04 July 2024 | Yaochuan Zhou, Dandan Zhang, Hao Cheng, Jinlu Wu, Juan Liu, Wuwen Feng, and Cheng Peng
The gut barrier, a critical defense mechanism in the intestinal tract, comprises physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial components. Disruption of this barrier can lead to various diseases such as obesity and colitis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained attention for its rich clinical experiences and its ability to interact with gut microbiota. TCM can modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota, and gut microbiota can transform TCM compounds into metabolites that exert pharmacological effects on the host, particularly on the gut barrier. This review summarizes the interactions between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and TCM, and discusses the regulatory effects and mechanisms of TCM on the gut barrier, including physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial barriers. It also explores the effects of TCM on diseases associated with gut barrier disruption, such as ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes. The review highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to develop novel strategies for treating diseases by modulating the gut barrier.The gut barrier, a critical defense mechanism in the intestinal tract, comprises physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial components. Disruption of this barrier can lead to various diseases such as obesity and colitis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained attention for its rich clinical experiences and its ability to interact with gut microbiota. TCM can modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota, and gut microbiota can transform TCM compounds into metabolites that exert pharmacological effects on the host, particularly on the gut barrier. This review summarizes the interactions between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and TCM, and discusses the regulatory effects and mechanisms of TCM on the gut barrier, including physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial barriers. It also explores the effects of TCM on diseases associated with gut barrier disruption, such as ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes. The review highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to develop novel strategies for treating diseases by modulating the gut barrier.