Collectively, TCM-based modulation of the gut-kidney axis operates through a “microbiota-metabolite-inflammation” cascade (1): Correction of dysbiosis enriches beneficial taxa (2); Restoration of gut barrier reduces toxin translocation (3); Downregulation of inflammatory pathways (e.g., NLRP3, AhR) alleviates renal fibrosis (120, 121). Here, AHR is linked to renal fibrosis.