The combination of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma enhanced the absorption and pharmacokinetics of puerarin by modulating the intestinal barrier and influenced gut microbiota

•Daidzin and daidzein enhanced the intestinal absorption of puerarin.•Ligustrazine improved the absorption of puerarin both in situ and in vivo.•PLR with CXR increased intestinal permeability.•PLR with CXR modulated P-gp and claudin-5 to affect intestinal barrier.•PLR with CXR influenced gut microbiota, which may be a potential target.