Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element crucial for human health that primarily functions as an immunonutrient. It is incorporated into polypeptides such as selenocysteine (SeC) and selenomethionine (SeMet), two key amino acids involved in various biochemical processes. All living organisms can convert inorganic Se into biologically active organic forms, with SeMet being the predominant form and a precursor for SeC production in humans and animals. The human genome encodes 25 selenoprotein genes, which incorporate low-molecular-weight Se compounds in the form of SeC. Organic Se, especially in the form of selenoproteins, is more efficiently absorbed than inorganic Se, driving the demand for selenoprotein-based health products, such as functional foods. Se-enriched functional foods offer a practical means of delivering bioavailable Se and are associated with enhanced antioxidant properties and various health benefits. Recent advancements in selenoprotein synthesis have improved our understanding of their roles in antioxidant defense, cancer prevention, immune regulation, anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s disease, fertility, and COVID-19. This review highlights key selenoproteins and their biological functions, biosynthetic pathways, and emerging applications while highlighting the need for further research.

Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel is a perennial medicinal plant widely cultivated in the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Hainan in China. The dried mature fruit of A. oxyphylla, officially recorded as Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus in the pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (since 2012), is one of the four primary southern medicinal materials in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the fruit is traditionally used to support kidney function, regulate urination, and alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Its continued use across Southeast Asia underscores its enduring ethnopharmacological relevance. The plant is rich in bioactive constituents, including terpenoids, flavonoids, diphenylheptanes, and sterols, which exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and gastrointestinal protective effects. Information on Alpinia oxyphylla was collected from multiple databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, ScienceDirect, CNKI, and the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. The search strategy included keywords related to A. oxyphylla, its chemical constituents, biological activities, pharmacological effects, traditional medicinal uses, and safety. A bibliometric analysis of 217 English-language publications (2014–2025) using CiteSpace revealed a marked increase in global research interest, with keyword clustering and burst analyses highlighting oxidative stress, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive enhancement as emerging research hotspots. Moreover, 692 patents were identified, demonstrating substantial technological innovation related to A. oxyphylla, particularly in essential oil formulations, functional foods, and health-promoting applications. Overall, this review integrates phytochemical, pharmacological, bibliometric, and patent perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of A. oxyphylla and its medicinal fruit, offering a solid scientific foundation for future research, standardization, and translational development.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging mechanisms of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharides (AOFs) through integrated in vivo experiments, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Methods: Three purified fractions (AOF1, AOF2, and AOF3) were structurally characterized for monosaccharide composition and molecular weight. Anti-aging and antioxidant activities were evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans, followed by gene expression analysis, network pharmacology target identification, and molecular docking validation. Results: All AOFs significantly extended lifespan, enhanced resistance to oxidative and heat stress, reduced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, and upregulated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Gene expression analysis revealed activation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway through upregulation of daf 16, skn 1, sod 3, ctl 1, and hsp 16.2. Network pharmacology identified 254, 85, and 119 core targets for AOF1, AOF2, and AOF3 respectively, enriched in PI3K/AKT, MAPK, hypoxia, and xenobiotic response pathways. KEGG analysis further implicated lipid and atherosclerosis, HIF 1, FoxO, and PI3K Akt signaling. Molecular docking showed that critical monosaccharides and metformin formed stable hydrogen-bonded complexes with AKT1, INS, SRC, and STAT3. Among the fractions, AOF1 and AOF3 exhibited superior activities. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the multi-target, multi-pathway anti-aging actions of AOFs and support their potential as natural antioxidants and functional food ingredients for anti-aging therapeutics.