎端生一台, 叶两指大, 青色,
    夏开花紫, 七月结实, 至熟黄黑色。
    至冬叶凋。根似菱米, 有三角白色, 角端生芽。二月, 七月采根
    Bletilla grow on the stone hill. It sprouts in spring and grows about a foot long. The seedlings are like Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl. and V. nigrum. The leaves are two finger-size. In summer, it blooms purple flowers and bears fruit in July. The ripe fruit is yellow-black. The leaves wither in winter. The root is like the fruit of T. natans, with three corners, white, and sprouting at the corners. The roots are dug in February and July.
    Ming
    (1368−1644 AD)
    Li ShizhenCompendium of Materia Medica一棵只抽一茎, 开花长寸许,
    红紫色, 中心如舌, 其根如菱米,
    有脐, 如凫茈之脐,
    又如扁扁螺旋纹, 性难干
    Only one stem per herb. The flower is more than one inch long, red and purple, and the center resembles a tongue. Its root is similar to the fruit of T. natans, possessing an umbilicus akin to that of Eleocharis dulcis (N. L. Burman) Trinius ex Henschel. It has spiral veins and is challenging to dry.
    −, Anonymous.
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    Figure 3.  Bletilla in Compendium of Materia Medica.

    Generally, ancient Chinese medical texts did not make clear distinctions between different Bletilla species. They collectively referred to plants with similar morphological traits as 'baige', 'baigen', 'baiji', 'gangen', 'lianjicao', or 'ruolan'. However, through textual analysis, it has been established that the descriptions of Bletilla in ancient texts before the Ming Dynasty largely align with Bletilla striata in terms of plant height, pseudo-bulb shape, leaf morphology, flower and fruit colors, and other characteristics. While the Bletilla portrayed in attached images may not precisely match B. striata in terms of morphology, considering the textual descriptions, it generally corresponds with B. striata. In writings from the Ming Dynasty and later periods, more specific descriptions of Bletilla emerged, encompassing details about its vascular arrangement, inflorescence, and flower structure, which consistently align with B. striata. Consequently, researchers have corroborated that the original plant of Bletilla described in ancient texts is Bletilla striata[24,33].

    According to the ancient Chinese medicinal books, Bletilla was used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including coughing, bruising, and bleeding, but their most mentioned use in ancient Chinese texts is for skin whitening and freckle removal[25]. Since ancient times, Bletilla species have been used consistently for skin care and whitening, and there are many well-known skincare products related to Bletilla. These Chinese formulae with Bletilla are similar to modern facial masks, face creams, facial cleanser, hand creams and other skin care products[26].

    For example, a prescription for 'facial fat (面脂)' in Medical Secrets from the Royal Library (752 AD) is made by boiling Bletilla with other traditional ingredients, and is applied to the face, resulting in skin whitening, freckle and wrinkle removal[27]. The 'Angelica dahurica cream (白芷膏)' in the General Medical Collection of Royal Benevolence (1111−1125 AD) is reputed to whiten facial skin through a seven-day treatment regiment, and contains Bletilla as the main botanical ingredient along with Angelica dahurica[28]. Jingyue Quanshu (1563-1640 AD) also contains a prescription called 'Yurong powder (玉容散)' for facial skin care. 'Yurong powder' is made of a fine powder of Bletilla, Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., Anthoxanthum nitens (Weber) Y. Schouten & Veldkamp and other herbs[29]. Washing the face with Yurong powder in the morning and evening every day is said to make a person's face white without blemishes (Fig. 4)[29].

    Figure 4.  Yurong powder made of Bletilla and other traditional Chinese medicines in Jingyue Quanshu.

    In addition, in ancient Chinese medicine texts, Bletilla is also a well-known medicine for treating hematemesis, hemoptysis and bruises[23]. According to Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica (25−220), grinding the white fungus into fine powder and taking it after mixing with rice soup can be effective for treating lung damage and hematemesis[30]. Among the Prescriptions for Universal Relief (1406), 18 traditional Chinese medicines, such as Bletilla, are used to make 'snake with raw meat cream', which is said to be useful to treat carbuncles and incised wounds[31]. There is also a record of Bletilla powder treating lung heat and hematemesis in the Collected Statements on the Herbal Foundation (1624)[32].

    In ancient Chinese medicinal texts, most Bletilla are said to be useful for lung injury and hemoptysis, epistaxis, metal-inflicted wounds, carbuncles, burns, chapped hands and feet, whitening and especially for skin care. In the ancient medicinal texts, Bletilla is used alone or mixed with other traditional Chinese medicines. It is usually used in the form of a powder. The various medicinal effects of Bletilla described in these ancient texts suggest the great potential of this genus in clinical application, especially in the market of skin care products and cosmetics.

    As a skin care herb praised by ancient medical classics, 11 ethnic minorities in China, such as Bai, Dai, De'ang, Jingpo, Lisu, Miao, Mongolian, Mulao, Tu, Wa, and Yi still retain the traditional habit of using Bletilla for skin care in their daily life (Table 3). In addition to B. striata, B. formosana and B. ochracea are also used as substitutes. Although Chinese ethnic groups have different names for Bletilla spp., the skin care methods are basically the same. Dry Bletilla tubers are ground into a powder and applied to the skin[34], and this usage is also confirmed by the records in ancient medical texts[23, 24]. The various local names of Bletilla by different ethnic groups also indirectly suggests which ethnic groups play an important role in the traditional use. For example, Bai people called B. striata baijier (白鸡儿), goubaiyou (狗白尤), and yangjiaoqi (羊角七) (Table 3).

    Table 3.  The traditional medicinal knowledge of Bletilla in ethnic communities, China.
    Ethnic groupLatin nameLocal nameUsed partUse methodMedicinal effect
    AchangBletilla striata (Thunb. ex Murray) Rchb. F.BaijiTuberAfter the roots are dried, chew them orally or grind them into powder for external applicationTuberculosis, hemoptysis, bleeding from gastric ulcer, burns and scalds
    BaiBaijier, Goubaiyou, YangjiaoqiTuberTreatment of tuberculosis hemoptysis, bronchiectasis hemoptysis, gastric ulcer hemoptysis, hematochezia, skin cracking
    DaiYahejieTuberUsed for tuberculosis, tracheitis, traumatic injury, and detumescence
    De'angBageraoTuberTuberculosis, hemoptysis, bleeding from gastric ulcer, burns and scalds
    DongShaque, SanjueTuberTreat hematemesis and hemoptysis
    JingpoLahoiban, PusehzuotuberFor tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, hemoptysis, gastric ulcer, hematemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, traumatic bleeding, burns, impotence
    MengMoheeryichagan, NixingTuberFor tuberculosis hemoptysis, ulcer bleeding, traumatic bleeding, chapped hands, and feet
    MiaoBigou, Wujiu, SigouTuberUsed for hemoptysis of tuberculosis, bleeding of ulcer disease, traumatic bleeding, chapped hands, and feet
    MolaoDajiebaTuberTreat internal and external injuries caused by falls
    TibetanSanchabaijiTuberFresh chopped and soaked with honey; Powdered after sun-dried, then taken with honey and waterMainly used to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis, lung disease and a few gynecological diseases
    TuRuokeyeTuberAfter the roots are dried, chew them orally or grind them into powder for external applicationTreatment of tuberculosis, hemoptysis, bloody stool, chapped skin
    WaBaijiTuberAfter the roots are dried, chew them orally or grind them into powder for external applicationFor tuberculosis, hemoptysis, gastrointestinal bleeding, scald and burn
    YaoBiegeidaiTuberTreat gastric ulcer, pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, hemoptysis, and hematemesis
    YiDaibaij, Tanimobbaili, Niesunuoqi, AtuluoboTuberTreatment of tuberculosis, hemoptysis, golden wound bleeding, burns, chapped hands and feet
    ZhuangManggounuTuberTreat stomachache and hemoptysis
    BaiBletilla formosana (Hayata) Schltr.Baijier, YangjiaoqiTuberAfter the roots are dried, chew them orally or grind them into powder for external applicationIt is used for emesis, hemoptysis due to tuberculosis, and hemoptysis due to gastric ulcer. External application for treatment of incised wound
    MiaoLianwuTuberThe effect is the same as that of B. striata
    LisuHaibiqiuTuberIt can treat tuberculosis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, golden sore bleeding, carbuncle and swelling poison, scald by soup fire, chapped hands and feet
    YiNiesunuoqi, Yeruomaoranruo, Atuluobo, Ribumama, Atuxixi, Abaheiji, Binyue, ZiyouTuberIt is used for tuberculosis, hemoptysis, traumatic injury, treatment of frostbite, burn, scald, bed-wetting of children and other diseases
    BaiBletilla ochracea Schltr.Baijier, YangjiaoqiTuberAfter the roots are dried, chew them orally or grind them into powder for external applicationFor hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis due to tuberculosis, hemoptysis due to gastric ulcer; External application of golden sore and carbuncle
    MengMoheeryichagan, NixingtuberThe effect is the same as that of B. striata
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    The formation of traditional medical knowledge among Chinese people is often directly related to the specific living environment and cultural background[34]. For example, the Bai, Dai, De'ang, Jingpo, Lisu Yi, Wa and other ethnic minorities live in mountainous areas. The cold weather in winter and year-round outdoor manual work makes it difficult to maintain their skin[35, 36]. In the face of this situation, the ethnic people who are concerned about their physical appearance have long ago chosen local Bletilla species for skin care, and have handed down this tradition for many generations[34]. This important traditional skin care tradition is worthy of further in-depth study.

    The six main classes of Bletilla chemical components, phenanthrene derivatives, phenolic acids, bibenzyls, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and steroids, have been described previously. Almost three hundred compounds have been isolated from Bletilla, including 116 phenanthrene derivatives, 58 phenolic acids, 70 bibenzyls, 8 flavonoids, 24 triterpenoids and steroid and 13 other compounds (Figs 514). Chemical structures of the isolates of Bletilla species most are phenanthrene derivatives, which have been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities.

    The prominent opioids oxycodone, hydrocodone, naloxone, and naltrexone are all phenanthrene derivatives[37]. Currently, phenanthrene derivatives (Fig. 5, 1 to 66) were isolated from B. formosana, B. ochracea, and B. striata. In 2022, 17 phenanthrene derivatives (117) were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of B. striata tubers[38]. Then, other phenanthrene derivatives were isolated from Bletilla, such as dihydrophenanthrenes (1841), phenanthrenes (4266), biphenanthrenes (Fig. 6, 6789), dihydro/phenanthrenes with uniquestructures (90112) and phenanthraquinones (Fig. 7, 113116). Thus far, this genus has been documented to include these compounds, which have been shown to exhibit pharmacological actions[3945].

    Figure 5.  Phenanthrene derivatives from Bletilla species (1−66)[3841,4345,47,49,58,7072,7479].
    Figure 6.  Phenanthrene derivatives from Bletilla species (67−105)[41,43,49,5961,70,76,7986].
    Figure 7.  Phenanthrene derivatives from Bletilla species (106−116)[43,49,70,75,84,85,87].

    Phenolic acids are carboxylic acids created from the skeletons of either benzoic or cinnamic acids[4648]. Fifty-eight phenolic acids (Figs 810, 117 to 174) were isolated from B. formosana, B. ochracea, and B. striata.

    Figure 8.  Phenolic acids from Bletilla species (117−134)[1,5,36,4752,54,67,88,90].
    Figure 9.  Phenolic acids from Bletilla species (135−169)[39,45,4854,56,61,68,69,73,76,82,83,8994].
    Figure 10.  Phenolic acids from Bletilla species (170−174)[20,95].

    For example, compounds 121, 126, 139, 141, 148, 149, 154, 155 and 157 were isolated from the rhizomes of B. formosana[1,49,5052]. The structures of these compounds were determined, mostly from their NMR spectroscopy data. Additionally, protocatechuic (136) and vanillin (137) also have been isolated from B. striata[53]. Moreover, some bioactive components such as 2-hydroxysuccinic acid (164) and palmitic acid (165) have been discovered and identified from B. striata[20,5456].

    The bibenzyls were small-molecular substances with a wide range of sources, which were steroidal ethane derivatives and resembling the structural moiety of bioactive iso-quinoline alkaloids[57].

    For example, depending on their structural characteristics, 70 bibenzyl compounds (Fig. 11, 175 to 244) can be grouped into three groups, simple bibenzyls (175186, 233238), complex bibenzyls (189225) and chiral bibenzyls (226-232, 239-244)[5860].

    Figure 11.  Bibenzyls from Bletilla species (175-244)[1,4042,47,49,50,5860,70,73,76,9699].

    Flavonoids are among the most common plant pigments. Eight bibenzyls (Fig. 12, 245 to 252) have been isolated from B. formosana, B. ochracea, and B. striata. Apigenin (245) and 8-C-p-hydoxybenzylkaempferol (249) were isolated from the whole plant of B. formosana[45]. Bletillanol A (250), bletillanol B (251) and tupichinol A (252) were isolated from B. striata[61]. The names and chemical structures of the flavonoids reported from Bletilla are shown below (Fig. 12).

    Figure 12.  Flavonoids from Bletilla species (245–252)[45,61].

    Twenty-four triterpenoids and steroids (Fig. 13, 253 to 276) have been reported from Bletilla (Fig. 13), such as, tetracyclic triterpenes (253259) and pentacyclic triterpenes (189225) and chiral bibenzyls (260)[6264]. Steroids (261276) isolated from the Bletilla and have shown some bioactivity. For example, bletilnoside A (272) was isolated from Bletilla species and displayed anti-tumor activity[65,66].

    Figure 13.  Triterpenoids and steroid compounds from Bletilla species (253-276)[56,6265].

    Thirteen other compounds (Fig. 14, 277 to 289) were isolated from B. formosana, B. ochracea, and B. striata. These compounds included amino acids, indoles and anthraquinones[67,68]. For example, syringaresinol (285) and pinoresinol (286) have been described in the methanol extract of the tubers of B. striata[61].

    Figure 14.  Others compounds from Bletilla species (277−289)[50,54,61,62,67,68,94,97].

    Based on the information about the chemical constituents of Bletilla species, it appears that there is a substantial body of research on these compounds. However, there are some areas that may warrant further investigation and research. At first, it would be valuable to investigate potential synergistic effects and interactions between the different classes of compounds within Bletilla species, as some of the compounds may work together. Besides, it is worth considering the improvement of compound yield. Optimizing extraction methods and finding the most efficient and environmentally friendly techniques are vital for both research purposes and potential commercial applications. It is also important to take into account the variability in chemical composition among different Bletilla species and even within the same species from different cultivars.

    The rich and varied chemical components make the plants of Bletilla have a wide variety of pharmacological activities (Table 4). Many studies have shown that the plants of this genus have anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiviral, antioxidant, hemostatic, antibacterial, and other biological activities, which help to support the traditional medicinal practice of Bletilla in folk medicine.

