Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu. leaves flavonoids alleviate alcoholic liver disease by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and maintaining intestinal homeostasis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is thought to be primarily caused by oxidative damage and disruption of intestinal homeostasis. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu. leaves flavonoids (CLFs) against ALD and explore the underlying mechanisms based on hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, intestinal barrier function and non-targeted metabolomics. The results indicated that CLFs improved the condition of mice with alcoholic liver disease and restored normal liver function. Through a combination of biochemical assays, non-targeted metabolomics, and gut microbiota analysis, we found that CLFs regulated glutathione metabolism and the tryptophan metabolic pathways, and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thus alleviating oxidative stress levels. Additionally, by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and preserving intestinal barrier function, CLFs led to a decrease in harmful microorganisms like g-Sutterella and an increase in helpful microbes like g-Clostridium-f-Clostridiaceae. In summary, these findings provide a scientific basis for considering CLFs in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease.