Potential interventions and interactions of bioactive polyphenols and functional polysaccharides to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease - A review.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifaceted condition that is influenced by nutritional, microbial, environmental, genetic, psychological, and immunological factors. Polyphenols and polysaccharides have gained recognition for their therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the biological effects of polyphenols and polysaccharides, and explores their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-modulating properties in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, polyphenols encounter challenges, such as low stability and low bioavailability in the colon during IBD treatment. Hence, polysaccharide-based encapsulation is a promising solution to achieve targeted delivery, improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and enhanced stability. This review also discusses the significance of covalent and non-covalent interactions, and simple and complex encapsulation between polyphenols and polysaccharides. The administration of these compounds in appropriate quantities has proven beneficial in preventing the development of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, ultimately leading to the management of IBD. The use of polyphenols and polysaccharides has been found to reduce histological scores and colon injury associated with IBD, increase the abundance of beneficial microbes, inhibit the development of colitis-associated cancer, promote the production of microbial end-products, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and improve anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the combined effects of polyphenols and polysaccharides observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, further human clinical trials are needed to comprehend their effectiveness on inflammatory bowel disease.

RG-I pectic polysaccharides and hesperidin synergistically modulate gut microbiota: An in vitro study targeting the proportional relationship.

In this study, we investigated how different proportions blends of Rhamnogalacturonan-I pectic polysaccharides and hesperidin impact the gut microbiota and metabolites using an in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation model. The results indicated that both of them could modulate the gut microbiota and produce beneficial metabolites. However, their blends in particular proportions (such as 1:1) exhibited remarkable synergistic effects on modulating the intestinal microenvironment, surpassing the effects observed with individual components. Specifically, these blends could benefit the host by increasing short-chain fatty acids production (such as acetate), improving hesperidin bioavailability, producing more metabolites (such as hesperetin, phenolic acids), and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This synergistic and additive effect was inseparable from the role of gut microbiota. Certain beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella, exhibited strong preferences for those blends, thereby contributing to host health through participating in carbohydrate and flavonoid metabolism.

A salt/salt aqueous two-phase system based on pH-switchable deep eutectic solvent for the extraction and separation of mulberry polysaccharides.

With the aim of expanding the potential application scope of mulberries, eleven pH-switchable deep eutectic solvents were screened for the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of mulberry polysaccharides, and a salt/salt aqueous two-phase system was constructed for the efficient separation of mulberry polysaccharides by regulating the system pH. DES-9 (tetraethylammonium chloride: octanoic acid molar ratio = 1: 2) with a critical response pH value of approximately 6.1 was concluded to be the best extraction solvent for extracting mulberry polysaccharides. A maximum polysaccharide extraction yield of 270.71 mg/g was obtained under the optimal conditions. The maximum polysaccharide extraction efficiency was 78.09 % for the pH-driven tetraethylammonium chloride/K2HPO4 aqueous two-phase system. An acidic ß-pyran mulberry polysaccharide with a low-molecular weight of 9.26 kDa and a confirmed monosaccharide composition were obtained. This efficient and environmentally friendly polysaccharide separation method offers a new approach for the efficient extraction and utilization of other plant polysaccharides.

The accumulation of polysaccharides in Dendrobium officinale is closely related to rhizosphere bacteria.

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo has long been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian cultures for its medicinal properties. One of the key bioactive compounds found in D. officinale is D. officinale polysaccharides (DOPs). Recent studies have indicated that the rhizosphere microbiome can influence the accumulation of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. Our findings revealed that the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes played a significant role in shaping the ecological stability of the rhizosphere bacteria associated with D. officinale. Additionally, Pandoraea may have the potential to enhance the production of polysaccharides in D. officinale. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the intricate relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in D. officinale. It highlights the potential of specific bacterial taxa, such as Pandoraea, in promoting the production of polysaccharides, thus further establishing the medicinal value of this plant. Our results provide insights for further development of specific fertilizers for medicinal plants.

[Main nutrients content in different specifications of Gastrodiae Rhizoma].

