Research progress on therapeutic applications of egg yolk oil for inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract and its adjuvant role in cancer therapy

This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of egg yolk oil (EYO) against inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, including diarrhea, peptic ulcers, recurrent oral ulcers, and radiation enteritis. By analyzing domestic and international literature, we explored how EYO alleviates inflammation by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels, and modulating immune function. While EYO shows clear potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms, optimize extraction methods, and expand its applications to other diseases. In light of this expansion, this review also highlights EYO’s potential as an adjuvant agent in tumor therapy, including its mitigation of radiotherapy/chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicities and modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Future research should prioritize the potential translational value of EYO in oncology. Future directions include further investigating its molecular mechanisms, conducting large-scale clinical trials, and evaluating its possible role in disease prevention.