Bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Science: The Gut-Zang-Fu Axis and its Scientific Advances
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) characterizes the human body through visceral systems (Zang-Fu organs), which are connected by functional and energetic relationships. Advances in microbiome research have revealed the key role of gut microbiota in regulating physiology, metabolism, and immune function. This article explores potential parallels between TCM visceral theory and gut microbiota research, proposing that the gut microbiome may offer a contemporary biological perspective for understanding certain TCM concepts. We discuss the gut–Zang-Fu axis as a possible pathway linking microbial regulation to organ functions described in TCM. Progress in this field provides scientific support for interpreting viscera theory and contributes to the development of the “Holistic Theory of Gut Microbiota” and the concept of “microbiota formulation” guided by TCM principles.
Authors: Zhe-Xin Ni, Nan Zhang, Wei Zhou, Yue Gao
Institution: Qinghai University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7126077858