Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 May 31;10(6):394.
doi: 10.3390/jof10060394.

Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Polysaccharides in Gut Microbiota Regulation: Implications for Diabetes, Neurodegeneration, and Oncology

Alexandru Stefan Barcan  1   2 , Rares Andrei Barcan  3 , Emanuel Vamanu  1
Affiliations
Review

Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Polysaccharides in Gut Microbiota Regulation: Implications for Diabetes, Neurodegeneration, and Oncology

Alexandru Stefan Barcan et al. J Fungi (Basel). .

Abstract

This review evaluates the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides derived from mushroom species that have medicinal and edible properties. The fungal polysaccharides were recently studied, focusing on their modulation of the gut microbiota and their impact on various diseases. The study covers both clinical and preclinical studies, detailing the results and highlighting the significant influence of these polysaccharides on gut microbiota modulation. It discusses the potential health benefits derived from incorporating these polysaccharides into the diet for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the interaction between fungal polysaccharides and the gut microbiota, underscoring their role in modulating the gut microbial community. It presents a systematic analysis of the findings, demonstrating the substantial impact of fungal polysaccharides on gut microbiota composition and function, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects in various chronic conditions. We conclude that the modulation of the gut microbiota by these polysaccharides may play a crucial role in mediating their therapeutic effects, offering a promising avenue for further research and potential applications in disease prevention and treatment.

Keywords: cancer; diabetes; fungal polysaccharides; gut microbiota; health implications; natural compounds; neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Human Gut Microbiota. 1 Firmicutes are one of the most common types of phyla in GM. They break down complex carbohydrates to produce SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) like butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These SCFAs are important sources of energy for both the host and the bacteria. Aside from that, Firmicutes produce vitamins, which makes them a good ally of the digestive system [49,50,51]. Among the Firmicutes, the family Lactobacillaceae is particularly adept at fermenting sugars into lactic acid, a process crucial for maintaining a healthy gut environment. Notably, the genus Lactobacillus has been reclassified into 25 distinct genera based on whole-genome sequencing by Zheng et al. (2020), which underscores the genetic and functional diversity within this bacterial group. This reclassification enhances our understanding of the specific roles these bacteria play in the gut, from producing short-chain fatty acids to interacting with the host’s immune system [52]. 2 Bacteroidetes is a major phylum of Gram-negative bacteria found abundantly in the human gut microbiota. This group of bacteria plays an important role in digesting complex molecules like polysaccharides and fibers, thereby contributing significantly to the host’s energy metabolism and overall gut health. Bacteroidetes are involved in breaking down carbohydrates that are indigestible by human enzymes, converting them into SCFAs like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which serve as energy sources for the host and help maintain the health of the gut lining [53,54]. 3 Actinobacteria, although not as abundant as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are critical in the development of immune system processes. They affect gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which is important for immunological maturation and defense against pathogens [55,56]. 4 The phylum Verrucomicrobia are known for their unique shapes and the ability to degrade various polysaccharides, making them significant in the carbon cycle of their respective habitats [57,58]. 5 Proteobacteria are typically present at low levels and contribute to the microbial diversity and balance within the gut and take part in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of complex compounds and the production of substances that can be beneficial for the host’s health [59]. 6 Bacteriophages, often referred to as phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. In the human gut, these microscopic entities play a critical role in shaping the composition and functionality of the microbiota [60,61]. 7 The mycobiota in the human gut has received relatively less attention compared to its bacterial counterparts, but it plays a significant role in human health and disease control. The gut mycobiota interact with the host’s immune system and other microbes in the microbiome and contribute to the overall balance and functionality of the gut ecosystem [53,62].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Functional fungal polysaccharides. a Beta-glucans, found in many fungi, consist of glucose units linked by β-glycosidic bonds, with variations in branching patterns and molecular weights across different species. These polysaccharides also form part of the structural components in fungal cell walls, contributing to the fungi’s structural integrity [70]. In addition to beta-glucans, mushrooms may contain alpha-glucans and other glucans, which have immune-stimulating effects [71]. b Chitin, a linear polysaccharide made of N-acetylglucosamine units linked by β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds, is a key structural element in fungal cell walls, providing rigidity and protection. Chitin plays various roles in the development of fungi, including growth, cell division, and environmental stress resistance [72]. c Mannans, a type of hemicellulose in some mushroom cell walls, consist of mannose sugars and have structural and immunomodulatory effects [73]. d Arabinans, consisting of arabinose sugars, are found in certain mushrooms and may act as dietary fiber [74]. e Pectins, present in some mushrooms, are complex polysaccharides with galacturonic acid, galactose, and arabinose, known for their gel-forming and thickening properties in food applications [75]. f Xylans, another hemicellulose found in mushrooms, are made of xylose sugars and may have prebiotic properties that promote beneficial gut bacteria growth [76]. g Galactans in mushrooms are made of galactose sugars and offer potential health benefits [77].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Gut–brain axis communication network.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The influence of gut microbiota in cancer immunotherapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Starwood J. Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying, and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi. The Countryman Press; Woodstock, VT, USA: 2021.
    1. Yang L., Kang X., Dong W., Wang L., Liu S., Zhong X., Liu D. Prebiotic properties of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides with special enrichment of Bacteroides ovatus and B. uniformis in vitro. J. Funct. Foods. 2022;92:105069. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105069. - DOI
    1. Chen M., Xiao D., Liu W., Song Y., Zou B., Li L., Li P., Cai Y., Liu D., Liao Q., et al. Intake of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides reverses the disturbed gut microbiota and metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2020;155:890–902. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.11.047. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Guo C., Guo D., Fang L., Sang T., Wu J., Guo C., Wang Y., Wang Y., Chen C., Chen J., et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota and immune cell function to inhibit inflammation and tumorigenesis in colon. Carbohydr. Polym. 2021;267:118231. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118231. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Chen W.-J., Wei Y.-S., Lo H.-I., Chu H.-F., Tseng M.-C., Lee B.-H., Shen T.-L. Liquid-State Fermented Ganoderma lucidum GANO99 Regulates Gut Microbiota and Concomitantly Modulates the Behavioral Deficits and Neurohistopathological Hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Preclinical Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J. Food Biochem. 2024;2024:6676977. doi: 10.1155/2024/6676977. - DOI

Grants and funding

This research was supported by PhD scholarships from the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV) under contract number 294396/2024 and the University of Strathclyde. Additionally, we were supported by Agenția de Credite și Burse de Studii (Agency for Student Loans and Scholarships) through the scholarship H.G. no. 118/2023, established according to O.M.E.C.T.S. nr. 3914/2011.

LinkOut - more resources