Targeting gut barrier dysfunction with phytotherapies: Effective strategy against chronic diseases

Abstract

The intestinal epithelial layer serves as a physical and functional barrier between the microbe-rich lumen and immunologically active submucosa; it prevents systemic translocation of microbial pyrogenic products (e.g. endotoxin) that elicits immune activation upon translocation to the systemic circulation. Loss of barrier function has been associated with chronic 'low-grade' systemic inflammation which underlies pathogenesis of numerous no-communicable chronic inflammatory disease. Thus, targeting gut barrier dysfunction is an effective strategy for the prevention and/or treatment of chronic disease. This review intends to emphasize on the beneficial effects of herbal formulations, phytochemicals and traditional phytomedicines in attenuating intestinal barrier dysfunction. It also aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of intestinal-level events leading to a 'leaky-gut' and systemic complications mediated by endotoxemia. Additionally, a variety of detectable markers and diagnostic criteria utilized to evaluate barrier improving capacities of experimental therapeutics has been discussed. Collectively, this review provides rationale for targeting gut barrier dysfunction by phytotherapies for treating chronic diseases that are associated with endotoxemia-induced systemic inflammation.

Keywords: Berberine (PubChem CID 2353); Catechin (PubChem CID 9064); Chlorogenic acid (PubChem CID 1794427); Curcumin (PubChem CID 969516); Endotoxemia; Epigallocatechin gallate (PubChem CID 65064); Genistein (PubChem CID 5280961); Gut barrier; Kaempferol (PubChem CID 5280863); Leaky gut; Microbiome; Mucosal inflammation; Phytochemical; Proanthocyanidin (PubChem CID 108065); Puerarin (PubChem CID 5281807); Quercetin (PubChem CID 5280343).