    Table 4.  Summary of the pharmacological activities of Bletilla species.
    Pharmacological activityTested substance/partTested system/organ/cellTested dose/dosing methodResultsRefs.
    Anti-inflammatoryEthanol extract of Bletilla striataRAW264.7 cells RAW264.7 cells were pre-treated with ethanol extract of B. striata for 1 h and then stimulated with LPS (200 ng/mL) for 12 h, 0.05% DMSO was applied as the parallel solvent control. The culture supernatant was collected for IL-6 and TNF-α detection.Ethanol extract of B striata significantly inhibited LPS-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression at 2.5 µg/mL.[41]
    The ethyl acetate-soluble (EtOAc) extract of tubers of B. striataH2O2-induced PC12 cell injury modelPC12 cells were seeded in 96-well multiplates at a density of 1.5 × 105 cells/mL. After overnight incubation at 37 °C with 5% CO2, 10 μM test samples and H2O2 (final concentration of 450 μM) were added into the wells and incubated for another 12 h.It protected the cells with the cell viabilities of 57.86 ± 2.08%, 64.82 ± 2.84%, and
    64.11 ± 2.52%.
    [98]
    Ethanol extract of tubers of B. striataRAW264.7 cellsCells were treated with ethanol extracts (25 μM) dissolved in DMSO, in the presence of
    1 μg/mL lipopolysacchride
    (LPS) for 18 h
    The anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 of 2.86 ± 0.17 μM.[54]
    PE extract of the tubers of B. striataLPS-stimulated BV2 cellsCells treated with extract
    (0, 1, 10, 30, 100 μg/mL) and dihydropinosylvi (0, 1, 10, 30, 100 μM) in presence of LPS
    (1 μg/mL)
    The anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 96.0 μM.[96]
    Ethanol extract of the roots of B. striataCox-1 and Cox-2Treated with the ethanol extracts at various concentrations
    (0, 1, 10, 100 μM)
    The compounds with sugar moieties displayed selective inhibition of Cox-2 (N90%).[38]
    B. striata polysaccharide (BSPb)Human mesangial cells (HMCs)HMCs were pre-treated with BSPb (5, 10, 20 μg/mL)BSPb efficiently mediated expression of NOX4 and TLR2, to attenuate generation of ROS and inflammatory cytokines.[12]
    Compounds extracted from the rhizomes of Bletilla ochraceaRAW264.7 cellsAfter 24 h preincubation,
    cells were treated with serial dilutions in the presence of
    1 μg/mL LPS for 18 h. Each compound was dissolved in DMSO and further diluted in medium to produce different concentrations. NO production in the supernatant was assessed by adding 100 μL of Griess regents.
    It showed the inhibitory effects with IC50 values in the range of 15.29–24.02 μM.[76]
    Compounds extracted from the rhizomes of B. ochraceaMurine monocytic RAW264.7 cellsAfter 24 h preinubation, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with compounds (25 μM) dissolved in DMSO, in the prenence of
    1 μg/mL LPS for 18 h. NO production in each well was assessed by adding 100 μL of Giress regent
    It showed the inhibitory effects with IC50 2.86 ± 0.17 μM.[86]
    Compounds extracted from the rhizomes of Bletilla formosanaElastase Release AssaysNeutrophils (6 × 105 cells/mL) were equilibrated in MeO-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide (100 μM) at 37 °C for 2 min and then incubated with a test compound or an equal volume of vehicle (0.1% DMSO, negative control) for 5 min.Most of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that IC50 values for the inhibition of superoxide anion generation and elastase release ranged from 0.2 to 6.5 μM and 0.3 to 5.7 μM, respectively.[49]
    Anti-tumorTwo compounds from Bletilla striataA549 cellsCompounds were tested for their ability to induce ROS generation in A549 cells at concentrations of 20 two compounds for 24 h, the cells were harvested to evaluate the ROS production.The two compounds exhibited antiproliferative effects using the MTT test; these effects may be due to cell cycle arrest and inducing ROS generation.[87]
    Stilbenoids from B. striataBCRP-transduced K562 (K562/BCRP) cellsIt showed antimitotic activity and inhibited the polymerization of tubulin at IC50 10 μM.[78]
    Compounds extracted from the rhizomes of B. ochraceaThe human tumor cell lines HL-60 (acute leukemia), SMMC-7721 (hepatic cancer), A-549 (lung cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and SW480 (colon cancer)100 μL of adherent cells were seeded into each well of 96-well cell culture plates. After 12 h of incubation at 37 °C, the test compound was added. After incubated for 48 h, cells were subjected to the MTS assay.All isolated metabolites except 7 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW480).[76]
    AntiviralThe tuber of B. striataMadin-Darby canine kidney model and embryonated eggs modelAs simultaneous treatment with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) ranging from 14.6 ± 2.4 to 43.3 ± 5.3 μM.Phenanthrenes from B. striata had strong anti-influenza viral activity in both embryonated eggs and MDCK models.[107]
    The 95% ethanol
    Extract of B. striata
    BALB/C miceIt has significant anti-influenza
    virus effect in mice, which may be related to the increase of IL-2, INFα, INF-β and thus enhance the immune function of mice.
    [12]
    AntioxidantCompounds extracted from the rhizomes of B. formosanaDPPH radical-scavenging assaySolutions containing 160 μL of various concentrations of sample extract, 160 μL of various concentrations of BHA, 160 μL of various concentrations of ascorbic acid, and the control (160 μL of 75% methanol) were mixed separately with 40 μL of 0.8 mM DPPH dissolved in 75% methanol. Each mixture was shaken vigorously and left to stand for 30 min at room temperature in the dark.Tthe seedlings grown by tissue culture of B. formosan collected in Yilan County had the best antioxidant capacity. In addition, B. formosana collected in Taitung County had the best scavenging capacity in the tubers, leaves and roots.[93]
    Fibrous roots of B. striataDPPH model and superoxide anion systemThe ABTS+ solution was prepared by reacting 7 Mm ABTS with 2.45 mM potassium persulfate (final concentrations both dissolved in phosphate buffer, 0.2 M, pH 7.4) at room temperature for 12–16 h in the dark.It removed free radicals and inhibit tyrosinase activity.[33]
    B. striata extracts (BM60)The murine macrophage cells NR8383, male SD mice (180~200 g)NR8383 were pretreated with extracts (1, 10 and 100 g/mL) for 4 h and then 65 stimulated with 1 g/mL of LPS for 24 h. Acute lung injury was induced in mice by nonhexposure intratracheal instillation of LPS (3.0 mg/kg). Administration of the BM60 extract of 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg (L, M, H) was performed by oral gavages.The BM60 treatment reduced the production of NO in NR8383 macrophages. Treatments with BM60 at the doses of 35, 70, 140 mg/kg significantly reduced macrophages and
    neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
    [12]
    The crude
    polysaccharides obtained from B. striata
    DPPH free radical scavenging activityConcentration
    range of 2.5–5.0 mg/mL
    The IC50 of BSPs-H was 6.532 mg/mL.[35]
    HemostasisB. striata polysaccharide (BSP)Diabetes mellitus (DM) mouse models were induced by high fat-diet feeding combined with low-dose streptozocin injectionDM mouse models were induced by high fat-diet feeding combined with low-dose streptozocin injection. The BSP solutions were applied on the surface of each wound at a volume of 50 μl. RD mice were assigned as normal controls and received saline treatment (n = 6). All mice were treated with vehicle or BSP once daily from the day of wounding (d0) until 12 days later (d12).BSP administration accelerated diabetic wound healing, suppressed macrophage infiltration, promoted angiogenesis, suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, decreased IL-1β secretion, and improved insulin sensitivity in wound tissues in DM mice.[112]
    B. striata Micron Particles (BSMPs)Tail amputation model and healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats
    (250 ± 20 g, 7 weeks of
    age)
    Rats were divided into six groups of five treated with cotton gauze and BSMPs (350–250, 250–180, 180–125, 125–75, and < 75 μm), respectively.Compared to other BSMPs of different size ranges, BSMPs of 350–250 μm are most efficient in hemostasis. As powder sizes decrease, the degree of aggregation between particles and hemostatic BSMP effects declines.[109]
    Rhizoma Bletillae polysaccharide (RBp)Adult male SD rats weighing 220 ± 20 gAfter incubation for 1 min at 37 °C, 300 μL of PRP was dealt with different concentrations of RBp (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L) under continuous stirring, and the vehicle was used as the blank control.RBp significantly enhanced the platelet aggregations at concentrations of 50−200 mg/L in a concentration-dependent manner.[113]
    AntibacterialBibenzyl derivatives from the tubers of Bletilla striataS. aureus ATCC 43300, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051, S. aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 11775Using a microbroth dilution method, bacteria were seeded at
    1 × 106 cells per well (200 μL) in a
    96-well plate containing Mueller-Hinton broth with different concentrations (from 1 to 420 μg/mL, 300 μg/mL and so on;
    2-fold increments) of each test compound.
    It showed inhibitory activities with MIC of (3–28 μg/mL) against S. aureus ATCC6538[116]
    The crude extract of B. striataS. album, A. capillaris, C. cassiaThey were seeded at 1 × 106 cells per well (200 μL) in a 96-well plate containing Mueller−Hinton broth (meat extracts 0.2%, acid digest of casein 1.75%, starch 0.15%) with different concentrations (from 1 to 128 μg/mL; 2-fold increments) of each test compound.It showed S. album (0.10%), A. capillaris (0.10%), and C. cassia (0.10%) to have the strongest antibacterial properties.[118]
    The ethyl acetate-soluble (EtOAc) extract of tubers of B. striataS. aureus ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 6538, and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051) and Escherichia coli ATCC 11775)Bacteria were seeded at 1 × 106 cells per well (200 μL) in a 96-well plate containing Mueller Hinton broth with different concentrations (from 1 to 420 μg/ml; 2-fold increments) of each test compound.The extract was effective against three Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 52–105 μg/ml.[98]
    The phenanthrene fraction (EF60) from the ethanol extract of fibrous roots of Bletilla striata pseudobulbsS. aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus ATCC 43300, E. coli ATCC 35218, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Bacillus subtilis 168EF60 was active against all tested strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including clinical isolates and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of EF60 against these pathogens ranged from 8 to 64 μg/mL.EF60 could completely kill S. aureus ATCC 29213 at 2× the MIC within 3 h but could kill less than two logarithmic units of ATCC 43300, even at 4× the MIC within 24 h. The postantibiotic effects (PAE) of EF60 (4× MIC) against strains 29213 and 43300 were 2.0 and 0.38 h, respectively.[117]
    Anti-adhesiveBletilla striata extraction solutionPPA was induced by cecal wall abrasion, and Bletilla striata was injected to observe its efect on adhesion in ratsThe rats in the sham operation group was not treated; the other rats of the three experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected with 8 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (Control group), 15% Bletilla striata extraction solution (BS group), and 0.2% hyaluronic acid solution (HA group), respectively.Bletilla striata decreased the development of abdominal adhesion in abrasion-induced model of rats and reduced the expression of the important substance which increased in PPAs.[120]
    ImmunomodulatoryB. striata polysaccharide (BSPF2)Mouse spleen cellsTo observe the immune activity of BSPF2, mouse spleen cells were stimulated with BSPF2 at 10–100 g/mL for 72 h.Immunological assay results demonstrated that BSPF2 significantly induced the spleen cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.[121]
    Anti-pulmonary fibrosisB. striata polysaccharideClean grade male SD ratsSD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, sham operation group (equal volume of normal saline), model group (equal volume of normal saline), tetrandrine positive control (24 mg/kg) group and white and Polysaccharide low
    (100 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) dose groups.
    The Bletilla striata polysaccharide has remarkable regulation effect on anti-oxidation system and immune system, but cannot effectively prevent lung fibrosis.[127]
    Small molecule components of Bletilla striataClean grade male SD ratsSD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, sham operation group (0.5 mL normal saline), model group (0.5 mL normal saline), and positive control group (tetrandrine 24 mg/kg) and low (20 mg/kg) and high (40 mg/kg) dosage groups of the small molecule pharmacological components of Bletilla, which were administered by gavage once a day for 2 consecutive months.The small molecule components of Bletilla striata can effectively prevent lung fibrosis though regulating the anti-oxidation system,immune system and cytokine level; SMCBS is one of the active components of Bletilla striata on silicosis therapy[124]
    —, not given.
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    Many phytochemicals have been well characterized to lessen swelling or inflammation[89]. A series of phenolic acid and polysaccharide compounds isolated from Bletilla demonstrated anti-inflammatory bioactivity against BV-2 microglial, RAW 264.7, and PC12 cells[96,100102]. For example, phochinenin K (106) exhibited growth inhibitory effects with an IC50 of 1.9 μM, and it is a possible candidate for development as neuroinflammation inhibitory agent[43]. Using the H2O2-induced PC12 cell injury model, (7S)-bletstrin E (242), (7R)-bletstrin F (243) and (7S)-bletstrin F (244) could clearly protect the cells with the cell viabilities of 57.86% ± 2.08%, 64.82% ± 2.84%, and 64.11% ± 2.52%, respectively[98]. With an IC50 of 2.86 ± 0.17 μM, 2,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenanthrene (53) showed potential action against NO generation in RAW 264.7 macrophages[54]. The use of Bletilla in traditional skin care, it is said to function as an astringent, hemostatic and wound healing[33]. Modern medical pharmacology research has validated that this plant has antibacterial effects, which may may help to explain, in part, its traditional use in skin care[24].

    Though it's mentioned that some of these compounds from Bletilla have demonstrated anti-inflammatory action, more extensive studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, potential therapeutic applications, and safety profiles. Conducting in vivo studies and clinical trials can provide more concrete evidence of their effectiveness.

