Brain Health and Medicinal Plants, Ahmet DÜNDAR,Mine KOÇYİĞİT, Editör, Nobel Yayınevi, İstanbul, ss.35-54, 2024
Research indeed suggests that herbal medicines can have various effects on gastrointestinal health, ranging from stimulating gastric secretion to exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, the interaction between medicinal plants and the human intestinal microbiota remains an area of limited study but significant potential. The human gut microbiota, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. Emerging evidence indicates that certain herbal medicines may influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, which could impact gastrointestinal health positively or negatively. For instance, some herbal remedies contain compounds like prebiotics, which serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity. On the other hand, certain herbal constituents may possess antimicrobial properties that can affect both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut. Understanding the interaction between medicinal plants and the gut microbiota could offer new insights into optimizing herbal treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. Further research in this area is necessary to elucidate specific mechanismsof action and potential therapeutic applications while ensuring safety and efficacy.