Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 25 studies involving animal models to see how traditional Chinese medicine affects the microbial diversity in the gut and airways. These studies were specifically looking at conditions involving chronic inflammatory airway disease.
The results were mixed. While some differences were noted in the types of bacteria present between the groups, there was no significant overall effect on the diversity of the microbes. Additionally, the amount of specific bacteria found in the gut and airways varied greatly across the different studies included in the analysis.
It is important to note that this research was conducted on animals, not humans. Because the results were inconsistent and the study was small, these findings do not yet provide a clear picture of how these treatments might work in people. More human trials are needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
