Research progress on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating functional constipation based on the gut microbiota-bile acid axis
- VernacularTitle:基于肠道菌群-胆汁酸轴的中医药治疗功能性便秘机制研究进展
- Author:
Xiangrui KONG
1
;
Qimeng ZHANG
1
;
Yue ZOU
1
;
Yong LIANG
1
;
Yu SHI
2
;
Yang ZHANG
2
;
Hongxi ZHANG
2
Author Information
1. Graduate School，Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Shenyang 110847，China
2. Dept. of Anorectal Surgery，the Third Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Shenyang 110005，China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
functional constipation;
gut microbiota;
bile acids;
traditional Chinese medicine;
monomer;
compound
- From:
China Pharmacy
2026;37(2):244-249
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Functional constipation （FC） is a common functional disorder of the intestines， mainly characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency， difficulty in defecation， a sensation of incomplete evacuation， and hard stools， which severely affect patients’ quality of life. Research indicates that the pathogenesis of FC is closely related to gut microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal bile acid secretion. Bile acids， as endogenous natural laxatives， promote bowel movements by enhancing colonic secretion and regulating intestinal motility； meanwhile， gut microbiota influence colonic transit function by regulating the enteric nervous system， immune system， and their metabolic products. Based on an overview of the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism， this article systematically reviews the current research status on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in treating FC by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis. It is found that single Chinese medicinal herbs （such as Atractylodes macrocephala）， isolated compounds （such as Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides）， herbal formulas （such as Shanger huang pill）， acupuncture， and moxibustion can up-regulate the abundance of beneficial bacteria， reshape the microbial structure， correct bile acid metabolism， and activate the Takeda G-protein receptor 5/farnesoid X receptor pathway to treat FC.
