Epigallocatechin Gallate Influences in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Regulating Gut Microbiota: Current Research Status and Therapeutic Prospects

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality, with its pathogenesis involving multiple factors, including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. However, current clinical interventions remain limited. Recently, the “gut-lung axis”—the interplay between gut microbiota and lung diseases—has gained significant attention, offering new perspectives for ARDS prevention and treatment. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the primary bioactive compound in green tea, exhibits distinct anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating properties. EGCG shows promise in ARDS therapy by restoring gut homeostasis, enhancing barrier function, modulating immune responses, and influencing microbial metabolites. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects and its clinical applicability warrant further exploration. This review examines the molecular mechanisms through which EGCG modulates ARDS by regulating gut microbiota and considers its potential as a novel therapeutic approach, offering valuable theoretical and practical insights for future clinical applications.