Advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine interventions for influenza A based on the gut-lung axis: modern evidence for the exterior-interior relationship between the lung and large intestine

TL;DR

This review explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat influenza A by targeting the gut-lung connection, based on modern and traditional insights.

Contribution

The paper integrates TCM's lung-large intestine relationship with the gut-lung axis to propose new research directions for treating influenza A.

Findings

TCM interventions show potential in modulating the gut microbiota to combat influenza A.

Mechanistic and preclinical evidence supports the use of herbal formulas and compounds for influenza A treatment.

The exterior-interior relationship concept aligns with the gut-lung axis, offering translational insights for future studies.

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common respiratory pathogen that causes seasonal epidemics and severe infections, imposing substantial healthcare and economic burdens. IAV infection can disrupt the gut microbiota, and the resulting dysbiosis influences host status during both the early and later stages of infection. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown considerable potential in the treatment of IAV. Guided by the TCM concept of the exterior-interior relationship between the lung and large intestine and integrated with contemporary research on the gut-lung axis, this review summarizes advances in the mechanistic and preclinical evidence of Chinese herbal formulas, individual compounds, and polysaccharides in influenza A and outlines mechanism-based research directions and translational insights to inform future exploration.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modulation of the gut-lung axis to intervene in influenza A.Illustration showing a person coughing with highlighted lungs and respiratory tract, connected by lines to enlarged drawings of lungs, intestines, various bacteria, viruses, and viral particles, labeled Influenza A.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modulation of the gut-lung axis to intervene in influenza A.

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