    There are important antineoplastic agents that have originated from plant natural products[103]. In recent years, several bibenzyl and flavonoid compounds have been discovered from Bletilla that have antineoplastic activity against A549 cells and other cells. For example, 7-hydroxy-2-methoxy-phenanthrene-3,4-dione (160) and 3′,7′,7-trihydroxy-2,2′,4′-trimethoxy-[1,8′-biphenanthrene]-3,4-dione (163) have shown strong antiproliferative effects and induced ROS production after 24 h in A549 cells[87]. The doxorubicin (Dox)/FA (folate)-BSP-SA (stearic acid) modified Bletilla striata polysaccharide micelles boosted the drug enrichment in tumors and improved the in vivo anticancer effects[104,105]. Micelles, nanoparticles, microspheres, and microneedles are examples of B. striata polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems that exhibit both drug delivery and anti-cancer functionality. These experiments confirmed that some of the compounds isolated from the Bletilla have potential activity for the treatment of cancer.

    However, most of the evidence presented in the previous studies is based on in vitro experiments or cell culture studies. It is highly necessary to use animal models to study the in vivo anti-tumor effects of Bletilla extracts or compounds. These studies can help evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatments based on Bletilla. Additionally, through such methods, researchers can further investigate the mechanisms of Bletilla's anti-tumor activities, exploring how Bletilla compounds interact with cancer cells, immune responses, and signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis.

    Antiviral medications are essential for preventing the spread of illness, and are especially important nowadays with pandemics and drug-resistant viral strains[5, 6]. Therefore, it is vitally necessary to find novel, safe, and effective antiviral medications to treat or prevent viral infections[106]. B. striata plant contains compounds that have been recorded in ancient texts to cure cough, pneumonia, and skin rashes, and these may be related to potential antiviral constituents[23]. Some constituents of B. striata have antiviral activity, for example, phenanthrenes and diphenanthrenes from B. striata displayed potent anti-influenza viral in a Madin-Darby canine kidney model and embryonated eggs model, diphenanthrenes with parentally higher inhibitory activity than monophenanthrenes[107]. But more research is needed to further determine the antiviral activity of Bletilla, understand how Bletilla compounds interact with viral proteins or the host immune response, and conduct safety and toxicity studies, which are crucial for the development of related materials.

    Free radicals have the potential to exacerbate lipid peroxidation and harm cell membranes, which can lead to several prevalent human diseases, including cancer, cataracts, and coronary heart disease[108]. Research has shown that extracts from Bletilla possess strong antioxidant activity. However, this antioxidant activity can vary depending on the different growing environments of the plant. Additionally, the antioxidant capabilities of extracts from different parts of the Bletilla plant also vary[93]. Clinical studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine formulas containing Bletilla can inhibit tyrosinase activity and possess antioxidant properties, thus resulting in skin-whitening effects[108]. Furthermore, some research reveals that the polysaccharides in the plant exhibit significant antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and inhibiting tyrosinase activity[33]. This highlights the skin-whitening potential of the fibrous root of Bletilla striata, indicating promising prospects for the comprehensive utilization of the B. striata plant[33]. However, most studies on the pharmacological activities of Bletilla have focused solely on B. striata, neglecting other species within the genus. Different species may possess varying phytochemical compositions and antioxidant properties, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of the genus as a whole.

    Available hemostatic agents are expensive or raise safety concerns, and B. striata may serve as an inexpensive, natural, and promising alternative[109]. Polysaccharides of B. striata displayed hemostatic activity through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome[110112]. The ADP receptor signaling pathways of P2Y1, P2Y12, and PKC receptors may be activated as part of the hemostasis[113]. Alkaloids from Bletilla have hemostatic activities through platelet deformation, aggregation, and secretion. In addition, polysaccharides of Bletilla striata have potential wound-healing medicinal value[110]. Currently, Bletilla plants have been used in various traditional systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, to control bleeding.

    Previous studies revealed that Bletilla displayed antibacterial effects[114]. For example, bletistrin F, showed inhibitory activities with MIC of (3–28 μg/mL) against S. aureus ATCC 6538[115,116]. Antimicrobial screening of Bletilla showed S. album (0.10%), A. capillaris (0.10%), and C. cassia (0.10%) to have the strongest antibacterial properties[117,118]. In addition, phenanthrenes are worthy of further investigation as a potential phytotherapeutic agent for treating infections caused by S. aureus and MRSA[119]. However, further in vivo studies on the antibacterial activity of Bletilla are lacking, which is needed for clinical application. For example, the specific mechanism of antibacterial activity of Bletilla still needs to be elucidated. While research on the antibacterial activity of Bletilla plants is promising, it faces several shortcomings and challenges that need to be addressed for a more comprehensive understanding of their potential therapeutic applications. Further studies with standardized methodologies, mechanistic insights, clinical trials, and consideration of ecological and safety concerns are essential to advance this field.

    There are other pharmacological activities of Bletilla, like anti-fibrosis activity, anti-adhesive activity, and immunomodulatory activity. For example, B. striata has been studied as a new and cheaper antiadhesive substance which decreased the development of abdominal adhesion abrasion-induced model in rats[120]. However, the natural resources of Bletilla are also getting scarcer. To preserve the sustainable development of Bletilla species, proper farming practices are required, along with the protection and economical use of these resources. The immunomodulatory activity of the Bletilla species was assessed using the 3H-thymidine incorporation method test, and BSP-2 increased the pinocytic capacity and NO generation, which improved the immunomodulatory function[121,122].

    B. striata extract was shown to have anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect[123]. B. striata polysaccharide can successfully prevent lung fibrosis through established by invasive intratracheal instillation method and evaluated by lung indexes[123,124]. Moreover, Bletilla species need further investigations to evaluate their long-term in vivo and in vitro activity before proceeding to the development of pharmaceutical formulation.

    While there is currently a deep understanding of the pharmacological activity of plants in the Bletilla genus, there are still many gaps that need to be addressed. To overcome these shortcomings, future research on the pharmacological activity of Bletilla species should emphasize comprehensive, well-designed studies with a focus on species-specific effects, mechanistic insights, and rigorous clinical trials. Additionally, collaboration among researchers, standardization of methods, and transparent reporting of results can help advance our understanding of the therapeutic potential of Bletilla plants. Researchers should also consider safety aspects and explore potential herb-drug interactions to ensure the responsible use of Bletilla-based therapies.

    There are several common clinical applications of Bletilla striata in TCM. The gum of B. striata has unique viscosity characteristics and can be used as thickener, lubricant, emulsifier and moisturizer in the petroleum, food, medicine, and cosmetics industries[125130]. B. striata is used as a coupling agent, plasma substitute, preparation adjuvant, food preservative and daily chemical raw material[131133]. In clinical practice, B. striata glue has also been proven to control the infections and is beneficial to the healing of burns and wounds[133135].

    In ethnic communities in Southwest China, the locals chew fresh Bletilla tubers directly or take them orally after soaking in honey to treat cough, pneumonia and other diseases[33, 34]. This traditional use is common in local communities in Southwest China, and suggests at the safety of Bletilla. However, current research shows it is still necessary to control the dosage when using Bletilla[136].

    Zebrafish embryos and larvae respond to most drugs in a manner similar to humans[137]. Militarine, the main active ingredient of Bletilla, was tested in a zebrafish embryo development assay at concentrations of 0.025 g/L and 0.05 g/L, and with the increased concentration, the heart rate of zebrafish embryos is slowed. Mortality and malformation rates of zebrafish embryos gradually increased with time and militarine concentration[138]. Although Bletilla species are safe at therapeutic dose ranges, further research on their safety is required[136]. More in-depth studies should be carried out on Bletilla to extract effective ingredients and make better preparations for clinical use[139].

    According to the traditional medicinal knowledge in ancient Chinese texts, Bletilla has been an important ingredient for skin care since ancient times. Many ethnic minority groups in China still retain the practice of using Bletilla for skin care, and the plant parts and preparation methods of use are consistent with the records in ancient texts. Almost 300 phytochemicals have been identified from Bletilla, and some of them possess important pharmacological activities, which support its traditional uses and suggest the important medicinal development potential of this genus. This review has demonstrated that Bletilla, as an important medicinal plant of Orchidaceae, still requires further research to fathom its medicinal potential.

    For instance, it is necessary to enhance the quality control procedures based on the chemical components and pharmacological activity of Bletilla. The chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Bletilla are critical areas of current research. According to previous studies, the main bioactive components of Bletilla can vary greatly according to its origin, harvest time, distribution, storage, and adulteration. However, variation in bioactivities caused by the differences in Bletilla constituentshave not been explored extensively yet. To develop clinical applications of Bletilla, it is crucial to further explore the mechanism of action between its chemical composition variation and its pharmacological actions.

    In addition, although the tuber has historically been the main medicinal part of Bletilla, research has shown that the chemical composition in other parts of Bletilla, such as stems, leaves, and flowers, also give these parts a variety of pharmacological activities. Further in-depth analysis of the chemical components and pharmacological activities of different parts of this genus is worthwhile, to explore the specific chemical basis of its pharmacological activities, develop related drugs, and promote clinical applications. For example, Bletilla polysaccharide has good hemostasis and astringent wound effects[110], so it may have the potential to be developed into a drug or related medical materials to stop bleeding and heal wounds.

    Finally, as a cautionary note, many unrestrained collections and the destruction of habitats have made the resources of wild Bletilla rarer. In addition to protecting the wild populations of Bletilla, appropriate breeding techniques should be adopted to meet the commercial needs of this economically important genus, thereby allowing its sustainable use in commerce.

