Gut microbiota: Metabolic programmers as a lead for deciphering Ayurvedic pharmacokinetics

Abstract

Gut microbiota has tremendous potential to influence human physiology in terms of health and disease. Factors like improper diet, lifestyle and stress contribute in development of dysbiosis. Ayurveda emphasizes on the importance of mahasrotasa (GIT system) and its homeostasis in maintenance of health. Pharmacokinetic principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology include Vipaka, commonly referred to as 'postdigestive irreversible process' which is closely associated with biotransformation of drugs caused by microbiota. There is evidence that the metabolism of polyphenols by the microbiota can influence their bioactivity. Consequently, inter-individual variation in microbial metabolism could have implications for health benefits of phytochemicals.