Advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulation of Intestinal Flora: Mechanism-Based Role in Disease Management

Abstract

Background: Intestinal microecology is the largest and most complex human microecology. The intestinal microflora plays an important role in human health. Imbalance of intestinal microflora contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Recently, the treatment of human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora has become a research topic of interest. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the whole human body as the central concept in disease treatment strategies. It advocates maintaining the coordination and balance of the functions of various organs and systems of the human body, including the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine improves the metabolism and immune function of the human body by regulating the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora could trigger pharmacological activity or reduce toxicity of drugs through regulating metabolism, which enables traditional Chinese medicine formulations to exert their best therapeutic effects. Methods: This review summarized the relationship between the intestinal microflora and digestive system, tumors, and other diseases. Furthermore, the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of tumors, and other diseases is discussed. The relationship among traditional Chinese medicine and the common intestinal microflora, pathogenesis of human diseases, and effective intervention methods were elaborated. In addition, we explored the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of various human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora to provide new treatment concepts. Results: There is a close relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations contribute to maintain the natural balance of the intestinal tract and the intestinal microflora to achieve treatment effects. This paper summarizes the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine formulations in regulating the intestinal microflora in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, it summarizes information on the application of the interaction between traditional Chinese medicine preparations and regulation of intestinal microflora in the treatment of common human diseases. Conclusion: Intestinal microflora plays a key role in traditional Chinese medicine in maintaining the natural balance of physiology and metabolism of human body. It will provide a theoretical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine preparations in the prevention and treatment of common human diseases, and simulate future research on this aspect.