Host-Microbe Co-metabolism System as Potential Targets: the Promising Way for Natural Medicine to Treat Atherosclerosis

The host-microbe co-metabolism system, which generates diverse exogenous and endogenous bioactive molecules to impact the immune and metabolic function of the host, plays vital roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent researches have revealed the interaction between natural medicines and the host-microbe co-metabolism system. After oral administration, ingredients of natural medicines can be transformed by gut microbiota, followed by the enhancement of their bioavailability or antiatherogenic efficacy. Additionally, natural medicines can also exert their antiatherogenic effects via regulating the endogenous host-microbe co-metabolism. In this review, we present an updated understanding of the dual association between natural medicines and the host-microbe co-metabolites, including displaying the crucial function of microbial exogenous metabolites derived from natural medicines and uncovering the mechanism underlying the intervention of natural medicines on the fundamental nodes of the endogenous host-microbe co-metabolism, which may offer new insights into cardiovascular diseases treatment and guide drug discovery.