Quorum sensing(QS) is one of the research hotspots in the fields of microbiology and medicine in recent years. Quorum sensing is a cell communication regulatory system, which is used by bacterial flora to pass on information of population density by sensing specific signaling molecules to the environment. The QS system of bacteria can impact biological functions, such as bacterial growth, proliferation, biofilm formation, virulence factor production, antibiotic synthesis, and ultimately adapt the bacteria to environmental changes. At present, more and more active ingredients can regulate quorum sensing have been found in traditional Chinese medicines(TCM). TCM and their active ingredients can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and finally achieve the purpose of treating diseases. It embodies multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. This article first introduces molecular types and regulation mechanisms of quorum sensing signals between bacteria. On this basis, the human health-related bacterial quorum sensing is summarized, and the regulatory effect of TCM on bacterial quorum sensing system is discussed. Finally, it is noted that the material basis and mechanisms of TCM in improving human health through bacterial quorum sensing system are still unclear. Future research hotspots will focus on quorum sensing active substances, quorum sensing key nodes and relevant targets. In a word, this article provides reference for the treatment of relevant diseases.
Keywords: bacteria; health; quorum sensing; traditional Chinese medicine.