The role of gut microbial β-glucuronidase in drug disposition and development

•The gmGUS enzymes affect disposition of many endogenous and exogenous phenolic compounds through three types of recycling.•Preclinical studies have shown inhibition of gmGUS is associated with local or systemic diseases.•Challenges remain in targeting gmGUS as a druggable target. Gut microbial β-glucuronidase (gmGUS) is involved in the disposition of many endogenous and exogenous compounds. Preclinical studies have shown that inhibiting gmGUS activity affects drug disposition, resulting in reduced toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and enhanced systemic efficacy. Additionally, manipulating gmGUS activity is expected to be effective in preventing/treating local or systemic diseases. Although results from animal studies are promising, challenges remain in developing drugs by targeting gmGUS. Here, we review the role of gmGUS in host health under physiological and pathological conditions, the impact of gmGUS on the disposition of phenolic compounds, models used to study gmGUS activity, and the perspectives and challenges in developing drugs by targeting gmGUS.