Gastrodiae Rhizoma is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and was newly approved as a catalogue species of medicinal and food homologous substances in 2023. The consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma as a food has been increasing year by year, and its nutrients content has become a public concern. However, there is a lack of systematic research on its nutrients content. Gastrodiae Rhizoma is widely distributed and exhibits various specifications. The quality of Gastrodiae Rhizoma varies among different varieties, origins, and grades. In this paper, 76 batches of samples were selected, involving 2 varieties(G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. qlauca), 6 origins(Anhui, Shaanxi, Hubei, Yunnan, Henan and Northeast China) and 5 grades(special grade, first grade, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade). The content of main nutrients of the above samples was determined and analyzed to explore the differences in the content of different specifications of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. The results show that Gastrodiae Rhizoma is rich in a variety of nutrients, including protein, fat, starch, crude fiber, total saponins, moisture, polysaccharides, mineral elements, amino acids, and volatile oils. The total mass of volatile oils reached about 96.00%. The percentages of starch, moisture and polysaccharides werethe highest, accounting for 64.52%, 10.45%, and 8.32%, respectively. There were also differences in nutrient content among different specifications, especially the polysaccharide content of different varieties. Therefore, the research direction of Gastrodiae Rhizoma medicinal and food homologous products can be inclined to the development of meal replacement staple food or polysaccharide functional food. This study provides a reference for the research of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the field of medicinal and food homologous products.

Natural resourced polysaccharides: Preparation, purification, structural elucidation, structure-activity relationships and regulating intestinal flora, a system review.

Natural resourced polysaccharides (NRPs), as metabolites synthesized during activity of organisms, widely present in animal cell membranes or plant and microbial cell walls. NRPs have garnered extensive attention in the fields of medicine, foods, and farming owing to their distinct bioactivities and structural diversity. Despite the burgeoning growth in NRPs research, the available literature focuses primarily on a review of specific polysaccharides, necessitating an urgent need for a comprehensive summary of NRPs to offer readers a whole landscape of current advancements in NRPs research. Based on this, this article comprehensively reviews the latest research progress regarding preparation, purification, structure elucidation, structure-activity relationships and regulation of intestinal flora of NRPs in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Wiley, ScienceDirect and Web of Science from last 5 years. This review analyzes the effects of various extraction techniques on NRPs and also delves into the intrinsic correlation between the biological activity and structure of NRPs, highlighting that chemical modification can enhance their structural diversity and confer novel or improved biological functions. Moreover, this article extensively explores the application of NRP in promoting intestinal microecology balance, underscoring its significant potential as a probiotic initiator. This review lays a solid theoretical foundation for the future research and development of NRPs.

A review of polysaccharide hydrogels as materials for skin repair and wound dressing: Construction, functionalization and challenges.

Hydrogels can imitate the extracellular matrix, therefore facilitating the creation of an ideal healing environment for wounds. Consequently, they are popular as a material choice for wound dressings. Polysaccharides have been widely used in wound dressings due to their good biocompatibility and degradability. In this study, we first discuss skin and wound physiology before summarizing the methods for producing hydrogels from polysaccharides and their derivatized. These include not just normal polysaccharides like chitosan, cellulose, and alginate, but also Chinese medicinal polysaccharides with therapeutic properties. Then, strategies for causing hydrogel production from polysaccharides or their derivatives are briefly explained. Finally, the functions of hydrogel dressings are reviewed, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and adhesive properties, as well as the methods for achieving these properties. Furthermore, current issues and concerns are discussed, with the goal of providing fresh paths for the development of future wound dressings.

Isolation, structural features, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng: A review.

Panax notoginseng a member of the Araliaceous family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal and functional food with a long history. This herb contains various compounds, including saponins, alkaloids, flavones, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the primary bioactive substances in P. notoginseng and have garnered significant attention from researchers globally. Numerous studies have confirmed that Panax notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) exhibit a wide range of remarkable bioactivities. These include anti-renal fibrosis, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, liver protection, hypoglycemia, and anti-cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury effects. They also promote bone growth, defect repair, and improve hematopoietic function. As a natural polysaccharide, PNPs show potential as a drug and functional material with good safety. This review systematically summarizes recent studies on the extraction and purification methods of PNPs, characterizing their chemical structure, biological activity, and application in various fields, aiming to provide theoretical insights and technical guidance for the development of PNPs as a novel functional food.

