The role of gut microbiota for the activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in the European Union for gastrointestinal disorders

Publication date: Available online 10 August 2019Source: Journal of EthnopharmacologyAuthor(s): Timo A. Thumann, Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig, Christine Moissl-Eichinger, Rudolf BauerAbstractEthnopharmacological relevance.Many medicinal plants have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. According to the monographs published by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) at the European Medicines Agency, currently 44 medicinal plants are recommended in the European Union for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders based on traditional use. The main indications are functional and chronic gastrointestinal disorders, such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and typical effects of these plants are stimulation of gastric secretion, spasmolytic and carminative effects, soothing effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa, laxative effects, adstringent or antidiarrheal activities, and anti-inflammatory effects. A possible interaction with human gut microbiota has hardly been considered so far, although it is quite likely.Aim of the study.In this review, we aimed to identify and evaluate published studies which have investigated interactions of these plants with the gut microbiome.Results.According to this survey, only a minor portion of the 44 medicinal plants considered in EMA monographs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been studied so far with regard to potential interactions with gut microbiota. We could...
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research