The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the biotransformation of xenobiotics, substances foreign to the body, which includes drugs and environmental chemicals. Dysbiosis can alter the metabolic pathways involved in the detoxification and activation of these compounds. This alteration can lead to increased toxicity if harmful metabolites are produced or decreased efficacy of therapeutic drugs due to altered metabolism. For example, the gut microbiota is involved in the metabolism of polyphenols, and dysbiosis might impair their beneficial effects.
