Edible bird's nest: culture, science, and beyond: a narrative review

Abstract Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is a highly valued traditional food and potential functional food in East and Southeast Asia. This review aimed to summarize the cultural traditions, nutritional and pharmacological properties, industrial development, and future research directions of EBN. Historically, EBN has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and described as supporting respiratory health, digestive function, postpartum recovery, and overall vitality; however, controlled clinical evidence supporting many of these effects remains limited . EBN is primarily composed of over 50% protein and notable carbohydrates, with sialic acid (SA) considered its key bioactive component. Experimental studies have reported potential biological activities, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antiviral, gut microbiota–regulating, and dermatological effects, although most evidence derives from preclinical models. The rapid expansion of the global EBN market has also raised concerns regarding product adulteration, inconsistent quality control, and regulatory gaps. Future research should focus on standardized authentication methods, improved quality control systems, and well-designed human clinical studies to clarify the health effects of EBN while supporting sustainable industry development.