    The authors confirm contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design, funding acquirement: Long C; data analysis, draft manuscript preparation, literature review: Fan Y, Zhao J; manuscript revise and language editing: Wang M, Kennelly EJ, Long C. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.

    The raw data supporting the conclusion of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation, to any qualified researcher. Requests to access these datasets should be directed to Yanxiao Fan (fanyanxiao0510@163.com).

    This research was funded by the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Talent and Platform Plan (202305AF150121), Assessment of Edible & Medicinal Plant Diversity and Associated Traditional Knowledge in Gaoligong Mountains (GBP-2022-01), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32370407, 31761143001 & 31870316), China Scholarship Council (202206390021), and the Minzu University of China (2020MDJC03, 2022ZDPY10 & 2023GJAQ09).

  • The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  • Cite this article

    Chen J, Zhao Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Zhan Q. 2024. Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development. Food Materials Research 4: e005 doi: 10.48130/fmr-0023-0040
    Chen J, Zhao Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Zhan Q. 2024. Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development. Food Materials Research 4: e005 doi: 10.48130/fmr-0023-0040

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Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development

Food Materials Research  4 Article number: e005  (2024)  |  Cite this article

Abstract: The city of Liuzhou, China, has developed a local specialty food policy since 2016 which today is considered one of the most successful local food policies in China and a best practice at international level. Liuzhou Luosifen (Liuzhou snail rice noodle), a famous traditional Chinese snack, boasts a unique combination of sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant flavors. In 2022, the pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen sales revenue reached 18.2 billion yuan, exported to 28 countries and regions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the contribution of Liuzhou local characteristic food policy implementation process on the regional economy. The review highlights key information on the product background, the policy formulation, the industrial standardization, and the policy implementation. The social groups and leading enterprises have been important drivers of the product standards and formulation of the policy, while the processing and transportation flow of standardized products, are essential for the integration of regional economies (tourism, production, transport, marketing, etc.). Although the specialty food industry chain has comprehensively driven the development of the regional economy, it is still necessary to carefully consider the joint development of new markets and new social practices.

    • Liuzhou Luosifen, also known as Liuzhou snail rice noodle (Fig. 1), is a traditional Chinese specialty food renowned for its unique combination of sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant flavors[1]. Liuzhou Luosifen is a staple food made with snail soup, rice noodles, and specific ingredients (pickled bamboo shoots, fresh green vegetables, sour string bean, etc.), which are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, sodium, potassium, and more due to the abundance of raw materials. The diverse ingredients give it a unique and rich flavor, making Liuzhou Luosifen a beloved dish worldwide.

      Figure 1. 

      Liuzhou Luosifen and its raw materials display.

      The 2012 Chinese food documentary 'China on the Tongue' first showed Liuzhou Luosifen to the national audience in an all-round way, and later became popular worldwide. CNN Travel once reported on Luosifen under the title 'How the 'durian of soup' became the hippest dish in China'[2]. Liuzhou, the birthplace of Luosifen, has become one of the largest Chinese snack industry bases. The local government has announced that in 2022, the sales revenue of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen reached 18.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.6%. The annual delivery volume exceeded 100 million yuan, and exports reached 83 million yuan, a 61% increase. The popularity of Liuzhou Luosifen has spread across 28 countries and regions, creating a fan base for this unique snack.

      With the support of the local government, companies and other relevant institutions, the development of the industrialization standard system for Liuzhou Luosifen has been largely completed[3]. The system covers from writing, raw materials selection, food production technology and cultural brand publicity and other aspects[4]. The implementation of a perfect standard system has ensured the healthy development of the Luosifen industry in Liuzhou, leading to a steady improvement of the regional economy. Liuzhou's tourism, catering, logistics, and agriculture industries, among others, have gradually been stimulated by the rise of the Luosifen industry. This paper offers an overview of several key aspects related to Liuzhou Luosifen products. Specifically, it covers the composition of raw materials and flavor profiles, the development of an industrial standard system, as well as the current state of regional economic growth centered around Liuzhou Luosifen.

    • Liuzhou Luosifen, a beloved dish in southern China, has a rich and intriguing origin story that has captivated foodies and historians alike[1]. There are two main theories about the origin of Liuzhou Luosifen[5].

      The first is the 'historical record theory' which suggests that Liuzhou Luosifen originated from Liu Zongyuan, one of the Eight Great Masters in the Tang and Song dynasties. Legend has it that when Liu was demoted to Liuzhou, he was so depressed that his body wasted away. His chef Zhou Wanfu cooked a soup with star anise, basil, pickled bamboo shoots, bean curd skins and snails found near the Liujiang River, and made a dish. Liu's appetite increased after eating, and named it 'Liuzhou Luosifen'[5].

      The second theory is the 'Native origin theory'. In the late 1970s, the Liuzhou folk trade began to revive, and night markets sprang up on the streets. The Gu Fu Street vegetable market gradually became the largest gathering place for wholesale Liuzhou snails, and with a large number of nearby workers, night markets also emerged. In Liuzhou, people have a habit of 'sucking vermicelli' and 'sucking snails'. Smart vendors were likely to add a spoonful of snail soup to the noodles, which gradually formed the embryonic form of Luosifen. Over time, the ingredients used in snail rice noodles became more diverse, and bean curd skins, green beans, pickled vegetables, and peanuts were added to the small bowl of noodles, forming the present-day shape of Liuzhou Luosifen[5].

    • Liuzhou Luosifen (including boiled Luosifen and brewed Luosifen) is made primarily from independently packaged rice noodles (dry rice noodles or brewed rice noodles) and snail meat soup, along with additional ingredient packages including pepper oil, sour bamboo shoots, bean curd stick, peanuts, and more. The components are combined and packaged together, and consumed by boiling in water or by pouring boiling hot water (≥ 85 °C) over the noodles[4].

    • The unique taste and flavor make Liuzhou Luosifen become a memorable food. In this rich taste, rice noodles and sour bamboo shoots occupy the dominant position, and snail soup provides basic flavor (Fig. 2). More information can be found in Supplemental Table S1.

      Figure 2. 

      Flavor wheel of each composition in Liuzhou Luosifen.

      Rice noodles are a common staple food, and factors influencing rice noodle qualities are various[6]. For rice noodles of Liuzhou Luosifen, the different grinding methods (rice noodles prepared with wet-, dry- and semi-dry milled rice flours) used by different manufacturers will also greatly affect its flavor[7]. Authentic rice noodle of Liuzhou Luosifen is dried rice noodle made of old rice[8].

      Known as the "soul of Liuzhou Luosifen', the sour bamboo shoots have attracted a large number of lovers with their unique taste. In the traditional production process, sour bamboo shoots can be made by natural fermentation in brine with Lactococcus and Lactobacillus[9]. During its fermentation, a large number of proteins decompose into amino acids and large amounts of sugars are converted into organic acids. Amino acids, organic acids and other components such as sugars and these sugars will further transform and react, producing a variety of aldehydes, acids, phenol, esters, alcohols and other substances (Table 1)[911]. Among them, the hydrogen sulfide decomposed by cysteine and the fecal odor converted by tryptophan finally constitute the peculiar smell of acid bamboo shoots. During fermentation, fermentation strains can significantly affect product flavor[12]. From the perspective of nutritional composition, sour bamboo shoots are a healthy food with low solid content, high water content, low sodium, low sugar, no fat, low calorie[13].

      Table 1.  Flavor substances in sour bamboo shoots of Liuzhou Luosifen.

      CategoryIngredient name
      Alcohols2-methylcyclopentanol, n-hexanol, 2-heptanol, 2-cetyl alcohol, cycloheptanol, cyclooctanol, 2,2-dimethyl-1-decanol pinanol, 2-(octadecyloxy) ethanol, etc.
      Esters2-bromo-2-ethylhexylpropionate, glycerol linolenate, methyl 9, 12-hexadecadienoate, ethyl caprylate, 10-methyl-8-tetradecene-1-ol acetate, ethyl benzoate, methyl 2-methylvalerate, ethyl phenylpropionate, 8-methylnonanoate, ethyl heptadecanoate, 3-(2-hydroxycyclopentene)-methyl 2-methylpropionate, ethyl palmitate, etc.
      AminesDimethylamine, Etchamine.
      AldehydesHexanal, trans-2-heptenal, 2-bromo-octadecanal, trans-2-octenal, 2-tridecanal, nonanal, trans-2-nonenal, decanal, etc.
      Ketones4-methyl-6-phenyl tetrahydro-1,3-oxazine-2-thione, 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2-thione, 2,5-heptanedione, damascone, etc.
      AlkanesUndecane, dodecane, 1-methoxyadamantane, tridecane, tetradecane, 7-hexylcycloalkane, 10-methyl eicosane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl) octadecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl tetradecane, pentane, heptane, 1,3,5-triphenylcyclohexane, etc.
      AlkenesD-limonene, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-9-methylene-bicyclo-1, decene, etc.
      AcidsAcetonylmalonic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, trans-13-octadecenoic acid, 9-hexadecenoic acid, etc.
      EthersDimethyl ether, octadecylvinyl ether, methylennonyl ether, etc.
      PhenolsPhenol, p-cresol, 4-methoxyphenol, 2-methoxy-5-methylphenol, 4,4'-((p-phenylene) diisopropyl) diphenol, etc.

      Liuzhou Luosifen is called Liuzhou snail noodle because its soup is boiled with snail. The river snails used belong to the phylum Mollusca, Gastropoda, Mesogastropoda, Viviparidae, freshwater economic snails that mainly include the genera Bellamya and Cipangopaludina[14]. This soup is made of snail meat and dozens of natural spices (star anise, cinnamon, clove etc.), and the amount of these spices has a strict proportion. The selection of dual-use medicinal and food ingredients not only blends well with the freshness of snails, but also has certain health benefits[15,16].

