Regulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides on gut microbiota and metabolites: evaluation of prebiotic potential.

ABSTRACT: Dietary polysaccharides have long been recognized for their capacity to modulate gut microbiota composition and metabolic activities, making them promising resources for functional food development. In this study, we investigated the effects of Poria cocos (P. cocos) polysaccharides on the structure and metabolism of human gut microbiota using an in vitro fecal fermentation model. Our results revealed that P. cocos polysaccharides were readily utilized by the gut microbiota, as evidenced by a significant decrease in pH and an increase in SCFAs concentrations. Notably, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) increased, whereas that of potentially pathogenic taxa (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella and Bilophila) decreased. Furthermore, P. cocos polysa

SUBMITTER: Zhou X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12015419 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature