Part 3: The Role of Botanicals in Supporting Microbial Balance and Systemic Health

Part 1 and 2 Review

Part 1 of this series discussed the importance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in regulating intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier function. SCFAs also decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-3, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α), and reduce NF-κβ. Additionally, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) found throughout the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria cause damage to epithelial cells and tight junctions. This begins the cascade of inflammation by binding to TLR4 and activating NF-κβ and inflammatory cytokines (1).

Part 2 discussed diseases associated with gut dysbiosis, decreased diversity of beneficial gut microbes, and LPS translocation. From a clinical standpoint, we addressed adding microbiome and LPS-based inflammation to the differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with chronic fatigue, aching joints, and dementia.

Now that we understand the role of the microbiome and its ability to predispose towards good health or systemic illness, let’s apply this information in our clinical practices.

Botanicals and the Gut Microbiome

Botanicals have long been used for a variety of health reasons, and a review of the literature by Feng et al. found, “Herbal medicines are an important resource provider for production of SCFAs and have been demonstrated to be able to modulate gut microbiota composition and regulate SCFAs production” (1). The way that botanicals accomplish this is by providing nutrients to the gut microbiota that secrete enzymes to metabolize carbohydrates into SCFAs (1). SCFAs help maintain epithelial integrity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They prevent gram-negative bacteria (including LPS) from passing through and entering the bloodstream, blocking inflammatory systemic disease.

Botanicals and the Oral Microbiome

Not only are botanicals effective in the gut microbiome, but also in the oral microbiome. A biocidal formula containing 17 herbs and essential oils was used by John Rothchild, DDS, in a dental pilot study. Dr. Rothchild used phase-contrast microscopy and examined nine participants that exhibited elevations in pathogenic microorganisms (gram-negative rods and spirochetes) in gingival crevicular fluid derived from the periodontal tissues.

Seven out of nine participants had a significant reduction or elimination of pathogens when using Biocidin® formula for one month (2).

Botanicals and Biofilms

Hashioka et al. showed that periodontal gram-negative bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and its component LPS are found in the periodontal pocket (3). These harmful bacteria form biofilms and enter the pocket epithelium where they gain access to systemic circulation and release pro-inflammatory cytokines (3). Incredibly, botanicals have the power to break down biofilms, thus decreasing the likelihood of chronic oral microbial dysbiosis. A pilot study done by Binghamton University looked at Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilms and exposed them to a 50% concentration of Biocidin®(4). At 24 hours, most of the biofilms were eradicated in both species (see diagram). Of note is both of these species are gram negative.

Endotoxemia and Spore Probiotics

Final Thoughts