Host-microbe co-metabolism system as potential targets: the promising way for natural medicine to treat atherosclerosis.
10.1016/S1875-5364(25)60909-5
- Author:
Yun WANG
1
;
Ziwei ZHOU
1
;
Haiping HAO
2
;
Lijuan CAO
3
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Targetome and innovative Drugs, Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Targetome and innovative Drugs, Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China. Electronic address: haipinghao@cpu.edu.cn.
3. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Targetome and innovative Drugs, Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China. Electronic address: caolijuan0702@cpu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Atherosclerosis;
Gut microbiota;
Host-microbe co-metabolism system;
Natural medicine;
Pharmacological mechanisms
- MeSH:
Humans;
Atherosclerosis/metabolism*;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*;
Biological Products/therapeutic use*;
Animals;
Host Microbial Interactions/drug effects*
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2025;23(7):790-800
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The host-microbe co-metabolism system, generating diverse exogenous and endogenous bioactive molecules that influence the host's immune and metabolic functions, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have elucidated the interaction between natural medicines and this co-metabolism system. Upon oral administration, natural medicine ingredients can undergo transformation by gut microbiota, potentially enhancing their bioavailability or anti-atherogenic efficacy. Furthermore, natural medicines can exert anti-atherogenic effects via modulation of endogenous host-microbe co-metabolism. This review presents an updated understanding of the dual association between natural medicines and host-microbe co-metabolites. It explores the critical function of microbial exogenous metabolites derived from natural medicines and uncovers the mechanisms underlying natural medicines' intervention on key nodes of endogenous host-microbe co-metabolism. These insights may offer new perspectives for cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment and guide future drug discovery efforts.
