Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the health product ergothioneine, with prominent biologist Rao Yi criticizing its promotion by Kelun Pharmaceutical, while Kelun defends its scientific validity and market positioning [2][3][4][8]. Group 1: Criticism of Ergothioneine - Rao Yi labels ergothioneine as a "fake drug" due to its lack of approval as a medicine, arguing that products without sufficient evidence should not be marketed as effective [4][5][6]. - Rao Yi expresses a general skepticism towards health supplements, stating that most promoted in China are misleading and detrimental to social ethics [11]. - Rao Yi criticizes the marketing tactics of Kelun's chairman, Liu Gexin, who used his physique to promote ergothioneine, suggesting it misleads the public into believing the product can deliver similar results [16][17]. Group 2: Kelun Pharmaceutical's Response - Kelun Pharmaceutical responds to Rao Yi's criticisms by emphasizing the scientific basis and safety of ergothioneine, citing its applications in various health domains such as sleep, cognition, skin aging, and cardiovascular health [7][13]. - The company outlines four key arguments in defense of ergothioneine: scientific validation, global regulatory backing, commitment to preventive medicine, and the promotion of industry standardization [7]. - Kelun highlights that ergothioneine has been recognized as a novel food supplement in developed regions, supported by clinical research published in top-tier journals [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the promotion of ergothioneine by Kelun Pharmaceutical and the criticism from renowned biologist Rao Yi highlights the ongoing debate about the legitimacy and marketing practices of health supplements in the pharmaceutical industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Criticism of Ergothioneine - Rao Yi labeled ergothioneine as a "fake drug" due to the lack of sufficient evidence for its approval as a legitimate medication, suggesting that it is being marketed as a health supplement to deceive consumers [2][3]. - Rao Yi criticized the marketing tactics employed by Kelun's chairman, Liu Gexin, who showcased his physique in advertisements for ergothioneine, arguing that such methods mislead the public into believing that the supplement can deliver similar results [7][8]. Group 2: Kelun Pharmaceutical's Response - Kelun Pharmaceutical responded to Rao Yi's allegations by emphasizing the scientific basis and safety certifications of ergothioneine, asserting that it has been validated through clinical research in various health domains [4][6]. - The company highlighted that ergothioneine is recognized as a novel dietary supplement in developed regions, countering Rao Yi's claims by stating that the lack of drug approval does not invalidate the efficacy of dietary supplements [4][6]. Group 3: Broader Implications for the Industry - The exchange between Rao Yi and Kelun Pharmaceutical reflects a larger issue within the health supplement industry, where the distinction between legitimate products and those lacking scientific backing is often blurred [3][6]. - Rao Yi's history of criticizing other pharmaceutical products indicates a pattern of scrutiny towards the marketing practices of health supplements, raising questions about consumer protection and regulatory standards in the industry [4][6].