Bridging seaweed-derived polysaccharides and gut health: An integrated perspective on intestinal morphology, microbiota, and immunity

Abstract

Enteromorpha prolifera, a widely distributed marine alga in the Yellow Seas, has caused severe environmental and economic problems due to its bloom-induced green tides. Consequently, the efficient development and utilization of Enteromorpha prolifera hold significant importance. Recent studies have shown that Enteromorpha prolifera is abundant in bioactive substances, especially polysaccharides, which have been proven to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that seaweed polysaccharides show great potential in improving intestinal health, and the intestinal microbiota has emerged as a promising target for seaweed polysaccharides to exert their efficacy. However, a comprehensive summary of the interactions between Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides (EP) and the gut remained limited. This review aimed to fill this gap by summarizing the latest studies of EP on gut health and their mechanisms from maintaining the integrity of intestinal structure and morphology, regulating the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota and modulating intestinal immune response. By systematically synthesizing existing research, this review provided a robust theoretical foundation for the development of EP as a functional food and therapeutic agent, thereby broadening its potential applications in the health domain.