Effects of polysaccharide from hot-compressed steamed Rehmannia glutinosa on the immune system and gut microbiota in an immunosuppressed mice model.

In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide obtained by hot-compressed steaming of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch (HRP) were investigated using both in vitro and in vivo methods. It was found that HRP activated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, up-regulated the intracellular expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß, and induced of innate immune memory in macrophages. We then investigated the effect of HRP on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Surprisingly, HRP improved CTX-induced weight loss and increased the splenic index, alleviated intestinal mucosal damage and hematopoietic insufficiency caused by CTX, as demonstrated by H&E staining. In addition, HRP promoted the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB and autophagy pathways in intestinal tissues, thereby enhancing intestinal immune function. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of colon contents suggested that HRP may alleviate gut microbiota disruption by increasing the populations of Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae while inhibiting Lactobacillaceae. The results of this study show the potential use of HRP as an immunomodulator in functional foods or pharmaceuticals.

Biopolymer-polyphenol conjugates: Novel multifunctional materials for active packaging.

The development of natural active packaging materials and coatings presents a promising alternative to petroleum-based packaging solutions. These materials are engineered by incorporating functional ingredients with preservative capabilities. Concurrently, research has highlighted the diverse physicochemical, functional, and health-promoting properties of protein-polyphenol, polysaccharide-polyphenol, and protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol conjugates within various food formulations. However, a critical gap exists regarding the exploration of these biopolymers as active packaging materials. In contrast to conventional approaches for developing active packaging materials, this review presents a novel perspective by focusing on biopolymer-polyphenol conjugates. In this work, we delve into the realm of active packaging materials and coatings constructed from these conjugates, highlighting their potential as multifunctional active components in food packaging and preservation. This review comprehensively investigates the physicochemical properties, functionalities, and health-promoting activities associated with biopolymer-polyphenol conjugates. Their emulsification, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, coupled with enhancements in mechanical strength and permeability properties, contribute to their multifunctional nature. Furthermore, we explore the potential advantages and limitations of utilizing these conjugates in active packaging applications. Finally, the review concludes by proposing crucial research avenues for further exploration of biopolymer-polyphenol conjugates within the domain of active food packaging.

Recent biotechnological applications of value-added bioactive compounds from microalgae and seaweeds.

Microalgae and seaweed have been consumed as food for several decades to combat starvation and food shortages worldwide. The most famous edible microalgae species are Nostoc, Spirulina, and Aphanizomenon, in addition to seaweeds, which are used in traditional medicine and food, such as Nori, which is one of the most popular foods containing Pyropia alga as a major ingredient. Recently, many applications use algae-derived polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose, fucoidan, mannan, laminarin, ulvan, and xylan as gelling agents in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Moreover, pigments (carotenoids particularly astaxanthins, chlorophylls, and phycobilins), minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, peptides, proteins, polyphenols, and diterpenes compounds are accumulated under specific cultivation and stress conditions in the algal cells to be harvested and their biomass used as a feedstock for the relevant industries and applications. No less critical is the use of algae in bioremediation, thus contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.This review will explore and discuss the various applications of microalgae and seaweeds, emphasising their role in bioremediation, recent products with algal added-value compounds that are now on the market, and novel under-developing applications such as bioplastics and nanoparticle production. Nonetheless, special attention is also drawn towards the limitations of these applications and the technologies applied, and how they may be overcome.

Tremella aurantialba polysaccharides alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice by improving intestinal barrier via modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting ferroptosis.

