gut-brain-axis
The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional biochemical communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract, its microbial communities, and the central nervous system. While rooted in animal physiology, this concept is increasingly relevant to plant science as researchers investigate how plant-derived compounds, dietary fibers, and phytochemicals shape gut microbiome composition and influence neurological signaling pathways. Understanding these interactions helps plant scientists identify which bioactive molecules in crops and medicinal plants may support human health through microbiome-mediated effects on brain function.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-06
A traditional Chinese herbal formula called Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) was shown to relieve functional dyspepsia — a chronic stomach disorder — by calming overactive pain signals in the brain and spinal cord and correcting imbalances in glutamate, a key brain chemical.
607 bioactive plant compounds were identified in the herbal formula, with 129 detected in rat blood and 134 reaching the brain, confirming the herbs cross the blood-brain barrier.
CSS treatment reduced inflammatory markers (Iba1, NOX2) in the amygdala and lowered spinal cord levels of pain-signaling proteins (CaMKII, NMDAR, IL-1β), indicating reduced central pain sensitization.
Metabolomics analysis showed CSS corrected glutamate metabolism pathways in both fecal and serum samples, linking gut microbial chemistry changes to improvements in brain signaling.