Natural Products for Gut-X Axis: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Microbiology in Mycotoxin-caused Diseases

Overview

Journal Front Pharmacol

Date 2024 Jul 9

PMID 38978980

Authors

Kaiqi Li

Shiqi Wang

Wuyi Qu

Abdelkareem A Ahmed

Wael Enneb

Mohammad Diya Obeidat

Hao-Yu Liu

Tadelle Dessie

In Ho Kim

Saber Y Adam

Demin Cai

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract is integral to defending against external contaminants, featuring a complex array of immunological, physical, chemical, and microbial barriers. Mycotoxins, which are toxic metabolites from fungi, are pervasive in both animal feed and human food, presenting substantial health risks. This review examines the pharmacological, toxicological, and microbiological impacts of natural products on mycotoxicosis, with a particular focus on the gut-x axis. The analysis synthesizes current understanding and explores the role of natural products rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins. The review highlights that mycotoxins can disrupt intestinal integrity, alter inflammatory responses, damage the mucus layer, and disturb the bacterial balance. The toxins' effects are extensive, potentially harming the immune system, liver, kidneys, and skin, and are associated with serious conditions such as cancer, hormonal changes, genetic mutations, bleeding, birth defects, and neurological issues. Natural products have shown potential anticancer, anti-tumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitoxic properties. The review underscores the emerging therapeutic strategy of targeting gut microbial modulation. It identifies knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions to deepen our understanding of natural products' role in gut-x axis health and to mitigate the global health impact of mycotoxin-induced diseases.

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