Natural products alleviate exercise-induced fatigue by modulating gut microbiota: a systematic review.
Natural products may influence exercise-induced fatigue through gut microbiota modulation, but evidence from human studies is limited and further research is needed.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the slu-pp-332 (exercise mimetic) corpusSummary and findings
This systematic review assessed the effects of natural products on exercise-induced fatigue by modulating gut microbiota. It included 26 studies, comprising 25 animal experiments and 1 human trial, focusing on various natural product sources. The review identified common mechanisms and source-specific differences in their anti-fatigue effects.
Abstract
Exercise-induced fatigue critically impairs athletic performance and training quality. The gut microbiota, as a key regulator of the "gut-muscle axis," has emerged as a promising anti-fatigue target. Natural products - owing to their diverse sources, structural complexity, and favorable safety profiles - have attracted growing research interest. However, a systematic synthesis comparing their anti-fatigue effects via gut microbiota modulation across different sources is lacking. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI for original studies that administered natural products and concurrently assessed gut microbiota changes and anti-fatigue outcomes. Twenty-six studies (25 animal experiments and 1 human trial) were included and categorized into seven groups by source and chemical characteristics. A descriptive systematic review was conducted to identify common mechanisms and source-specific differentiations. The enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and the activation of the SCFA-AMPK/PGC-1α axis were shared core events across all product categories. However, source-dependent mechanistic divergences emerged: polysaccharides acted primarily as fermentable substrates with an optimal dose window; polyphenols and saponins exerted dual modulation on both microbiota and host signaling pathways; compound extracts achieved systemic synergy through functional complementation; marine- and animal-derived products exhibited unique targeting profiles and rapid action. Intestinal barrier maintenance and brain-gut axis regulation further extended the anti-fatigue repertoire. Collectively, natural products possess a solid mechanistic basis for alleviating exercise-induced fatigue via gut microbiota remodeling. The differentiated characteristics of these methods in targeting precision and pathway engagement provide a theoretical foundation for designing precision intervention strategies tailored to specific fatigue contexts.
Background
This paper addresses the clinical question of how natural products may mitigate exercise-induced fatigue through modulation of gut microbiota. Previous research has indicated that gut microbiota plays a significant role in the gut-muscle axis, influencing fatigue and performance. This study is important as it systematically reviews existing literature to identify mechanisms and effects of various natural products on fatigue.
Methods
The review systematically searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI for original studies that assessed both gut microbiota changes and anti-fatigue outcomes. A total of 26 studies were included, categorized into seven groups based on source and chemical characteristics. The review focused on descriptive synthesis rather than quantitative analysis.
Results
The review found that the activation of the SCFA-AMPK/PGC-1α axis was a common mechanism across all natural product categories. Specific findings regarding the effects of individual products were not quantified in the abstract. The review highlighted that polysaccharides serve as fermentable substrates and that marine and animal-derived products have unique effects.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while there is a mechanistic basis for the anti-fatigue effects of natural products, the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear due to the predominance of animal studies. The small number of human trials limits the ability to generalize these results to clinical practice. The review underscores the need for further research to establish the efficacy and safety of these interventions in humans.
Key findings
- 26 studies included: 25 animal experiments and 1 human trial.
- Activation of the SCFA-AMPK/PGC-1α axis was a shared core event across all product categories.
- Polysaccharides acted primarily as fermentable substrates with an optimal dose window.
- Marine- and animal-derived products exhibited unique targeting profiles and rapid action.
Limitations
- 26 studies included: 25 animal experiments and 1 human trial.
- Predominantly animal studies limit generalizability to humans.
- No specific quantitative results or effect sizes reported.
- Descriptive synthesis may overlook important nuances in data.