In recent years, research on the gut microbiota has highlighted two key players in human health: the bacterial phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Their balance is associated with a state of well-being, while imbalances in their proportion are linked to obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The polysaccharides in medicinal mushrooms are proving to be natural and powerful tools for regulating this balance. Let's see how. The balance between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes In a healthy microbiota, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes make up about 90% of the gut bacterial flora. Bacteroidetes are associated with fiber fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while Firmicutes are linked to greater efficiency in energy absorption. An imbalanced ratio favoring Firmicutes has been connected to obesity and dysbiosis. The role of fungi: documented effects Numerous studies have shown that fungal polysaccharides can influence this ratio: Inonotus obliquus (Chaga): increases Bacteroidetes and reduces Firmicutes in chronic pancreatitis models. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): increases the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in models of colitis and hyperlipidemia. Auricularia auricular: promotes the growth of Bacteroidetes, particularly the Porphyromonadaceae family. Grifola frondosa (Maitake): stimulates beneficial genera such as Alistipes, Prevotella, and Bacteroides. Agaricus bisporus: in animal models, it increases the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. An effect that depends on the context Not all fungal polysaccharides act in the same way. Some, such as those from Pleurotus eryngii and Morchella esculenta, have shown a decrease in Bacteroidetes in certain contexts. This highlights the importance of tailoring the intervention by selecting fungal species based on the host's specific conditions. Practical and Therapeutic Implications Modulating the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio through medicinal mushrooms means: Counteracting intestinal dysbiosis Promote weight loss (in cases of obesity) Improve insulin sensitivity Reduce chronic inflammation Promote the production of SCFAs (butyric, acetic, propionic acid) Smart supplements for a balanced microbiota Supplements containing selected polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms can help rebalance the bacterial profile of the gut. Depending on the extract, they can promote Bacteroidetes or reduce Firmicutes, restoring the intestinal ecosystem to a composition more favorable to health. Targeted formulations that include extracts of Ganoderma, Inonotus, Auricularia, or Grifola offer a natural, yet scientifically validated, approach to supporting intestinal well-being. Conclusion The mindful use of medicinal mushrooms is a smart strategy to support the balance between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This balance is the foundation for a healthy microbiota, efficient metabolism, and a well-regulated immune system. When choosing your supplements, also think about your microbiota: small organisms, big effects. Discover our products Do you want to help your gut regain balance and well-being? Go to the shop Discover our medicinal mushroom formulations designed to improve microbiota health and restore balance to your gut flora.

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. Discover our products Do you want to discover how our medicinal mushroom supplements can help you regain balance and intestinal wellness? Go to the shop You will find a selection of products formulated with the highest quality extracts, designed to support your health naturally and safely.