Gut microbiota and spleen-strengthening and dampness-dispelling therapies in obesity and related metabolic disorders: key mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat and systemic low-level inflammation, is closely linked to energy imbalance and gut dysbiosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) attributes obesity to spleen deficiency and dampness excess, advocating "strengthening the spleen and expelling dampness" as the core treatment strategy. Studies have shown that TCM formulas, botanical drugs, and their active metabolites can significantly enhance the balance of the gut microbiota, correcting lipid and glucose metabolism disorders, and effectively reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This study summarizes and concludes relevant research, systematically elaborating on the relationships among TCM formulas, botanical drugs, their metabolites for strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, and the gut microbiota. Try to elucidate their effects on obesity by regulating the gut microbiota.