    • Liuzhou Luosifen is a snack, providing the body with essential energy and the three main nutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) needed for optimal health (Table 2). Side dishes like pickled bamboo shoots, black fungus, and fried beancurd also contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and copper, all of which are vital for the human body's optimal functioning[9,1720]. These minerals play an important role in the human body, such as calcium's role in developing the skeleton and iron's role in preventing anemia[21]. Since the body cannot synthesize these mineral elements, consuming Luosifen occasionally and in moderation can help supplement them.

      Table 2.  Nutritional composition of prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen.

      ProjectNutrient compositionContent
      Dry rice noodle
      (per 100 g)
      Energy351 kcal (1,468 kJ)
      Protein6.2 g
      Fat1.0 g
      Carbohydrate78.0 g
      Sodium6 mg
      Seasoning packets
      (per 100 g)
      Energy213 kcal (893 kJ)
      Protein5.2 g
      Fat18.8 g
      Carbohydrate6.6 g
      Sodium1,800 mg
    • Regardless of the state of raw materials, the final product may be subject to biological, physical or chemical risks. National and international authorities, as well as food producers, focus on reducing or eliminating any potential harm to consumers. Therefore, the development and implementation of comprehensive Liuzhou Luosifen testing technology is essential in improving food safety. Molecular spectroscopy technology, ion chromatography technology, real-time fluorescence PCR technology, and sensory analysis technology were used to detect Liuzhou Luosifen, respectively.

      Qin et al. determined 12 elements in Liuzhou Luosifen by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry[22]. Guo et al. have determined the volatiles in fermented bamboo shoots by Head Space – Solid-Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) with Gas Chromatography – Olfactory – Mass Spectrometry (GC-O-MS) and Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA)[23]. Kong et al. have determined rapidly EDTA-2Na in prepackaged dried rice noodles by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy[24]. Xie et al. detected found that Salmonella in pre-packaged Luosifen by Taqman real-time fluorescent PCR decreased the time to exclude negative samples from 5 d to 24 h, and saved the detection cost while improving the sensitivity[25]. Qin et al. determined bongkrekic acid in Liuzhou Luosifen by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry[26].

    • The establishment of a food standard system is very important for the development of the food industry[27,28]. Currently, there are more than 80 Chinese standards related to Luosifen food, which are from the aspects of raw material cultivation, production and operation, marketing and circulation, industrial park construction, brand creation and use, and management of trademarks (Table 3)[4]. Corresponding requirements and regulations have been made for all links of the whole industrial chain of Liuzhou Luosifen, effectively ensuring the quality safety of Luosifen and the unique quality of 'Liuzhou flavor', which will further promote the standardization, branding, scale and digital developments of the whole industrial chain of Liuzhou Luosifen. Such a system addresses processing issues and enhances the quality and safety of the product.

      Table 3.  The situation of whole industry chain standards on Liuzhou Luosifen.

      Corresponding to
      the standard system
      ProjectStandard nameReference
      Basic versatility
      and security
      Comprehensive foundationGB/T 16900-2008 Rules for the presentation of graphical symbols-general principles[31]
      GB/T 20000.3-2014 Guidelines for standardization-Part 3: Reference to documents[32]
      GB/T 20001.10-2014 Rules for drafting standards-Part 10: Product standards[33]
      GB/T 20002.3-2014 Drafting for special aspects in standards-Part 3: Addressing environmental issues in product standards[34]
      GB/T 20001.3-2015 Rules for drafting standards-Part 3: Classification standards[35]
      GB/T 20002.4-2015 Drafting for special aspects in standards-Part 4: Safety aspects for their inclusion in standards[36]
      GB/T 13016-2018 Principles and requirements for constructing standard system[37]
      GB/T 1.1-2020 Directives for standardization-Part 1: Rules for the structure and drafting of standardizing documents[38]
      Food safetyT/LZLSF 0010.1-2022 Series products of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 1: pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen of self-heating[39]
      T/LZLSF 0010.2-2022 Series products of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 2: Liuzhou river snail made with pot[40]
      T/LZLSF 0010.3-2022 Series products of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 3: Liuzhou river snail sauce[41]
      DBS 45/034-2021 Food safety local standard-Liuzhou Luosifen[42]
      T/LZLSF 009.1-2022 Ingredient packets of Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 1: Packet of semi-dry rice noodles/semi-dry vermicelli[43]
      T/LZLSF 009.2-2022 Ingredient packets of Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 2: Packet of river snail meat[44]
      T/LZLSF 009.3-2022 Ingredient packets of Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 3: Packet of liquid compound seasoning[45]
      T/LZLSF 009.4-2022 Ingredient packets of Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 4: Packet of pickled bamboo shoots[46]
      DB4502/T 0008-2022 Production specification for physical store of Liuzhou Luosifen[47]
      Food quality
      control
      management
      and traceability
      T/LZLSF 002-2019 Specifications for disinfection and sterilization of Liuzhou Luosifen[48]
      T/LZLSF 004-2022 Technical specification for quality control in prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen production[49]
      DB4502/T 0015-2022 Technical requirements for traceability of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen products[50]
      Cultivation of
      raw materials
      Base construction and managementT/GXAS 287-2022 Demonstration base construction specifications for bamboo shoots planting of rawmaterials of Liuzhou Luosifen[51]
      DB4502/T 0040-2022 Raw materials of Liuzhou Luosifen-specification for construction of bamboo shoots planting base[52]
      DB4502/T 0041-2022 Raw materials of Liuzhou Luosifen-specification for evaluation of bamboo shoots planting base[53]
      DB4502/T 0033-2022 Construction specification for pre-packaged fresh Liuzhou Luosifen factory[54]
      DB4502/T 0034-2022 Construction and renovation specification of manufacturing plant of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen factory[55]
      DB4502/T 0036-2022 Specification of river snail breeding base construction[56]
      Origin environmentDB4502/T 0027-2022 Specification for disinfection and sterilization of Liuzhou Luosifen[57]
      Germplasm normsT/GXAS 383-2022 Seedling quality grading of bamboo shoots of raw materials of Liuzhou Luosifen[58]
      DB4502/T 0037-2022 Pear-shaped ringed edge snail[59]
      Breeding operationsT/GXAS 286-2022 Technology code of practice for container seedling of bamboo shoots of raw materials of Liuzhou Luosifen[60]
      DB4502/T 0002-2022 Raw materials of Liuzhou Luosifen-technical code of practice for production of bamboo shoots[61]
      DB4502/T 0003-2022 Technical specification for Liuzhou river snail[62]
      DB4502/T 0050-2022 Technical specification for selective breeding of Bellamya sp strains[63]
      Production
      and operation
      Raw material procurementT/LZLSF 008.1-2022 Quality of raw materials for prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 1: Rice for Luosifen[64]
      T/LZLSF 008.2-2022 Quality of raw materials for prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 2: River snail for Luosifen's soup stock[65]
      T/LZLSF 0011-2022 Pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen raw material procurement planning and management guide[66]
      Production and processingT/LZLSF 001-2019 Specification for production of Liuzhou Luosifen soup (matching) material package[67]
      DB4502/T 044-2022 Technical specification for intelligent manufacturing of Liuzhou Luosifen[68]
      DB4502/T 0029-2022 Technical regulation of raw materials processing of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 1: Dried rice noodles[69]
      DB4502/T 0030-2022 Technical regulation of raw materials processing of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 2: Pickled bamboo shoots[70]
      DB4502/T 0031-2022 Technical regulation of raw materials processing of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 3: Frozen snail meat[71]
      DB4502/T 0032-2022 Technical regulation of raw materials processing of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen-Part 5: Semi-dried rice noodles/semi-dried rice vermicelli[72]
      DB4502/T 0001-2022 Technical code of practice for raw materials of pre-packed Liuzhou Luosifen processing-Part 4: Sour beans[73]
      DB4502/T 0004-2022 The specification of processing craft of Liuzhou Luosifen chili oil kit[74]
      DB4502/T 0007-2022 Production specification for physical store of Liuzhou Luosifen[75]
      Technical specification for raw material packaging of Liuzhou Luosifen physical store (Unpublished standard)[76]
      DB4502/T 0013-2022 Technical specification for processing and storage of snail flesh for Liuzhou Luosifen[77]
      DB4502/T 0026-2022 Production operation specification for prepackaged liquid compound seasoning with snail meat as the main raw material used in Liuzhou Luosifen[78]
      DB4502/T 0038-2022 Technical specification for river snail formula feed processing[79]
      Inspection and testingDB4502/T 0051-2022 Detection method of broken rate, cooked broken rate, cooking loss rate and broken powder rate of Liuzhou Luosifen dried rice noodles[80]
      DB4502/T 0017-2022 The evaluation methods of Liuzhou Luosifen sensory flavor[81]
      DB4502/T 0018-2022 Design and application specification of Liuzhou Luosifen flavor wheel[82]
      Business managementT/LZBX 018-2021 Requirements for the equipment and management of measuring instruments in pre-packaged Luosifen production enterprises[83]
      Marketing and circulationWarehousing
      and logistics
      DB4502/T 0012-2022 Management specification for cold chain logistics (warehousing and distribution) technology of Liuzhou Luosifen raw materials[84]
      DB4502/T 0014-2022 Technical specification for low temperature storage of fresh snails[85]
      DB4502/T 0028-2022 Technical specification for packaging of prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen[86]
      Marketing and management
      (online and offline)
      DB4502/T 0043-2022 Technical specification for management of prepackaged Luosifen wholesale enterprise[87]
      T/LZLSF 0012-2022 Technical specification for Liuzhou Luosifen e-commerce platform[88]
      DB4502/T 0005-2022 Specification for marketing and operation management of Liuzhou Luosifen[89]
      DB4502/T 0006-2022 Specification for chain shop general management of Liuzhou Luosifen[90]
      DB4502/T 0009-2022 Star rating technical specification for physical store of Liuzhou Luosifen[91]
      DB4502/T 0042-2022 Specification for managing risk grading evaluation of prepackaged Luosifen[92]
      Quality management standards for pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen production enterprises (Unpublished standard)[93]
      DB4502/T 0010-2022 Management specification for prepackaged Liuzhou Luosifen stores and sales exhibition service[94]
      DB4502/T 0011-2022 Requirement and evaluation specification for Liuzhou Luosifen sales service[95]
      DB4502/T 0016-2022 Code of conduct for Liuzhou Luosifen livestreaming marketing[96]
      Application of scenarioIndustrial parksDB4502/T 0049-2022 Specification for construction and management of Liuzhou Luosifen cultural industry demonstration park and base[97]
      DB4502/T 0045-2022 Specifications of facilities and services for industrial park of characteristic rice noodle[98]
      DB4502/T 0046-2022 General requirements for the information management system of industrial park of characteristic rice noodle[99]
      DB4502/T 0047-2022 Specifications of emergency management capacity building for industrial park of characteristic rice noodle[100]
      DB4502/T 0048-2022 Specifications of safety production for industrial park of characteristic rice noodle[101]
      DB4502/T 0035-2022 Regulations for the construction of food (Liuzhou Luosifen) industry park[102]
      Characteristic
      town
      T/LZLSF 0013-2022 Luosifen small characteristic town-specifications for operation management[103]
      T/LZLSF 0015-2022 Luosifen small characteristic town-specification of town living room construction[104]
      Cultural tourismT/LZLSF 0014-2022 Luosifen small characteristic town-specification of tourism service[105]
      DB4502/T 0039-2022 Service specification of Liuzhou Luosifen culture tourism[106]
      Brand creation, application, protection and managementBrand creation, use and protectionT/LZLSF 003-2022 Geographical indication trademark-Liuzhou Luosifen[107]
      T/LZLSF 0018-2022 Geographical indication Liuzhou Luosifen raw materials Part 1: Liuzhou dry rice flour[108]
      T/LZLSF 0019-2022 Geographical indication Liuzhou Luosifen raw materials Part 2: Liuzhou sour bamboo shoots[109]
      DB4502/T 0024-2022 Liuzhou Luosifen brand evaluation-Part 1: Regional public brand[110]
      DB4502/T 0025-2022 Liuzhou Luosifen brand evaluation-Part2: Enterprise brand[111]
      DB4502/T 0019-2022 Liuzhou Luosifen regional public brand cultivation guide[112]
      DB4502/T 0021-2022 The protection specification for the geographical indication trademark of Liuzhou Luosifen[113]
      DB4502/T 0022-2022 Requirement for the brand construction of Liuzhou Luosifen[114]
      Brand
      management
      DB4502/T 0020-2022 The management specification for the geographical indication trademark of Liuzhou Luosifen[115]
      DB4502/T 0023-2022 Specification for brand management of Liuzhou Luosifen[116]
    • In terms of basic general purpose and safety, its application scope and main contents include comprehensive foundation, food safety, food quality control management and traceability. Comprehensive foundation mainly refers to the terms, graphic symbols, classification and other standards related to Liuzhou Luosifen industry standards. Food safety and food quality control management and traceability serve as the basic support for the standard system of the whole industry chain of Liuzhou Luosifen.

