Erxian Decoction Ameliorates Myocardial Damage in Ovariectomized Rats by Regulating the Gut Microbiota and TMAO-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway.

ABSTRACT: Menopausal women face an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and exploring effective therapeutic strategies from traditional Chinese medicine is of great clinical significance. Erxian decoction (EXD), a classic formula for alleviating menopausal symptoms, has potential cardiovascular protective effects, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of EXD on gut microbiota, TMAO levels, and inflammatory levels were evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a well-established model of menopausal CVDs. EXD elevated serum E2 levels and improved both the cardiac systolic and diastolic functions in OVX rats. EXD decreased Firmicutes and Ruminococcaceae, increased Bacteroidota, Muribaculaceae and Escherichia-Shigella. EXD signifi

SUBMITTER: Hu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935506 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature