Overview
- Published in Advances in Bamboo Science, the review screened 1,052 records and included 16 studies, with four human studies covering 4,934 participants.
- Human findings included lower postprandial glucose from bamboo-fortified cookies, improved lipid profiles in a small intervention, and reduced internal exposure to acrylamide and glycidamide after bamboo leaf flavonoids.
- In vitro and laboratory studies reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, prebiotic-like effects, and reductions of processing toxins such as acrylamide and furan.
- Safety concerns featured cyanide release from inadequately processed shoots and a cross-sectional signal for goiter and altered thyroid measures, supported by rat data.
- The authors call for standardized preparation research and rigorous human intervention trials to establish benefits, risks, and practical guidance.