    • The rapid development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry cannot be separated from the efficient raw material cultivation management and breeding technology, as well as the scientific construction and management of the base, effective pest control, agricultural and veterinary fertilizers, which are important bases to ensure the yield and quality. However, the standards involved in this aspect are not perfect, and there are no special local standards in pest control and agricultural and veterinary fertilizers. It is far from meeting the current needs of industrial standardization only with the limited space in other standards. At present, the varieties of Liuzhou Luosifen are mixed and the quality is uneven. It is urgent to formulate relevant standards for the identification and evaluation of raw materials in the whole industry chain of Liuzhou Luosifen.

    • Most of the raw materials are mixed and prepared after simple processing, and the final product has complex ingredients, diverse auxiliary materials and difficult quality control. At present, standards with certain coverage have been formulated in the production and processing of Liuzhou Luosifen, but targeted inspection standards have not been formulated, so unified inspection and testing standards of the industry should be formulated according to Liuzhou Luosifen products. In addition to the professionalism, high efficiency and operability of the traditional inspection and identification methods, they also need to pay more attention to the complexity of the testing components and standardize the overall technology of the product.

    • For the marketing and circulation management of Liuzhou Luosifen, Liuzhou has formulated online and offline marketing standards based on the local industrial characteristics and economic characteristics. It not only pays attention to the standardization of Liuzhou Luosifen logistics and transportation, but also pays attention to the adaptation of Liuzhou Luosifen marketing mode and local standard systems. Centering on Liuzhou Luosifen products, the influence of the industrial system is expanded through online and offline media promotion, which fully reflects the supporting role of standards for the high-quality development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry.

    • Scene application of Liuzhou Luosifen mainly includes three aspects: industrial park, characteristic town and cultural tourism. The construction of the industrial park focuses on demonstration and promotion, strengthens the publicity and cross training of the whole industrial chain, promotes the development of leading enterprises, but the implementation time is short according to the industrial development in the future. In the characteristic town and cultural tourism, Liuzhou built Luosifen town in 2021, and strives to build it into a 4A level scenic spot.

    • With the acceleration of the standardization process of the whole industry chain of Liuzhou Luosifen, Liuzhou city quickly formulated relevant standards for geographical indications and brands. The purpose is to promote cooperation between Liuzhou City, leading snail rice noodle enterprises, and the Liuzhou Luosifen association to jointly create a regional characteristic brand.

    • Since 2016, Liuzhou, Guangxi, has established dozens of Liuzhou Luosifen standards, among which the new requirements also need to timely follow up and supplement the appropriate production technical procedures and inspection methods. Each enterprise generally establishes separate production technical procedures and supporting inspection methods for products. The current local standards of Liuzhou Luosifen mainly focus on the production and processing links. In view of the supporting inspection methods of Liuzhou Luosifen products, it is suggested to carry out special investigation for Liuzhou Luosifen enterprises on a large scale, and collect and analyze the data of supporting inspection methods of each enterprise. According to the characteristics of the food matrix of Liuzhou Luosifen products, the supporting standards that can meet the special testing needs without violating the national food safety standards are formulated. At the same time, the opinions of standard users such as Liuzhou Luosifen enterprises and testing institutions are collected, and actively improve the standards of risk monitoring and evaluation and production supervision of products. In addition, we should continue to learn from the advanced production management experience of characteristic industries in other parts of the world, formulate, revise and improve the standard system in line with the local economic development of Liuzhou in time, and promote the standardized development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry in a comprehensive and efficient way.

    • Based on the green and healthy production concept of controlling the source of Liuzhou Luosifen, consumers have a high recognition and loyalty to the authentic Liuzhou Luosifen, not only because of its taste, but also because this traditional delicacy represents an emotional bond and cultural heritage. In Liuzhou, Luosifen is an essential part of people's daily lives, and only authentic Liuzhou Luosifen can make them feel the taste and emotion of their hometown.

      To start with, Liuzhou Luosifen is regarded as an important festive food in Liuzhou. For instance, during certain traditional festivals in the region, such as the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, people prepare Liuzhou Luosifen specially to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, there are even moon cakes and rice dumplings with Luosifen flavor available for purchase. Secondly, the technique and formula for making Luosifen in the local area have been passed down through several generations. There are many well-known traditional Luosifen shops in Liuzhou. Their methods of making the dish have been handed down from their ancestors and are closely guarded secrets. These historic shops have become a unique and renowned landmarks in the area. Thanks to the efforts of various parties, the 'Luosifen Handmade Process' was successfully listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list at the end of 2020, which has better protected and inherited this important intangible cultural heritage, and also improved the popularity and reputation of Luosifen, promoting the dissemination and development of Luosifen culture.

    • Liuzhou Luosifen has brought significant economic benefits to both crop farming and aquaculture industries in the region. Firstly, the production of rice noodles, which are one of the main ingredients in Luosifen, has boosted the demand for high-quality rice from local farmers. This has helped to increase rice production and improve the livelihoods of rice farmers in the area. Moreover, the production of Luosifen requires a variety of ingredients, including fresh vegetables, and snails. This has led to an increase in demand for these products, which in turn has stimulated the growth of vegetable farming, and aquaculture industries in the region.

      According to the official website, in 2021, the scale of Liuzhou's raw material base for Luosifen was about 552,000 acres, creating more than 300,000 job opportunities and lifting 55,000 impoverished households and 28,000 people out of poverty. Among them, the area of snail breeding is 60,000 acres (with 10,000 acres as the main breeding area and 50,000 acres as the auxiliary), with a production of 18,000 tons; the area of bamboo shoots planting is 75,000 acres, with a production of 64,000 tons; the area of processing-type beans planting is 28,500 acres, with a production of about 51,300 tons; the number of black fungus plantation is 8 million sticks, with a production of about 10,000 tons; and the area of leafy vegetables is 158,000 acres, with a production of 277,000 tons[29]. In order to provide high-quality raw materials for the Luosifen industry and strengthen the supervision of agricultural product quality and safety, 12 demonstration bases for Liuzhou's Luosifen raw materials (bamboo shoots, rice, beans, black fungus, snails, etc.) have been recognized, with a total area of 16,500 acres[29].

