Mushrooms and the Gut: How Fungal Polysaccharides Nourish the Microbiota

Ilaria Redaelli Apr 22, 2025

Funghi e Intestino: Come i Polisaccaridi Fungini Nutrono il Microbiota

In the world of gut health, a new frontier is steadily gaining ground: medicinal mushrooms. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, they are now being rediscovered as valuable allies of the gut microbiota, thanks to a key component: fungal polysaccharides.

The gut microbiota: the ecosystem within us

The gut microbiota is a microscopic universe made up of trillions of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that coexist in our intestines. This ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining health: it regulates metabolism, modulates the immune system, protects the intestinal barrier, and even communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis.

However, factors such as an unbalanced diet, stress, antibiotics, and pollution can disrupt this balance, leading to dysbiosis and paving the way for intestinal, metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.

Fungal polysaccharides: fuel for the gut flora

Fungal polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that human enzymes cannot digest. This means they reach the colon intact, where they serve as ideal nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in the microbiota. Specifically, they stimulate the growth of probiotic species such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, thus acting as true natural prebiotics.

Once fermented by gut microbes, these polysaccharides are transformed into bioactive metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acid. These molecules not only nourish colon cells but also help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood sugar and lipid metabolism.

Structure is everything: composition and function

Not all fungal polysaccharides are the same. Their effectiveness depends on several factors:

Molecular weight: Polysaccharides with different weights show varying activity in modulating the microbiota.
Monosaccharide composition: Polysaccharides can be glucans (composed only of glucose) or heteropolysaccharides (made up of multiple sugars, such as mannose, galactose, xylose, fucose, etc.).
Type of glycosidic bonds: The arrangement of bonds is fundamental. For example, the (1→3)-β-glucans of Lentinula edodes have been shown to increase beneficial bacterial species such as Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae.

An emblematic example is the polysaccharide from the fungus Flammulina velutipes, composed of five types of sugars, which has promoted the proliferation of entire families of bacteria beneficial to gut health.

From polysaccharides to tangible benefits

What does all this mean for the guest's health?

More energy for the colon: The SCFAs produced by fermentation provide direct fuel to the intestinal cells.
Stronger intestinal barrier: SCFAs like butyrate strengthen the tight junctions between epithelial cells, reducing intestinal permeability (leaky gut).
Immune system regulation: Polysaccharides modulate local and systemic immune responses, helping to prevent chronic inflammation.
Positive effect on metabolism: They support blood sugar regulation, weight management, and liver health.

The added value of supplements

In light of these discoveries, medicinal mushrooms are no longer just a traditional remedy but an advanced component of modern nutraceuticals. Supplements based on mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Auricularia auricula o Grifola frondosa They can provide a natural yet scientifically supported aid for intestinal well-being.

For companies committed to natural health, formulating products containing fungal polysaccharides means offering their customers effective, safe, and sustainable solutions to rebalance gut flora and enhance overall health.

Conclusion

The symbiosis between medicinal mushrooms and the gut microbiota opens new horizons for overall well-being. Thanks to their polysaccharides, mushrooms act as true architects of the microbiota, selectively and beneficially modulating the intestinal flora. Including them in your diet or daily supplements is a simple yet powerfully transformative step for those who want to take care of their health starting from the gut.