Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Analysis of Interactions between Endobiotics and Human Gut Microbiota Using In Vitro Bath Fermentation Systems
Published on: August 23, 2019
In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Fungal Polysaccharides Derived from Wolfiporia cocos and Their Effect on
Ka Lee Ma1, Nelson Kei1, Fan Yang2
1Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Gut microbiota has been described as a new 'organ' that interferes with host physiology by its metabolites produced from the utilization and biotransformation of undigested food components. Fu Ling (FL), the sclerotia of fungi Wolfiporia cocos, contains β-glucan, which is a known natural polysaccharide with strong medicinal efficacy. This study endeavors to evaluate the fermentability of FL and polysaccharides extracted from its sclerotia. An in vitro fermentation of structurally characterized FL and its β-glucan by human fecal microbiota was conducted. Total bacterial count, pH change, short-chain fatty acid profile and microbiota profile were assessed post-fermentation. FL containing over 70% of β-(1 → 3) and (1 → 6)-glucans with a low degree of branching of 0.24 could enhance acetic acid (a major microbial metabolite) production. Both FL and its extracted β-glucan had similar modulation on microbial composition. They enriched Phascolarctobacterium faecium, Bacteroides dorei and Parabacteroides distasonis, all of which are shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects. FL polysaccharide can be utilized as a natural whole food for its potential health benefits to human gut bacteria.
Insights
Fu Ling (FL), a medicinal fungus, ferments in the gut, boosting beneficial bacteria and acetic acid production. This natural polysaccharide supports gut health and may offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host physiology through metabolite production.
- Fu Ling (FL), from *Wolfiporia cocos*, contains β-glucan, a potent medicinal polysaccharide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the fermentability of Fu Ling (FL) and its extracted polysaccharides by human gut microbiota.
- To assess the impact of FL fermentation on bacterial counts, pH, short-chain fatty acids, and microbial composition.
Main Methods:
- In vitro fermentation of structurally characterized FL and its β-glucan using human fecal microbiota.
- Analysis of total bacterial count, pH, short-chain fatty acid profiles, and microbiota composition post-fermentation.
Main Results:
- FL, rich in β-(1 → 3) and (1 → 6)-glucans, enhanced acetic acid production.
- Both FL and its extracted β-glucan modulated microbial composition, enriching beneficial bacteria like *Phascolarctobacterium faecium*, *Bacteroides dorei*, and *Parabacteroides distasonis*.
- Enriched bacteria are known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusions:
- Fu Ling (FL) is fermentable by human gut microbiota.
- FL and its β-glucan promote the growth of beneficial, anti-inflammatory gut bacteria.
- FL polysaccharide shows potential as a functional food ingredient for gut health.
