Research progress on the metabolic transformation of Shenling Baizhu San under the influence of the gut microbiota

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host metabolic homeostasis and overall physiological functions. Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS), a time-honored classical prescription for tonifying Qi, strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, and arresting diarrhea, has shown broad clinical efficacy in digestive disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that the metabolic fate, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of SLBZS's complex herbal constituents are profoundly influenced by interactions with specific intestinal microorganisms and their enzymatic repertoire. This review systematically summarizes advances in five key areas:(1) the major bioactive components of SLBZS and their modern therapeutic applications; (2) characterization of gut microbial communities and their relevant degradative enzymes; (3) in vitro and in vivo studies elucidating microbe-mediated biotransformation of SLBZS constituents; (4) modulation of host signaling pathways—such as NF-κB, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, and AMPK—by SLBZS metabolites; and (5) the pharmacological implications of these microbial conversions for enhancing compound bioactivity and therapeutic outcomes. By integrating phytochemical analyses, microbial genomics, and metabolomics data, researchers have begun to identify the specific microbial taxa responsible for key hydrolysis, reduction, and deglycosylation reactions. Understanding these host-microbe-herb interactions not only sheds light on the mechanistic basis of SLBZS's efficacy, but also informs strategies to optimize its formulation and dosing. Such insights will facilitate the modernization and precision application of traditional Chinese medicine, ultimately improving patient prognosis in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.

Keywords

degradative enzymes / gut microbiota / metabolic transformation / Shenling Baizhu San / signaling pathways

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The Author(s). Advanced Chinese Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Higher Education Press.