Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-11 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 1 Research Insight Open Access The Interaction Between Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota: Implications for Immune Health Zhichao Chen1, Haijuan Zhang2 1 Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longquan People’s Hospital, Longquan, Zhejiang, 323000, China 2 Longquan Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Longquan, Zhejiang, 323700, China Corresponding author: 305755091@qq.com Medicinal Plant Research, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2025.15.0001 Received: 08 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 10 Jan., 2025 Published: 21 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Chen and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen Z.C., and Zhang H.J., 2025, The interaction between Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and gut microbiota: implications for immune health, Medicinal Plant Research, 15(1): 1-11 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2025.15.0001) Abstract Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharides (GLPs) are natural polysaccharide compounds extracted fromGanoderma lucidum, known for their diverse biological activities. This study explores the interaction between GLPs and gut microbiota and its effects on immune health, revealing how GLPs regulate immune responses through gut microbiota and investigating their potential applications in preventing and treating immune-related diseases. The study shows that GLPs can increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, regulate the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria, and alleviate inflammatory responses by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results indicate that GLPs significantly improve gut microbiota imbalance, enhance macrophage phagocytosis, and increase the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, demonstrating their potential in immune regulation and disease prevention. Future research will focus on further uncovering the molecular mechanisms of GLPs and their long-term application potential in human health. Keywords Ganoderma lucidumpolysaccharides; Gut microbiota; Immune health; Interaction; Disease prevention 1 Introduction Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The polysaccharides derived from G. lucidum (GLPs) are notable for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetes, and immunomodulatory effects (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011; Lu et al., 2020). These polysaccharides are characterized by their complex molecular structures, which include variations in molecular weight, branching, and monosaccharide composition (Lu et al., 2020). The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining host health. It is involved in various physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and the modulation of the immune system. The composition and function of the gut microbiota can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and the intake of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (Kubota et al., 2018; Li et al., 2020). The gut microbiota is integral to the development and function of the host's immune system. It contributes to the maturation of immune cells, the production of antimicrobial peptides, and the regulation of inflammatory responses (Kubota et al., 2018). The interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system is bidirectional; while the microbiota influences immune function, the immune system also shapes the composition of the gut microbiota. Disruptions in this delicate balance can lead to immune-related disorders, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and infections (Kubota et al., 2018; Li et al., 2020). Understanding the interaction between GLPs and gut microbiota is of great significance. Research has shown that GLPs can regulate immune responses, potentially mediated through their effects on the gut microbiota (Chen et al., 2019). This regulatory effect can improve gut barrier function, reduce inflammatory responses, and enhance immune function (Jin et al., 2017; Guo et al., 2021). For example, GLPs can increase the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and antimicrobial peptides in the gut, strengthening the gut barrier and reducing the risk of infection (Kubota et al., 2018). Additionally, the effects of GLPs on the gut microbiota can have systemic
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