Effect of Chenpi on the Intestinal Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex and diverse microbial community that plays a fundamental role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Disruptions to this delicate microbial balance have been increasingly linked to a wide range of conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and obesity. The bidirectional communication between gut microbes and the host influences immune function, nutrient absorption, and metabolic regulation, highlighting the importance of a stable and diverse microbiota for well-being. With the advent of advanced sequencing technologies, such as high-throughput analysis of 16S rRNA, ITS, and 18S rRNA gene regions, researchers can now comprehensively profile microbial communities with unprecedented resolution. Integrated with analytical methods like PCA and PCoA, these tools facilitate the identification of microbial patterns associated with health and disease. By tracking changes in the gut microbiome across different stages, scientists are gaining deeper insights into the mechanisms driving disease onset and progression, while uncovering new opportunities for microbiota-targeted interventions aimed at restoring intestinal homeostasis.