Natural products as modulators of age-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis: a systematic review of animal models
A systematic review of 17 animal studies suggests natural products normalise gut microbiota in ageing models, with associated changes in inflammatory and oxidative markers.
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What the study showed
Included studies reported reductions in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, suppression of pro-inflammatory taxa, and enrichment of beneficial genera following interventions with plant-derived compounds, probiotics, prebiotics, marine microalgae, and animal-derived products. These microbial shifts were linked to improved antioxidant defences (SOD, GSH-Px, CAT), reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2, and gains in memory, learning, and motor performance. The abstract acknowledges wide heterogeneity across animal models.
How it was done
Systematic review searching four databases (2000–2024), yielding 762 records; 17 studies met eligibility criteria, covering naturally aged rodents, D-galactose-induced, genetically accelerated (SAMP8, ob/ob), and diet-induced models.
Risk of bias
Only 17 studies were included with marked heterogeneity in animal models, interventions, and outcomes, precluding quantitative synthesis. All data derive from animals; extrapolation to humans is not supported by the abstract.
What this study does NOT prove
The study does not demonstrate that natural products reverse or slow human ageing, nor that the observed microbial changes in animals translate to measurable clinical benefits.
In clinical practice
No direct clinical recommendation can be drawn from a review confined to animal models. Pre-clinical evidence may inform trial design, not clinical practice.
Limitations
Only 17 studies were included with marked heterogeneity in animal models, interventions, and outcomes, precluding quantitative synthesis. All data derive from animals; extrapolation to humans is not supported by the abstract.
Technical appendix
Version history
- 1.0 · 2026-09-07 — Auto-generated under Evidence Standard v1.0
Paid access: structured summary from public metadata; consult the original study at the source.