Abstract: Bone metabolism is a dynamic process of continuous remodeling and reconstruction of bones with the participation of various bone cells. The balance of bone metabolism is of great significance for maintaining bone density and bone strength. Gut microbiota is considered the second largest gene pool and plays an important role in maintaining animal health. In recent years, the relationship between bone metabolism and gut microbiota has gradually become a research hotspot. Gut microbiota is a complex microecosystem, which can maintain bone health by regulating metabolism, immune system and endocrine in animals. The abundant active ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine can regulate the structure and composition of gut microbiota, and thus maintain the relative balance of microorganism. It has been found that there is a close relationship among Chinese herbal medicine, gut microbiota and bone metabolism. Based on the worldwild research on bone metabolism, gut microbiota and traditional Chinese medicine, this paper summarizes the influence of Chinese herbal medicine on gut microbes, gut microbiota on bone metabolism, along with the effects of Chinese herbal medicine on bone metabolism through gut microbiota, which will provide a reference for the subsequent research on improving bone metabolism based on gut-bone axis.

Key words: Chinese herbal medicine, gut microbiota, bone metabolism, bone growth