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

Dietary polysaccharides have the function of regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, and can serve as an important source of functional foods. This study aimed to analyze the regulation of poria cocos polysaccharides on the structure and metabolism of human gut microbiota through an in vitro fecal fermentation model. The results showed that Poria cocos polysaccharides can be utilized by gut microbiota, resulting in a significant decrease in pH and a significant increase in the concentration of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium increased, while the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella, Bilophila decreased. Furthermore, Poria cocos polysaccharides had a positive effect on microbial metabolites, significantly up-regulating metabolites such as L-cystine, and etelcalcetide. These results highlight the beneficial role of Poria cocos polysaccharides in maintaining intestinal health and indicate their potential prebiotics in the functional food industry.