Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Obesity by Regulating the Central Nervous System via Short-chain Fatty Acids

The increasing global prevalence of obesity (OB) calls for the development of effective treatments. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising approach by modulating gut microbiota (GM) to enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Research has demonstrated that SCFAs can regulate appetite and energy expenditure via the Central Nervous System (CNS), underscoring the role of the gut-brain axis in maintaining energy balance. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using databases, such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The focus was on the impact of TCM on SCFA production and its influence on appetite regulation and energy expenditure through the CNS. This review indicates that TCM enhances the production of SCFAs, which suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure through their interaction with the CNS, particularly the gut-brain axis. TCM demonstrates promise as a therapeutic strategy for obesity by enhancing the production of SCFAs and regulating energy balance. This approach presents a novel avenue for obesity treatment through the modulation of the microbiome.