Z-ligustilide alleviates atherosclerosis by reconstructing gut microbiota and sustaining gut barrier integrity through activation of cannabinoid receptor 2

Z-Ligustilide (ZL) is an essential phthalide found in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating atherosclerosis (AS) clinically. ZL has been shown to be effective in treating AS. However, the underlying mechanism of ZL against AS and its potential targets remain elusive.