Gut microbiota: An emerging therapeutic approach of herbal medicine for prevention of colorectal cancer

Abstract

The gut dysbiosis has emerged as a prominent player in the pathogenesis and development of colorectal cancer (CRC), which in turn intensifies dysregulated gut microbiota composition and inflammation. Since most drugs are given orally, this dysbiosis directly and indirectly impinges the absorption and metabolism of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, and subsequently affects the clinical outcome of patients with CRC. Herbal medicine, including the natural bioactive products, have been used traditionally for centuries and can be considered as novel medicinal sources for anticancer drug discovery. Due to their various structures and pharmacological effects, natural products have been found to improve microbiota composition, repair intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation in human and animal models of CRC. This review summarizes the chemo-preventive effects of extracts and/or compounds derived from natural herbs as the promising antineoplastic agents against CRC, and will provide innovative strategies to counteract dysregulated microbiota and improve the lives of CRC patients.

Impacts on gut microbiota of rats with high-fat diet supplemented by herbs of Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia officinalis

“…Currently, medicinal plants are used to improve the health and well-being of people, especially those with chronic inflammatory processes, for the prevention and treatment of obesity, the treatment of osteoporosis, headache, migraine, dizziness, epilepsy, seizures in children, tetany, etc. (Guo et al, 2014;Jandaghi et al, 2016;Zhan et al, 2016;Chen et al, 2017;Pferschy-Wenzig et al, 2022;Ying et al, 2022). In veterinary medicine, medicinal plants and biologically active additives of plant origin as part of feed are used to normalize the digestive process, treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and circulatory systems, regulate metabolism, strengthen immunity and increase productivity (Ashour & Astal, 2005;Martynov et al, 2019;Atea & Hassan, 2020;Krizhak et al, 2020;Salomón et al, 2021).…”