We aimed to investigate the effect of a polysaccharide from Tremella aurantialba on ulcerative colitis (UC), which targets ferroptosis in epithelial cells. TA 2-1 (127 kDa) was isolated from T. aurantialba and consisted of Man, Xyl, GlcA, Glc, Fuc and Rha with a molar ratio of 59.2: 23.2: 13.9: 1.6: 1.7: 0.4, exhibited a 1, 3-Man structure with branch chains of T-Xylp, 1,3-Xylp, 1,4-GlcAp, and T-Manp at its O-2 position. TA 2-1 (100 mg/mL) inhibited the cell viability of ferroptosis (19.8 %) in RLS3-induced Caco2 cells and significantly ameliorated symptoms in the colons of mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC. TA 2-1 remarkably repaired the intestinal barrier by upregulating claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1 levels. Further analysis found TA 2-1 significantly suppressed lipid peroxidation by regulating ferroptosis-related proteins in UC mice, suggesting that its protective effects are partially mediated by inhibiting ferroptosis. Further analysis of the gut microbiota and fecal microbiota transplantation revealed TA 2-1 might relieve UC symptoms or inhibit ferroptosis by modulating the gut microbiota's composition or metabolites. Results suggest the protective effects of TA 2-1 on the intestinal barrier by inhibiting ferroptosis of epithelial cells, at least by regulating the gut microbiota, highlighting the potential of TA 2-1 in UC treatment.

Polysaccharides from Tremella Fuciformis Enhance Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells Through Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway.

Polysaccharides have gained substantial attention for their diverse biological activities. The present study was conucted to elucidate the effects and molecular mechanisms of Tremella fuciformis-derived polysaccharides (PTP-3a) on glucose and lipid metabolism in palmitic acid (PA) - treated HepG2 cells. Multiple parameters were assessed following PTP-3a treatment, including lipid accumulation, glycogen content, glucose consumption, and enzyme activities, including pyruvate kinase (PK) and hexokinase (HK). Additionally, the expression levels of genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism was evaluated using western blot analysis. PTP-3a effectively inhibited lipid accumulation, promoted the glucose consumption, increased the amount of cellular glycogen, and enhanced PK and HK activities in PA-treated cells. Furthermore, PTP-3a induced a significant increase in the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio and the expression level of PPARa, while decreasing the expression levels of SREBP, FAS, ACC, and SOCS3. In conclusion, these findings suggested that PTP-3a exerted beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, resulting in the inhibition of lipogenesis, promotion of fatty acid oxidation, and enhancement of cellular glycogen synthesis and glycolysis. These findings hold clinical relevance and provide a foundation for potential treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and and related metabolic disorders.

Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2-Dependent Immune Response.

The effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2 type immune response reactions was studied. Administration of water-soluble polysaccharides presented by arabino-galacturonans (weight average molecular weight 158.49 kDa) to mice against the background of experimental Th2 immunity reduced the severity of anaphylactic and local immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. It also suppressed the production of ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1 and increased the stability of mast cell membranes. The studied polysaccharide complex increased IFNγ secretion and inhibited IL-4 synthesis. These findings suggest that these polysaccharides may be considered as potential anti-allergic agents that suppress the development of allergy in its early stages.

The regulatory mechanism of natural polysaccharides in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.

Diabetes is a complex, multifactorial disease that is caused by a pathological combination of insulin resistance and pancreatic islet dysfunction. Polysaccharides are extensively dispersed in nature and have a very complicated structure with various biological properties. Natural polysaccharides have potentially extraordinary beneficial health effects on managing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Thus, a systematic review of the latest research into and possible regulatory mechanisms of natural polysaccharides for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment is of great significance for a better understanding of their pharmaceutical value. We discuss the regulatory mechanisms of natural polysaccharides for the treatment of diabetes, and especially their role in reshaping dysfunctional gut microbiota. Natural polysaccharides could be developed as new and safe antidiabetic drugs, and detailed mechanistic studies could further clarify the molecular targets of polysaccharides in the treatment of diabetes.

Gastrointestinal metabolism of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides and its related hypoglycemic mechanism based on gut microbial transformation.

Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides (AMP) was reported to exhibit hypoglycemic potential in diabetic host. However, the metabolic fate of AMP in gastrointestinal tract and its underlying hypoglycemic mechanisms remained unclear. Our current study aimed to reveal the structure alteration of AMP in gastrointestinal tract and its hypoglycemic mechanism from the perspective of microbial transformation. Caco-2 monolayer cell model revealed that AMP exhibited poor intestinal absorption. The in-vitro digestion and fermentation study revealed that AMP remained intact after gastrointestinal digestion while it could be degraded and utilized by gut microbiota with increased SCFA formation and decreased levels of all the monosaccharides in AMP except for mannose. Additionally, Diversity of gut microbiota was improved with the increased abundance of Dubosiella and Monoglobus and decreased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Acinetobacter after fermentation of AMP. Further hypoglycemic mechanism study for the first time revealed that both AMP and its potential microbial metabolites, SCFA salt mixture, could enhance intestinal integrity significantly on LPS induced Caco-2 cell model, while only SCFA salt mixture rather than AMP could significantly stimulate GLP-1 secretion in NCI-H716 cell model possibly via promoting GPCR43 expression. Such findings provided insights into the hypoglycemic mechanism of AMP from the perspective of microbial transformation.

Regulatory effects of tea polysaccharides on hepatic inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and serum metabolomic signatures in beef cattle under heat stress.

Background: Long-term heat stress (HS) severely restricts the growth performance of beef cattle and causes various health problems. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in HS-associated inflammation and immune stress involving lymphocyte function. This study investigated the effects of dietary tea polysaccharide (TPS), a natural acidic glycoprotein, on HS-induced anorexia, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in Simmental beef cattle. Methods: The cattle were divided into two groups, receiving either normal chow or normal chow plus TPS (8 g/kg, 0.8%). Transcriptome sequencing analysis was used to analysis the differential signaling pathway of liver tissue. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to analysis gut microbiota of beef cattle. Serum metabolite components were detected by untargeted metabolomics analysis. Results: Hepatic transcriptomics analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in TPS-fed cattle were primarily enriched in immune processes and lymphocyte activation. TPS administration significantly reduced the expression of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway, alleviating HS-induced hepatic inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that TPS improved intestinal homeostasis in HS-affected cattle by increasing bacterial diversity and increasing the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Alistipes while decreasing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and the abundance of Agathobacter. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) analysis indicated that TPS significantly increased the levels of long-chain fatty acids, including stearic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and adrenic acid, in the serum of cattle. Conclusion: These findings suggest that long-term consumption of tea polysaccharides can ameliorate heat stress-induced hepatic inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in beef cattle, suggesting a possible liver-gut axis mechanism to mitigate heat stress.

Extraction of mucilage polysaccharides from chia seed by hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents-based three-phase partitioning system: A phase behavior-driven approach.

By incorporating the hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) into the three-phase partitioning (TPP) technique, a TPP-based method was developed to extract the chia seed polysaccharide (CSP) from chia seed. Through a single-factor experiment and response-surface model, the optimal condition for the TPP extraction was determined as DES composed of dodecanoic acid and octanoic acid in a 1:1 M ratio, (NH4)2SO4 concentration of 32.86 %, crude extract-DES ratio of 0.93 (v/v), aqueous phase pH of 4.38, extraction temperature of 35 °C, and extraction time of 10 min. The polysaccharide yield of the constructed TPP method is 8.65 %, which is higher than the conventional water extraction method (yield is 6.96 %). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the phase behavior of proteins and polysaccharides in the TPP system, showing that noncovalent interactions play a crucial role in the TPP system. The CSP obtained by the TPP method exhibits distinctive composition, structural, physicochemical, and functional properties, leading to improved thermal stability, rheological behavior, and antioxidant performance. Compared with the traditional extraction method, efficient extraction of CSP can be achieved flexibly using the proposed TPP approach, resulting in high yield and quality of CSP, which provides a new path for the large-scale utilization of chia seed.

Polysaccharides in Medicinal and Food Homologous Plants regulate intestinal flora to improve type 2 diabetes: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal and food homologous plants (MFHPs) which can improve Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) draw significant attention among the public due to their low toxicity and more safety. Polysaccharides, one of the various active components of MFHPs, are recognized as effective modulators of the intestinal flora. By altering the composition of intestinal flora and affecting their metabolic products, polysaccharides can improve T2DM, making them a central focus of anti-diabetic research. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the mechanism by which polysaccharides from MFHPs (MFHPPs) regulate the composition of intestinal flora and its metabolic products to improve T2DM. METHODS: This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and conducts a comprehensive search on the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases. All experimental articles published up to March 4, 2024, are included in the search. RESULTS: Among the 5733 articles reviewed, 29 were selected, covering 22 different MFHPs. MFHPPs can improve T2DM, particularly in lowering blood glucose levels, with consistent results. MFHPPs can regulate the diversity of intestinal flora in T2DM animal models, primarily affecting four phyla: decreasing Firmicutes and Proteobacteria while increasing Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteriota. At the genus level, the improvement of T2DM by MFHPPs is associated with the modulation of 12 key genera: Allobaculum, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Helicobacter, Halomonas, Olsenella, Oscillospira, Shigella, Escherichia-Shigella, Romboutsia and Bacteroides. At the molecular level, MFHPPs primarily act by modulating the intestinal flora to increase short-chain fatty acid levels, promote the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1, influence the IGF1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, or the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß pathway, to lower blood glucose levels. They may also improve T2DM by working in glucose metabolism through the "microbiota-gut-organ" axis. MFHPPs can also alleviate T2DM by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress: MFHPPs regulate intestinal flora to reduce lipopolysaccharide "leakage" and enhance intestinal mucosal permeability to tackle the inflammation associated with T2DM; MFHPPs enhance the expression of oxidative stress-related enzymes to alleviate oxidative stress and improve T2DM. Lastly, from a metabolic pathway perspective, MFHPPs are primarily involved in the metabolism of amino acids and their derivatives, carbohydrate metabolism and glutathione metabolism. CONCLUSION: MFHPPs can improve T2DM by enhancing the composition of intestinal flora, regulating its metabolic products to promote insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon-like peptide secretion, facilitating glycogen synthesis, reducing inflammation levels and alleviating oxidative stress. Furthermore, MFHPPs demonstrate potential protective effects on critical organs such as the pancreas, liver, kidneys and heart. Therefore, MFHPPs demonstrate significant clinical potential. However, most studies can only indicate the potential of MFHPPs intervention in improving T2DM through the intestinal flora. The causality between MFHPPs regulating the intestinal flora and T2DM requires further investigation.

Oral food-derived whey protein isolate-Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides pickering emulsions with adhesive ability to delivery magnolol for targeted treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Magnolol (Mag) is a promising natural compound with therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis (UC). Here we designed and fabricated an oral food-grade whey protein isolate-Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (WPI-TFPS) stabilized pickering emulsions to encapsulate Mag (Mag-WPI-TFPS) for targeted treatment of UC. With the assistance of the WPI-TFPS, pickering emulsions were well encapsulated and formed stable microparticles with a particle size of approximately 9.49 ± 0.047 µm, a 93.63 ± 0.21 % encapsulation efficiency and a loading efficiency of 21.53 ± 0.01 %. In vitro, the formulation exhibited sustained-release properties in simulated colon fluid with a cumulative release rate of 60.78 % at 48 h. In vivo, the Mag-WPI-TFPS specifically accumulated in the colon tissue for 24 h with stronger fluorescence intensity, which demonstrated that TFPS and WPI had a good adherence ability to inflamed mucosa by electrostatic attraction and ligand-receptor interactions. As expected, compared with Free-Mag, the oral administration of Mag-WPI-TFPS remarkably alleviated the symptoms of UC and protected the colon tissue in DSS-induced UC mice. More importantly, WPI-TFPS enhanced gut microbiota balance by increasing the diversity and relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Firmicutes. Overall, this study presents a convenient, eco-friendly, food-derived oral formulation with potential as a dietary supplement for targeted UC treatment.