Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Pharmacology of Nutritional, Microbiota-Targeted, and Nutraceutical Interventions Along the Gut–Health Axis

The gut–health axis constitutes a complex and dynamic communication network between the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary system, and pancreas, playing a central role in the regulation of metabolic, immune, and neurological processes. In recent years, nutrition-based, microbiota-targeted, and nutraceutical interventions have been increasingly utilized in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases. However, within the existing literature, these interventions are predominantly examined from nutritional or microbiota-centered perspectives, while their pharmacological targets, dose–response relationships, molecular mechanisms of action, and translational validity are not sufficiently evaluated in an integrated manner. In particular, the drug-like effect profiles of microbiota-derived metabolites and food-derived bioactive compounds in gastrointestinal and hepatic systems remain inadequately characterized. This gap deepens the disconnect between experimental findings and clinical practice and highlights the growing need for pharmacology-oriented, interdisciplinary approaches.The primary aim of this Research Topic is to reframe nutrition-based, microbiota-targeted, and nutraceutical interventions beyond conventional dietary approaches and to reposition them within the context of gastrointestinal and hepatic pharmacology. While a substantial body of research reports beneficial effects of these interventions, many studies remain limited to outcome descriptions, without sufficient integration of mechanisms of action, molecular and cellular targets, and pharmacodynamic properties. This Research Topic seeks to bring together mechanistic evidence derived from cell culture and animal models with data from clinical trials and observational human studies in a comparative and integrative manner. Particular emphasis is placed on pharmacological evaluation of effects on intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, immune responses, bile acid metabolism, and hepatic function. Through this approach, the Research Topic aims to contribute to the positioning of microbiota-targeted nutritional and nutraceutical interventions as evidence-based therapeutic agents in gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases.This Research Topic encompasses studies investigating the pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, and translational relevance of nutrition-based, microbiota-targeted, and nutraceutical interventions in gastrointestinal and hepatic systems. Research focusing on the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of microbiota-derived metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid bacteria metabolites), food-derived bioactive compounds, and fermented products is particularly encouraged. Priority is given to studies addressing clinically meaningful outcomes related to intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, immune responses, bile acid signaling, hepatic inflammation, and fibrogenesis.Within the scope of this Research Topic, original research articles, mechanistic experimental studies, clinical and observational studies, as well as high-quality narrative or systematic reviews are welcome. Topic editors: Duygu Ağagündüz, Diana Roopchand, Ceren Ozkul, Özge CEMALİ Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78687/gastrointestinal-and-hepatic-pharmacology-of-nutritional-microbiota-targeted-and-nutraceutical-interventions-along-the-gut-health-axis