The interplay of plant polysaccharide structure, gut microbiota metabolism, and host health: Mechanisms and perspectives

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable for narrative review

• Effect Size: Not specified in available information

• Primary Outcome: Plant polysaccharide structure influences gut microbiota composition and metabolic function

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - mechanistic review without therapeutic intervention data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Limited by lack of specific dosing recommendations and standardized polysaccharide preparations Relevant to Australian dietary guidelines and complementary medicine regulations under TGA; potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals Patients with metabolic disorders, IBD, and NAFLD; general population interested in gut health

Abstract

Plant polysaccharides, as natural biomolecules, possess the capability to modulate the structure and function of gut microbiota, subsequently influencing host health. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions remain insufficiently understood. This article presents a systematic review of the impact of the chemical structure of plant polysaccharides, including monosaccharide composition and types of glycosidic bonds, on the metabolic preferences of gut microbiota. It emphasizes how structural variations in polysaccharides can promote the proliferation of specific gut microbiota, such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Additionally, the study analyzes critical enzymatic systems, including glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and polysaccharide lyases (PLs), alongside metabolic pathways associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that facilitate the degradation of plant polysaccharides by gut microbiota. Furthermore, it explores the influence of these metabolites on conditions such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The findings provide a robust theoretical framework for enhancing the utilization efficiency of bioactive polysaccharide components through targeted extraction and characterization techniques, thereby fostering potential advancements in innovative nutritional formulations and pharmacological applications.

References

1. 1.Zhang, J., Ma, Y., Chang, R., Wang, R., & Zhang, J. (2026). The interplay of plant polysaccharide structure, gut microbiota metabolism, and host health: Mechanisms and perspectives. Life Sciences, 124383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2026.124383