Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of the core mechanisms of edible fungi regulating gut microbiota and disease intervention.
From: Application of edible fungi in gut microbiota regulation
Illustrates the core mechanisms by which bioactive components of edible fungi (e.g., β-glucans, triterpenoids) modulate gut microbiota and intervene in diseases: These components restructure the gut microbiota composition (e.g., promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while suppressing pathogens like Enterobacteriaceae), thereby increasing the production of beneficial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, notably butyrate). On one hand, SCFAs enhance intestinal barrier function, mitigate inflammation, and promote regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation by activating G protein-coupled receptors (GPR41/43, GPR109A) and inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs). On the other hand, they regulate host metabolism and epigenetic processes. Additionally, fungal constituents directly suppress inflammatory pathways such as TLR4/NF-κB. These synergistic mechanisms effectively counteract diseases associated with microbial dysbiosis, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic syndrome (obesity/diabetes), and colorectal cancer.
