Beyond cellulose: pharmaceutical potential for bioactive plant polysaccharides in treating disease and gut dysbiosis

Abstract

Polysaccharides derived from plants, algae, or fungi serve as the major components of some human diets. Polysaccharides have been shown to exhibit diverse biological activities in improving human health, and have also been proposed to function as potent modulators of gut microbiota composition, thus playing a bi-directional regulatory role in host health. Here, we review a variety of polysaccharide structures potentially linked to biological functions, and cover current research progress in characterizing their pharmaceutical effects in various disease models, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial activities. We also highlight the effects of polysaccharides on modulating gut microbiota via enrichment for beneficial taxa and suppression of potential pathogens, leading to increased microbial expression of carbohydrate-active enzymes and enhanced short chain fatty acid production. This review also discusses polysaccharide-mediated improvements in gut function by influencing interleukin and hormone secretion in host intestinal epithelial cells.

The Networked Interaction between Probiotics and Intestine in Health and Disease: A Promising Success Story

“…These microbially-derived metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), interact with the host cells and influence immune responses [ 14 , 15 ]. This dynamic and complex ecosystem helps the proliferation, growth and differentiation of epithelial cells, thus enhancing the host’s ability to defend against infections and stimulate the immune system [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Numerous experiments conducted on germ-free animals (GF) have elucidated that early colonization of the microbiota is essential for the proper development of immunity.…”

Plant-Based Dietary Fibers and Polysaccharides as Modulators of Gut Microbiota in Intestinal and Lung Inflammation: Current State and Challenges

“…These plant-derived compounds have demonstrated promising potential for preventing and alleviating gut and lung inflammation through their ability to modulate the microbiota. Notably, plant-based polysaccharides exhibit diverse biological functions, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and microbiota modulation capabilities [12]. Such findings hold significant promise for the development of novel therapeutic interventions to address gut-lung-axis diseases.…”