Background: The incidence of intestinal fibrosis in Inflammatory bowel disease has increased in recent years, and the repair process is complex, leading to substantial economic and social burdens. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis and exploring potential therapeutic agents is crucial.Purpose: This article reviews the pathogenesis of IBD-related intestinal fibrosis, potential therapeutic targets, and the progress of research on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in inhibiting intestinal fibrosis. It also provides foundational data for developing innovative drugs to prevent intestinal fibrosis.Methods: This article reviews the literature from the past decade on advancements in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis. Data for this systematic research were obtained from electronic databases including PubMed, CNKI, SciFinder, and Web of Science. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on reports regarding the use of TCM for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. The study synthesizes and summarizes the research findings, presenting key patterns and trends through relevant charts.Results: This study reviewed recent advancements in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis, the active ingredients of TCM that inhibit intestinal fibrosis, the efficacy of TCM formulae in preventing intestinal fibrosis, and dietary modification that may contribute to the inhibition of intestinal fibrosis.Conclusion: This article examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote the development of intestinal fibrosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets for its treatment. It also provides a theoretical basis for exploring and utilizing TCM resources in the management of intestinal fibrosis. Through the analysis of various TCM medicines, this article underscores the clinical significance and therapeutic potential of TCM and dietary modifications in treating intestinal fibrosis.

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) exerts beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis. However, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the impact of high and low-frequency EA at Zusanli (ST36) on the gut microbiota and metabolite profile in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Methods: Colitis was established using DSS, and daily electroacupuncture at ST36 with varying frequencies was administered. Changes in body weight and fecal characteristics were monitored. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected, and the core molecule of intestinal barrier function were analyzed. The composition of intestinal flora was analyzed using 16S sRNA sequencing, while the changes of metabolites in colon tissue were detected by Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS). Results: Treatment with both high and low frequencies of EA at ST36 significantly ameliorated the symptoms of colitis, while also exerting systemic and local anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS and MPO. EA at ST36 enhanced the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expression of MUC2 and ZO-1. Furthermore, high-frequency EA at ST36 remarkably restored the gut microbial composition and diversity, as well as modulated the gut microbial metabolism of phenylalanine. Conclusion: Our results suggest that EA treatment may alleviate colitis by reducing colon damage through gut microbiota-phenylalanine metabolism, which provides insight into EA’s underlying mechanisms in the treatment of colitis.