Fu Z. Traditional Chinese medicines in regulating gut microbiome: Mechanisms and therapeutic applications. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(9): 119606 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.119606]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Zhuo Fu, PhD, Lecturer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, No. 996 Xilamulun Street, Tongliao 028000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. fzwork@126.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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review-article
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Fu Z. Traditional Chinese medicines in regulating gut microbiome: Mechanisms and therapeutic applications. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(9): 119606 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.119606]
World J Gastrointest Surg. Sep 27, 2026; 18(9): 119606 Published online Sep 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.119606
Traditional Chinese medicines in regulating gut microbiome: Mechanisms and therapeutic applications
Zhuo Fu
Zhuo Fu, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Author contributions: Fu Z contributed to design and write of the manuscript.
AI contribution statement: During the preparation of this work, the authors used DeepSeek solely for language polishing and writing assistance. The AI tool was not used to generate research ideas, data analysis, study design, result interpretation, or any figures/images. All intellectual content, opinions, arguments, and conclusions are the original work of the authors. After using DeepSeek, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the final manuscript.
Supported by the First-Class Discipline Research Project of the Department of Education of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, No. YLXKZX-NMD-008; and the Research Initiation Project of Science and Technology Department of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, No. KYQD23014.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Zhuo Fu, PhD, Lecturer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, No. 996 Xilamulun Street, Tongliao 028000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. fzwork@126.com
Received: February 2, 2026 Revised: April 15, 2026 Accepted: May 26, 2026 Published online: September 27, 2026 Processing time: 226 Days and 22.4 Hours
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a critical role in human health, and its imbalance is associated with a range of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), with a holistic and multi-component nature, shows unique potential in modulating microbial composition and function. TCMs, including herbal formulas, herb pairs, single herbs, active compounds and acupuncture, regulates the gut microbiome through multiple mechanisms, such as enriching beneficial bacterial, restoring microbial diversity and modulating microbial metabolism, and has been applicated in several microbiota-related diseases. However, there are also several controversies that hinder progress in the field. Further well-designed clinical and mechanistic studies are needed to validate these effects and integrate TCMs strategies into mainstream microbiome-based therapies for gastrointestinal health.
Core Tip: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating physiological homeostasis and the development of diseases. This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing debates regarding the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicines on gut microbial communities, and delineates future research directions for addressing diseases associated with gut microbial dysbiosis.
