Restoring Gut-brain Function by Medicinal Herbs Offering Neuroprotection through Suppressing Inflammatory Pathways: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) refer to a progressive degeneration of the nervous system and are on the rise. Researchers are trying to reveal the crucial mechanisms behind NDDs to find novel therapeutic candidates with higher efficacy and lower side effects. Increasing evidence highlights the auspicious role of inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Methods: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline, a systematic and comprehensive review was done to evaluate the effect of medicinal herbs in restoring gut-brain function and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in combating neuroprotection. The electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, were searched for the literature review. The manual search of reference lists and citations was also employed falling within the authors’ expertise. Results: As with other mechanisms, the bidirectional communication between the brain and gut, known as the gut-brain axis, has emerged as a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Since the gut-brain axis covers multiple mechanisms, especially inflammatory mechanisms in NDDs, it urges the need for finding novel multi-targeting agents. Medicinal herbs, with their rich repertoire of natural products, are multi-targeting candidates in combating several diseases. In this systematic and comprehensive review, we explore the potential of medicinal herbs in restoring gut-brain function and promoting neuroprotection by suppressing inflammatory pathways. Novel delivery systems and clinical applications of medicinal herbs are also highlighted to drawback the pharmacokinetic limitation in regulating the gut-brain axis-associated NDDs. Conclusion: Medicinal herbs provide neuroprotective responses through the modulation of gut-brain function and related inflammatory mediators.