Harnessing pharmacognosy to restore gut microbial harmony in women’s health

The human gut microbiome, often called an "invisible organ," is a crucial organ that brings about the balance of metabolic, immune, and neurobehavioral systems. The unraveling of microbial balance, a condition called dysbiosis, leads to a strong connection between these disruptions and numerous disorders, among which metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and neuropsychiatric dysfunctions are some of the most commonly known ones. In the case of women, the hormonal fluctuations during menarche, pregnancy, and menopause have a significant impact on the gut microflora, thereby determining the woman's vulnerability to disease. The gut-estrogen axis, particularly the estrobolome, is responsible for the modulation of systemic estrogen levels and is considered very important concerning reproductive and metabolic health. Pharmacognosy-based methods that involve the use of prebiotic plants, polyphenol-rich herbs, and fermented herbal compositions are among the outstanding therapies for achieving the microbial balance and increasing the gut's ability to resist diseases. These plant-based bioactive substances are capable of affecting the diversity of microbes, boosting the production of short-chain fatty acids and the strength of mucosal barriers.