Tongue age: a new dimension for disease risk assessment based on tongue-coating microbiome and image features
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Plain Language Summary Tongue examination has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to assess overall health status from observable tongue phenotypes. With the in-depth integration of microbiome profiling and digital imaging technology, tongue coating, an important colonization interface for oral microorganisms, has provided a new perspective for the early risk detection of major diseases through the quantitative analysis of the microbiome and image features. This study proposes "tongue age” as an indicator reflecting the degree of biological aging of the body, evaluated by integrating tongue-coating microbiome profiling and tongue imaging phenotypes, which are distinct from chronological age. We outlined the definition and quantitative evaluation framework for tongue age, discussed its potential utility for cardiovascular disease risk stratification and longitudinal monitoring, and summarized the key challenges and future directions for standardization, validation, and clinical translation. Plain Language SummaryThis study introduces \u0022tongue age\u0022 as a novel concept to assess biological aging, distinct from chronological age, using tongue-coating microbiome profiling and digital imaging. By analyzing the tongue's microbiome and visual features, researchers aim to detect early risks for major diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues. The study outlines how tongue age could be used for risk stratification and ongoing health monitoring. It also highlights challenges in standardizing, validating, and translating this method into clinical practice, suggesting that tongue examination could become a valuable tool in modern medicine for assessing health and disease risk. Text is machine generated and may contain inaccuracies. FAQ
Source: Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Authors: Yanfei Liu, Yiwen Li, Jianqing Ju, Yanwu Xu, Yue Liu
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7128919508