    • The earliest existing individual business license for Luosifen dates back to 1988 from a roadside stall. In 2008, the 'Luosifen Handmade Production Skill' in Liuzhou was included in the list of regional intangible cultural heritage. At the same time, restaurants in Liuzhou began to introduce Luosifen, and the business model became diversified, with Luosifen evolving from a street snack to a formal dish. In 2011, the Liuzhou Government encouraged local Luosifen operators to open stores in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, in order to promote the city's image. In 2012, a documentary called 'China on the Tongue' introduced the production of one of Luosifen's ingredients, sour bamboo shoots, in its first season. In September of the same year, Liuzhou launched the 'Ten Thousand People Tasting Luosifen' event, and built a 'world's largest pot' with a diameter of 10 m and a height of 3 m for tens of thousands of citizens and tourists to taste the traditional Liuzhou dish for free. In 2014, Quanhui Food Co., Ltd. obtained the first pre-packaged Luosifen production license in Liuzhou, marking the beginning of industrialization of Luosifen production. Dozens of pre-packaged Luosifen production enterprises quickly emerged and developed, coinciding with the popularization of domestic e-commerce. In subsequent years, Liuzhou began to pursue the idea of developing the Luosifen industry in a standardized, branded and scaled way, and the Luosifen industry began to move towards industrialization, producing fast food-style, standardized, noodle-like, and characteristic products for sale throughout the country. In 2015, the Liuzhou government held the Luosifen Industry Development Conference and proposed the idea of 'industrialization, standardization, branding, and scaling' for the development of the Luosifen industry. Since then, the development of Luosifen has been mainly through the industrialized pathway, using mechanical production methods to produce pre-packaged Luosifen. In the same year, the Liuzhou Luosifen Association was established to work with relevant departments to develop industry standards and regulations for the production and sale of Luosifen. In 2016, the first local standard for Liuzhou Luosifen was officially released. Subsequently, more supporting local standards were also introduced. In 2018, 'Liuzhou Luosifen' was awarded the Chinese national geographical indication trademark. In 2020, the Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College, guided and supported by the Liuzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce and industry enterprises, established the Liuzhou Luosifen Industry College. The rise of pre-made dishes in 2020 also brought about many non-food enterprises to launch joint Luosifen products. In 2021, Luosifen-flavored mooncakes were introduced during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and in 2022, significant progress was made in the development of key Luosifen standards, with the full production chain standards system achieving comprehensive coverage.

    • The government has been devoted to exploring the potential and driving the development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry with the joint efforts of various sectors of society. From the government's perspective, firstly, it has accelerated the pace of building a financial support platform for the Luosifen industry chain. Secondly, it has supported the expansion of the production scale of Luosifen raw materials, including supporting the development of Luosifen raw materials industry and supporting the construction of Luosifen raw materials industry demonstration bases. Thirdly, it has supported the construction of a standardized system for the entire Liuzhou Luosifen industry chain. As of June 2022, a total of 60.5527 million yuan has been arranged from the local government financial funds to mainly support the construction of Luosifen raw material bases and the development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry. From the perspective of society, the establishment of the Liuzhou Luosifen Association and the Liuzhou Luosifen Industry Institute has further promoted the healthy development of the industry in terms of management and production. In addition, collaborative products with Luosifen, such as those launched by car manufacturers like Wuling, have helped to elevate the popularity of Luosifen.

    • According to a report on China's Luosifen industry trends and future investment research (2023-2030), the upstream of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry consists of raw materials, mainly including snails, sour bamboo shoots, sour beans, rice, and wood ear mushrooms. The midstream consists of Luosifen producers, and the downstream consists of Luosifen sales channels, including supermarkets, restaurants, e-commerce, and O2O platforms. According to the data provided by the Commerce Bureau of Liuzhou City, Guangxi, in 2021, the total sales revenue of the entire Luosifen industry chain in Liuzhou was 50.16 billion yuan, of which sales revenue from packaged Liuzhou Luosifen reached 15.197 billion yuan[29]. There are currently more than 23,000 Luosifen-related companies across the country. The local government has announced that in 2022, the sales revenue of pre-packaged Liuzhou Luosifen reached RMB 18.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.6%[29]. The annual delivery volume exceeded RMB 100 million yuan, and exports reached 83 million yuan[29]. In 2022, Liuzhou Luosifen were sold to 28 countries and regions worldwide, and there is even a physical store for Luosifen named 'Female Cousin's Luosifen' in New York (USA).

      As a traditional specialty food of Liuzhou, Luosifen not only directly drive the economic development of Luosifen production and sales, but also play an important role in promoting the development of other related industries. The development of the Luosifen industry has driven the prosperity of the tourism industry in Liuzhou. The delicious taste and unique characteristics of Luosifen attract more and more tourists to come to Liuzhou to taste and learn about the history and culture of Luosifen. Liuzhou is also actively promoting the cultural tourism of Luosifen, such as setting up Luosifen museums and Luosifen-themed blocks in scenic spots and city centers, organizing Luosifen cultural festivals and related activities, etc. These measures have attracted a large number of tourists to visit and experience the charm of Liuzhou. During the May Day holiday, Liuzhou received 3.9014 million tourists, up 103.6% year on year, according to data provided by Liuzhou Culture, Radio, Film and Tourism Bureau. Tourism consumption reached 3.593 billion yuan, up 111.1% year on year. Liuzhou Luosifen attracts tourists from all over the country to 'punch in'[30]. The transportation industry has been strengthened and developed as well. For example, the road and railway transportation between Liuzhou and other cities have been improved and upgraded to meet the travel needs of more tourists and business people.

      The development of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry has had a positive impact on the local human resources and machinery manufacturing industry. Firstly, the production of Luosifen requires a large amount of labor, from the procurement of raw materials to processing and sales, many workers need to be involved. In 2019, based on the resource advantages of the Liuzhou Luosifen industry parks, the Liuzhou Luosifen raw material core demonstration area was created, and a new model of industry poverty alleviation was established with the participation of leading enterprises, village committees, professional cooperatives, bases, and farmers. Therefore, the development of the Luosifen industry has not only created a large number of job opportunities, but also provided opportunities for local labor training, improving the skills and level of local labor force. Secondly, the processing of Luosifen requires a large amount of machinery, such as grinding machines, steamers, and noodle cutters. This requires the corresponding equipment and tools provided by the local machinery manufacturing industry. Therefore, the development of the Luosifen industry has played a certain role in driving the machinery manufacturing industry, bringing more business opportunities and chances for the local machinery manufacturing industry.

    • Over the past years, Liuzhou Luosifen have been put under the spotlight by policymakers and researchers. For regional economic development, policymakers have promoted Liuzhou Luosifen as a local industrial lever for change towards more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic systems. This study provides a comprehensive look at the impact of Liuzhou Luosifen flavor and standards on the industry and regional economy. Although Liuzhou Luosifen is actively promoted around the world, it is still a niche market, and the continuous growth of the industry is still a big challenge.

      Overall, the impact of Liuzhou Luosifen on flavor, economic and industrial factors highly depend on the type of supply chain under assessment. Firstly, Liuzhou Luosifen has increased local residents' access to fresh, green food. Secondly, consumers are willing to pay a premium for local food rather than non-local food because of their buying habits. Thirdly, Liuzhou's local farming and aquaculture industries supply most of the raw materials for Luosifen. Fourthly, according to data released by the local government, local farmers have benefited greatly from this economic model. Fifthly, Liuzhou Luosifen, a traditional snack, has fully promoted its affiliated basic industries, such as raw material cold chain transportation, road transportation, tourism (Luosifen cultural town) and cultural publicity (brand culture), plastic packaging industry, etc. Sixthly, the complete standard system of Liuzhou Luosifen has standardized the products and guaranteed the quality of the products. According to our research, we recommend that policy makers should further integrate international food standard requirements into local standards (especially in Europe and the USA), which would bring Liuzhou Luosifen product quality into line with national food import standards. Seventhly, the release of relevant statistical data is too general. If local authorities can release detailed data, it will be more convenient to guide enterprises to produce. Eighthly, if Liuzhou are to contribute to the transition towards more sustainable economic systems, the question of their up-scaling needs to be addressed. More distribution channels need to be tapped. The integration of local food products into local institutions' food programs, such as schools and hospitals, represents valuable opportunities that should be promoted.

      • This work is supported by Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College Scientific Innovation Team Funding and the national visiting scholar project for young backbone teachers of Midwestern higher education institutions, Ministry of education of the People's Republic of China. We thank Guangxi Zhongliu Food Technology Co., Ltd. for providing pictures of high-definition products (Liujiang Renjia) for this study.

      • The authors confirm contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design: Zhao Z, Chen J, Zhan Q; data collection: Chen J; analysis and interpretation of results: Zhao Z, Jiang Y; draft manuscript preparation: Chen J, Zhao Z, Liu T. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.

      • The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

      • The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

      • Copyright: © 2024 by the author(s). Published by Maximum Academic Press on behalf of Nanjing Agricultural University. This article is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
    Figure (2)  Table (3) References (116)
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    Chen J, Zhao Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Zhan Q. 2024. Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development. Food Materials Research 4: e005 doi: 10.48130/fmr-0023-0040
    Chen J, Zhao Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Zhan Q. 2024. Analysis of the contribution of Liuzhou's local specialty food (Liuzhou Luosifen) policy to regional economic development. Food Materials Research 4: e005 doi: 10.48130/fmr-0023-0040

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