https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2209-1295
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Abstract
The gut microbiota (GM) is a complex ecosystem that is closely linked to host health. Ganoderma spp. polysaccharides (GPs), a major bioactive component of the fungal genus Ganoderma, can modulate the GM, exhibiting various health effects and prebiotic potential. This review comprehensively concluded the structural features and extraction method of GPs. The mechanism of GPs for anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer were further evaluated. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion of GPs and the utilization mechanism of host microorganisms were discussed. It was found that the physicochemical properties and biological activities of GPs depend on their structural characteristics (molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bonds, etc.). Their extraction method also affects the structure and bioactivities of polysaccharides. GPs supplementation could increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g. Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium), while reducing that of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Aerococcus, Ruminococcus), thus promoting health. Moreover, GPs are resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine but are digested in the large intestine. Therefore, GPs can be considered as potential prebiotics. However, further studies should investigate how GPs as prebiotics regulate GM and improve host health.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Authors’ contributions
Miao Zheng designed the manuscript, performed preliminary data analysis, and wrote the initial review. Xiaowen Pi and Hongxuan Li discussed with “Miao Zheng” and helped “Miao Zheng” to modify manuscripts. Shasha Cheng suggested some amendments to the initial review. Professor Yujun Jiang and Caoxing Man supervised the project and edited the final version of the manuscript. Yue Su and Yu Zhang provided critical revisions of the final manuscript. The final version of was approve manuscript d by all the authors.