Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Massa Fermenta

Also known as: Massa Medicata Fermentata, MMF, Massa Fermenta, Fermented Massa Medicata

Overview

Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) is a traditional Chinese fermented herbal product primarily used to support digestive health. It is created through fermentation processes involving various herbs and microorganisms, resulting in a complex mixture of bioactive compounds. Traditionally, MMF is used to treat indigestion, food accumulation, and gastrointestinal dyspepsia. Current research is exploring its effects on gastrointestinal motility, intestinal flora modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and visceral hypersensitivity, particularly in gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Research includes in vivo animal models and cellular studies, offering mechanistic insights and preliminary efficacy data. While systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on MMF are lacking, multiple peer-reviewed experimental studies provide valuable information.

Benefits

MMF has demonstrated several potential health benefits in preclinical studies. It can improve digestive function by enhancing gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, as shown in mice models of food accumulation and spleen deficiency. MMF also modulates intestinal flora by reducing pathogenic flagellated bacteria, which correlates with decreased visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rat models. Furthermore, MMF exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, including free radical scavenging, reduced oxidative DNA and lipid damage, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In zebrafish models, MMF has shown potential metabolic benefits by reducing body mass index and cholesterol accumulation. However, the effect sizes and clinical significance of these benefits require further investigation in large human trials.

How it works

MMF's mechanism of action involves several pathways. It increases gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion, possibly through modulation of serum gastrin and cholinesterase activity. MMF regulates microbiota by decreasing harmful bacteria colonization and flagellin levels, reducing activation of TLR5 receptors in colonic mucosa, thus lowering visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D. It also suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression and signaling cascades (MAPK, NFκB) while activating the NRF2-HO-1 pathway, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative damage. Fermentation likely enhances the bioavailability of active compounds, although specific pharmacokinetic data are limited.

Side effects

Animal studies have not reported significant adverse effects at tested doses (e.g., 4 g/kg in mice). Common side effects are not well documented, but traditional use suggests good tolerability. Due to limited data, caution is advised when combining MMF with other gastrointestinal or anti-inflammatory agents. There are no specific studies in pregnant women, children, or immunocompromised patients, so use in these populations should be approached with caution. Further studies are needed to fully assess the safety profile of MMF, especially regarding potential drug interactions and contraindications.

Dosage

Animal studies have used doses of 4 g/kg body weight in mice for gastrointestinal effects. A human equivalent dose has not been established, and traditional usage varies. In animal studies, MMF was administered daily for 7 days or longer to observe effects. It is typically used as a fermented powder or extract, with hydrothermal extracts studied for antioxidant effects. Fermentation may enhance absorption, and co-administration with food may influence effects. Due to limited data, specific dosage recommendations and upper limits for human consumption are not yet available and should be determined with guidance from a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is MMF effective for indigestion?

Animal studies show improved gastric emptying and intestinal motility, supporting traditional use for indigestion. More human research is needed to confirm these effects.

Can MMF help IBS symptoms?

Evidence from IBS-D rat models suggests MMF reduces visceral hypersensitivity by modulating gut bacteria and inflammation. Clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings in humans.

Is MMF safe?

Preclinical studies report no significant toxicity; human safety data are limited, but traditional use implies good tolerability. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially with existing conditions or medications.

How long before effects appear?

Benefits in animal models were observed within 1-2 weeks of administration. The onset of effects in humans may vary and requires further study.

Does MMF have antioxidant benefits?

Yes, demonstrated in cellular and zebrafish models with reduction of oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest potential antioxidant benefits, but human studies are needed.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10941201/ – This in vivo mouse model study investigated the effects of MMF on mice with spleen deficiency and food accumulation. The study found that MMF improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, modulated serum gastrin and cholinesterase, and favorably altered gut microbiota composition, suggesting potential benefits for digestive health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11504248/ – This study used in vitro and zebrafish models to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of MMF. The results showed that MMF exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reduced BMI, and decreased cholesterol accumulation in zebrafish fed a high-cholesterol diet, indicating potential metabolic benefits.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.1039804/full – This study used a rat model of IBS-D to investigate the effects of MMF on visceral hypersensitivity. The findings indicated that MMF reduced visceral hypersensitivity by decreasing pathogenic flagellated bacteria and TLR5 expression in colonic mucosa, suggesting a potential mechanism for alleviating IBS-D symptoms.
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/issue-662/cinnamon-on-body-weight/ – This article discusses the effects of cinnamon on body weight. It is not directly related to Massa Medicata Fermentata, and therefore does not provide a relevant summary for this supplement.
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/192740786.pdf – This document appears to be a research paper, but without further context, it's difficult to provide a specific summary. It would be necessary to review the full text to determine its relevance and key findings related to Massa Medicata Fermentata.