從生物化學的角度看燕窩 EXAMINING BIRD'S NEST FROM THE BIO-CHEMICAL POINT OF VIEW

根據香港中文大學江潤祥教授和關培生先生寫了一篇<燕窩考>﹐對燕窩的歷史沿革所載甚詳。江教授在一九八七年發表了一篇研究報告﹐証實了燕窩 的蛋白質含有大量生物活性的蛋白份子﹐這些份子可能是滋補復壯之源。

江氏在 <燕窩考> 中謂﹕[今日科學研究所知﹐燕窩確實含有表皮生長因子(Epidermal Growth Factor)﹐燕窩的水提更可直接刺激細胞生長及對分裂原有增效作用(Mitogenic Stimulation Factor)。

這些表皮生長因子的作用﹐和中醫藥所說的補中益氣功能互為呼應。學者們總結燕窩的三種功能為﹕

一．促進細胞組織的再生﹔

二．增加身體的免疫功能﹔

三．增加身體對X光或其他放射線損害的抵抗力。

另外一項非常重要的功能是「美容基因」﹐它能刺激多種細胞的分裂增值﹐促進細胞分化﹐對受損皮膚進行快速修復﹐促進手術創口和創面的癒合﹔它能影響人體皮膚的細膩和老化﹐能啟動衰老皮膚的細胞﹐使皮膚變得光滑而有彈性。

According to an article entitled “A Study of Bird’s Nest” by Professor Jiang Run Xiang and Mr. Guan Pei Sheng from the Hong Kong Chinese University, Professor Jiang had announced a study report in 1987 proving that the protein in bird’s nest is rich in bio-active protein molecules.

These molecules are probably the revitalizing factors in bird’s nest. In his article, Jiang said, “From the scientific research of today, we know that bird’s nest contains an Epidermal Growth Factor. Bird’s nest is water soluble and can directly stimulate cell growth and improves the Mitogenic Stimulation Factor.

These Epidermal Growth Factors coincide with the nourishing effects described in Chinese medicine and it has been deduced that bird’s nest possessed the following three properties:

• Promotes regeneration of tissues;
• Improves immunity of the body;
• Improves resistance of the body against X-rays and other radiation.

Another important property is the “beauty factor” which stimulates cellular fission and carries out repair on damaged skin, promoting the healing of post-surgical wounds. It affects the smoothness and ageing of human skin, activating cells in ageing skin, providing it with lustre and elasticity.