Some natural remedies can be of great help for health. In particular, they can assist in cases of gut dysbiosis. This is a condition characterized by an imbalance in the microorganisms that normally populate the intestine, collectively known as the gut microbiota. This can occur due to irregular eating habits, certain pharmacological treatments, and periods of intense stress. While the patterns of intestinal balance are more or less similar to each other, the same cannot be said for dysbiotic patterns. In fact, each imbalance is influenced by intrinsic factors, such as age and sex, as well as extrinsic factors, including lifestyle habits and, in particular, diet.
How to balance
A diet rich in plant-based foods, high in fiber and valuable antioxidants, along with a healthy and active lifestyle, is essential and linked to intestinal well-being. In support of lifestyle medicine, new active substances are emerging that aim to support or restore intestinal dysbiosis and maintain the balance of the gut microbiota, thereby promoting Eubiosis.
Research on Natural Remedies
Our research group at the University of Bologna has identified some very interesting plant-based substances. In particular, certain natural remedies found in essential oils have exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for intestinal health. These include terpenes such as:
- Geraniol, abundant in Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii),
- Eugenol, found in Clove oil (Sizygium aromaticum), and
- D-limonene, which characterizes citrus essential oils, particularly Sweet Orange (Citrus aurantium var dulcis).
All of these compounds have been shown to have a selective action against pathogenic bacteria. This property is likely the result of millions of years of evolution. Aromatic plants have selected molecules capable of protecting them from pathogens while preserving beneficial microorganisms. Various preclinical studies and human clinical trials have demonstrated that these natural remedies can restore the human microbiota, precisely due to this selective action.
How Do These Natural Remedies Work?
The effectiveness of plant derivatives is particularly influenced by the method of preparation used for their administration. The eubiotic action on the microbiota is more pronounced in preparations that prevent the systemic absorption of essential oils and promote direct contact with the microbiota in the colon. Their action specifically targets opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for dysbiosis when they proliferate excessively. The selection of microorganisms that promote conditions of eubiosis has several positive effects on health. In particular, it:
- promotes the integrity of the intestinal barrier,
- improves the inflammatory profile (related to various metabolic diseases and aging),
- supports metabolic functions (management of lipids and sugars), and
- enhances the efficiency of the immune system.
Moreover, the balance of the gut microbiota makes it more difficult for infections caused by opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms to occur and become chronic. An example of this is candidiasis, primarily caused by Candida albicans, which is naturally present in humans but can lead to disease when it grows excessively.
