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Abstract

Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, is implicated in a wide array of diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., IBD, IBS), metabolic conditions (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes), neurological issues (e.g., mood disorders, neurodegeneration), and immune-related ailments (e.g., autoimmune diseases, cancer). This review explores the mechanisms, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of herbal plants in managing dysbiosis, highlighting their advantages over conventional treatments like antibiotics, which often cause prolonged microbial perturbations. The gut microbiota, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, supports digestion, immune regulation, and pathogen defense. Dysbiosis arises from factors such as diet, stress, and medications, leading to reduced microbial diversity, pathogen overgrowth, and impaired barrier function. Herbal plants offer multimodal actions: prebiotic effects (e.g., polysaccharides promoting SCFAs), selective antimicrobial activity (e.g., berberine inhibiting pathogens while sparing commensals), gut barrier enhancement (e.g., curcumin upregulating tight-junction proteins), and immunomodulation (e.g., polyphenols reducing inflammation). Specific herbs like Panax ginseng, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, and others demonstrate anti-dysbiotic properties in preclinical and clinical studies, improving microbiota profiles and symptoms in conditions like IBS and colitis. Polyherbal formulations, such as Triphala (Ayurveda) and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (TCM), leverage synergies for enhanced efficacy, reduced resistance, and dose-sparing. However, challenges include safety risks (e.g., herb-drug interactions, toxicity), standardization issues, and regulatory inconsistencies. Current evidence from in vitro, animal, and early human trials shows promise, but gaps in large-scale RCTs and microbiome standardization persist. Future directions emphasize integration into functional foods, personalized therapies, and rigorous research for evidence-based use in gut health management.

Keywords

Dysbiosis, Gut microbiota, Herbal plants, Prebiotic effects, antimicrobial selectivity, Polyherbal formulations, Safety challenges, Therapeutic potential

Introduction

Over the past ten years, there has been a significant increase in the interest in human microbiota, particularly in gut microbiota. Even if there are many studies showing that changes in the microbiota makeup are linked to a variety of illnesses, the notion of a "healthy gut microbiota" is still ambiguous [1]. One of the largest interfaces (250–400 mm) between the host, environmental variables, and antigens in the human body is represented by the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract [2]. The term Gut Microbiota refers to all microbes that reside in the digestive system, including viruses, archaea, protists, fungi, and bacteria. Among the many advantages that the microbiota provides to the host are metabolism of nutrients and digestion, synthesis of vitamins, control of the immune system, defense against pathogens, maintenance of gut health and integrity, and metabolic functions. Cancer and chronic illnesses, weight and metabolism, brain and mental health, and systemic health [3]. The over 100 bacterial phyla that have been identified are the subject of this study. The adult human gut microbiota is primarily composed of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla, with lesser amounts of Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Cyanobacteria [1]. Dysbiosis is a sign of an unbalanced microbial ecosystem in which the "good" bacteria are unable to effectively control the "bad" ones, and a list of related illnesses. These illnesses are often complicated in terms of both pathogenesis and consequences, and the intestinal microbiota increases daily. The Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota (DOGMA) was recently discovered to be responsible for all three aspects of the syndrome, which includes hyper-androgenism (acne, hirsutism), anovulation/menstrual irregularity, and hyper-androgenism. the formation of several tiny cysts in the ovaries [4]. It is known that a change in the gut microbiota away from a healthy or normal state (i.e., eubiosis) causes disruption. Dysbiosis [5] is a term for it. Its clinical significance is due to its connection to a wide variety of illnesses and its impact on the course of health and disease. The human microbiome, sometimes known as a "virtual organ," is essential to preserving general health by assisting with digestion, vitamin production, and modulation. Dysbiosis is caused by a variety of factors, including genetic abnormalities, stress, diet, alcohol intake, and infection [3]. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against pathogens. and drugs, among other things [6]. The effects of antimicrobials on dysbiosis have been discussed in a number of studies, and the length of time that microbiota disturbances last seems to vary between antimicrobials for, Some medications (e.g., tetracyclines, macrolides, and sulfonamides) have a shorter disturbance duration [7], while others last for months (e.g., cephalosporins) or years (e.g., fluoroquinolones, clindamycin). Dysbiosis upsets the equilibrium between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria, which can result in neurological, metabolic, and gastrointestinal problems. The direct effects of dysbiosis are on gut health because the microbiota is crucial for digestion, barrier integrity, and immune regulation [8]. Dysbiosis has a direct impact on gut health because the microbiota is essential for these processes. for immunity regulation, barrier integrity, and digestion. The gut microbiota communicates with the brain via neural, immune, and metabolic pathways [9]. The usual course of action for treating dysbiosis is to use conventional methods. although it includes antibiotics, probiotics, and dietary changes, these are severely constrained in comparison to the possible applications of medicinal herbs [10]. Medicinal herbs have demonstrated maybe because of its potential to change the gut flora by encouraging beneficial bacteria (a prebiotic effect). Giving phytochemicals and polyphenols that block pathogens without killing beneficial microbes. Anti-inflammatory and boosting the gut barrier function and providing antioxidant effects. Examples:

1) Berberine (from Berberis spp.) - has gut-modulating and antibacterial effects.

2) Curcumin (from turmeric) – promotes microbiome diversity and has anti-inflammatory properties.

3) Polyphenols in green tea encourage the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus [11].

2. Gut Microbiota and Dysbiosis

The gut microbiota, also known as the gut flora or gut microbiome, is a complicated and ever-changing community made up of trillions of microorganisms. that are mainly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Viruses (which make up more than 99% of the microbes), archaea, fungi, bacteria (which predominate), and viruses are all members of this community. protozoa, and bacteriophages) are examples of the microbiota. Its disturbance (dysbiosis) is associated with illnesses such as, and it interacts symbiotically with the host, affecting overall health. Inflammatory bowel illness, diabetes, obesity, and even neurological disorders. The microbiota is formed at birth and changes with time, becoming adult-like by the age of around Age 2–3. It has a high degree of functional redundancy, which means that various microbial communities can carry out similar functions, but individual profiles are unique and frequently vary more between individuals. than over time in a single individual [12, 13] Gut microbiota: The gut has the most diverse and concentrated microbiota, which is made up of bacteria that are mostly from the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, actinobacteria, and proteobacteria phyla. For immunological control, metabolism, and digestion, this society is crucial. Age, health, and diet all have an impact on the composition, which varies significantly from one individual to the next (Table no. 1 provides all the information).

Dysbiosis

Significant human illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, allergies, and autoimmune and auto inflammatory diseases, have been associated with dysbiosis. All three elements of the syndrome of hyper-androgenism (acne, hirsutism), anovulation/ menstrual irregularity, and the Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota (DOGMA) have been shown to be caused by it. the formation of several little cysts on the ovaries [4]. Lifestyle also appears to have a significant impact, and even patients with type 2 diabetes showed a moderate amount of gut microbial dysbiosis. The diet in Western nations, which is characterized by increased intake of red meat, animal fat, and excessive sugar, is a contributing factor to the chronic illnesses that affect over 50% of the adult population. Furthermore, foods low in fiber might be crucial in influencing the microbiota of the human gut. Additionally, studies have indicated that the Western diet causes dysbiosis and promotes endotoxemia, probably as a result of intestinal permeability and barrier function degradation [14, 15].

Dysbiosis mechanism

The intricate link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the onset of cardiovascular illnesses (CVDs) is demonstrated by the dysbiosis mechanism. Negative effects of dysbiosis include elevated vascular inflammation, gut barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation brought about by decreased microbial diversity and an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria. Changes in important microbial metabolites, such as increased trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and decreased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are both heavily linked to cardiovascular pathophysiology, mediate these conditions. Through processes like endothelial malfunction, plaque development, and disease progression, such imbalances increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are manifested as heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis.  Importantly, the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, including flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, curcumin, and marine-derived bioactive, which can help in targeting gut dysbiosis by restoring microbiota balance and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Thus, modulating gut microbiota through natural bioactive emerges as a promising strategy for reducing cardiovascular disease burden [16].

Table 1. The major bacterial phyla, their approximate proportions in healthy adults, key genera, and example species

Phylum (Alternative Name)

Approximate Proportion

Key General

 

Example Species

 

Notes

 

1) Firmicutes (Bacillota)

 

40-60%

 

Clostridium, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, Lactobacillus, Pepto coccus, Pepto streptococcus

 

Faecalibacterium parasitize (most common in adults), Ruminococcus bromic (resistant starch degrader), Clostridium sporogeneses (tryptophan metabolizer), Lactobacillus plantarum

Dominant in fermentation; increases in elderly; anti-inflammatory roles.

 

2) Bacteroidetes (Bacteroidota)

 

30-50%

 

Bacteroides, Prevotella

 

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (polysaccharide degrader), Bacteroides fragilis

Major in colon; aids fiber digestion; higher in high-fiber diets (e.g., rural African populations).

3) Actinobacteria (Actinomycetal)

 

5-10%

 

Bifidobacterium

 

Bifidobacterium adolescent’s, Bifidobacterium longum

Vitamin producers (e.g., folate, B12); higher in breast-fed infants.

4) Actinobacteria (Actinomycetal)

 

1-5%

 

Escherichia

 

Escherichia coli

 

Includes some facultative anaerobes; can increase in dysbiosis.

5) Verrucomicrobia

 

<1%

 

Ackerman Nia

 

Akarnania municipia

 

Mucin degrader; linked to metabolic health and reduced inflammation.

Types of Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the microbial communities (microbiome) within the body, most commonly in the gut but also in other areas like the skin, mouth, or vagina.

1. Loss of Beneficial Microorganisms (Type 1 Dysbiosis)

This involves a reduction or depletion of keystone microbial species that play protective, anti-inflammatory, or supportive roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Beneficial bacteria, such as certain strains of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus, help ferment dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which nourish gut cells and regulate immune responses. This can lead to impaired barrier function (e.g., "leaky gut") and increased susceptibility to infections or autoimmune conditions [17].

2. Expansion of Potentially Harmful Microorganisms (Type 2 Dysbiosis)

 there is an overgrowth or dominance of pathobionts—microbes that are normally present in low numbers but become harmful when they expand excessively. Examples include opportunistic pathogens like Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli variants, or fungi such as Candida [18].

3. Loss of Microbial Diversity (Type 3 Dysbiosis)

This category describes a general reduction in the overall richness and evenness of the microbiome, leading to a less resilient ecosystem. Healthy microbiomes typically feature high alpha-diversity (variety within a single site), which provides functional redundancy and stability against perturbations. Causes include long-term antibiotic exposure, high-fat/low-fiber diets, or aging. loss of beneficial microbes may pave the way for pathobiont expansion. Dysbiosis can also be site-specific, such as oral dysbiosis (linked to periodontal disease) or vaginal dysbiosis (associated with bacterial vaginosis [19].

  • Impact on Human Health:

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Sohail Shaikh
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

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Pooja Rasal
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

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Huzaifa Patel
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

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Parth Khandelwal
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

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Sanabil Shaikh
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

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Saniya Shaikh
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SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola -423401

Sohail Shaikh*, Pooja Rasal, Huzaifa Patel, Parth Khandelwal, Sanabil Shaikh, Saniya Shaikh, Herbal Plants in the Management of Dysbiosis: A Review of Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Potential, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (11), 410-431. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17627134

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