Progress of research on the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine for functional constipation based on intestinal flora

Abstract

Functional constipation is a common clinical non-organic disease, and long-term constipation, if not effectively treated, can bring many negative effects to patients. In recent years, intestinal flora has been a hot topic in the treatment of constipation. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora can promote the onset and development of chronic functional constipation through a series of pathways. Therefore, based on the several mechanisms of constipation caused by intestinal flora, this paper discusses some research results and progresses in the treatment of constipation by Chinese medicine, and systematically summarizes that Chinese medicine may play a role in the treatment of functional constipation by regulating the ratio and quantity of flora, participating in the metabolic transformation of flora, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier and influencing the expression of neurotransmitters related to the brain-intestinal bacterial axis. The aim is to establish a systematic theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation by Chinese medicine through influencing intestinal flora, and to provide a new treatment idea for constipation by Chinese medicine.