Mechanism Study on the Regulation of Intestinal Microecology by Hangover Liver‐Protecting Beverage for the Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease

In this study, we systematically investigated the preventive and curative effects of food-sourced hangover liver-protecting beverage (HLB) against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and their multi-target mechanisms through molecular docking, 16S rDNA sequencing, and functional assessment of the hepatic-intestinal axis. Based on the theory of medicinal food harmony (MFH), 121 potential active components were identified from six foods, including <i>Hovenia dulcis</i>, chicory, and umeboshi, by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technology. HLB characteristic active components such as quercetin, catechin, and ferulic acid were verified through molecular docking. In vivo experiments showed that HLB significantly reduced serum LPS, ALT, AST, TC, and TG levels, upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction protein (ZO-1/Occludin), and inhibited the activation of the TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4)/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis in ALD model mice. Meanwhile, HLB restored the homeostasis of intestinal flora and the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), confirming that it synergistically ameliorated liver injury through the "flora-SCFAs-intestinal barrier" axis. This study reveals the molecular basis for the regulation of ALD by food-based natural ingredients through liver - gut interactions and provides theoretical and practical basis for the development of functional beverages with both safety and multi-target effects.