Cross-Talk between Gut Microbiota and the Heart: A New Target for the Herbal Medicine Treatment of Heart Failure?

Figure 1

Cross-talk between gut microbiota and the heart, a new target for HM treatment of HF. In patients with HF, microcirculatory disturbances result in intestinal epithelial dysfunction. On the other hand, HF is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and the imbalance of gut microbe-derived metabolites. Evidence has revealed the role of HM in modulating the gut microbiota, and HM is widely used in the prevention and treatment of HF. There are many similarities between intestinal microecology and the TCM theory, such as the holistic concept and the theory of the heart’s connection with the small intestine.” These similarities provide a theoretical basis for HM to prevent and treat diseases by regulating the intestinal flora and its metabolites.