About this Research Topic
The intestinal microbiota has become a focal point of research due to its vital role in health maintenance. Substantial evidence correlates diarrhea with disruptions in the intestinal microbiota. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), long utilized in China for treating various ailments including diarrhea, has drawn international attention for its potential benefits. TCM addresses diarrhea by targeting its underlying causes and restoring health through the regulation of the spleen and the dispelling of dampness. The "Expert Consensus on TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Diarrhea" categorizes TCM-related diarrheal syndromes into six types, each recommending specific herbal formulations.
Despite its long history, the precise mechanisms through which TCM treats diarrhea remain underexplored. Given the oral administration of TCM, the active ingredients likely interact significantly with intestinal microbiota, necessitating further research. The diverse strategies of TCM in modulating the microbiota include enhancing beneficial bacteria growth, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, and improving intestinal barrier function and immune responses.
This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of how TCM compounds interact with intestinal microbiota to treat diarrhea. Current studies have moved beyond correlation analyses to investigate the mechanisms through which TCM influences the gut microbiota for disease prevention and treatment. Future research should elucidate these mechanisms in greater detail to integrate clinical practice with scientific findings, thereby advancing TCM’s role in diarrhea treatment. This Research Topic seeks to explore these interactions comprehensively to strengthen TCM's application in managing diarrhea.
We welcome Original Research and Review papers regarding the following subtopics, including but not limited to:
• Components of TCM on intestinal microbiota in subjects with diarrhea.
• Major intestinal microbiota related to diarrhea treated with TCM.
• Interaction between bioactive compounds and intestinal microbiota.
Keywords: renal-intestinal axis, Chinese medicines, diarrhea, intestinal microbiota, TCM syndrome
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