Effects of tea polysaccharides on gut microbiota and physiological health indicators in mice

Tea polysaccharide (TPS) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has garnered increasing attention due to its remarkable biological activity and significant potential for application. This study focused on examining the alterations in gut microbiota composition and the physiological health of mice subjected to TPS exposure. In this study, a control group (CTRL), a high-dose TPS group (TPH), and a low-dose TPS group (TPL) were established to investigate the effects of TPS on the physiological condition of the intestinal microbiota, liver, intestines, and blood in mice. The findings indicated that TPS significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial probiotics, including Bacteroidota and Muribaculum, while concurrently diminishing the relative abundance of detrimental intestinal bacteria such as Prevotella_copri and Desulfovibrionia. Additionally, with respect to health indicators, TPS was found to effectively lower the glutamate-glutamate ratio (AST/ALT) and creatine kinase (CK). Serum amylase (AMY) and glucose (Glu) levels were elevated in TPH mice, suggesting improved glucose metabolism. Beta-diversity analysis showed distinct clustering of microbial communities in TPL group, though alpha diversity remained unchanged across groups. Histopathological analysis confirmed no adverse effects on liver or intestinal integrity. Correlation heatmaps highlighted significant associations between gut microbiota (e.g., Bacteroides_H) and metabolic markers (e.g., CO₂, AMY). These findings underscore TPS's role in reshaping gut microbiota, enhancing metabolic health, and mitigating inflammation.