Whole and polysaccharide powdered Sporisorium reilianum improves DSS-induced colitis in BALB/c mice by modulating gut microbiota

This study aimed to evaluate whether the whole powder (SRPW) and polysaccharide (SRPS) from Sporisorium reilianum could modulate the gut microbiota in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis. The results showed that the disease and structure of colon tissue were improved, and the balance of colonic mucosal related factors was restored. Compared to ulcerative colitis (UC) mice, the composition and diversity of gut microbiota were significantly increased. Specifically, the abundance of Bacteroidetes, TM7, and Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Bacteroides, Coprobacillus, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus at the genus level were restored to normal levels. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism were regulated by S. reilianum, thus promoting the recovery of the intestinal mucosal structure. These findings indicated the possibility of S. reilianum as a functional food to prevent colitis through the gut microbiota.