The potential roles of natural plant polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term chronic disease, about 20% of IBD patients deteriorate to colorectal cancer. Currently, there is no radical cure for IBD. Natural plant polysaccharides (NPP) have low toxic and side effects, which have immune and prebiotic activities and possesses positive effect on alleviating IBD. In this review, we will focus on the alleviating effect of NPP on IBD in vitro and in vivo from three aspects: regulating intestinal flora imbalance, repairing intestinal barrier injury and improving immunity. The relationship between the chemical structure of natural plant polysaccharides and the therapeutic effect of IBD are highlighted. Finally, the synergistic role of NPP as a carrier of drugs or active molecules to reduce side effects and enhance targeting function are discussed, especially pectic polysaccharides. Broadly, this review provides a valuable reference for NPP to be developed as functional food or health products to alleviate IBD.

Automated summary

This review discusses the alleviating effect of natural plant polysaccharides on inflammatory bowel disease both in vitro and in vivo, focusing on regulating intestinal flora, repairing intestinal barriers, and improving immunity. It highlights the relationship between the chemical structure of plant polysaccharides and their therapeutic effects, as well as the synergistic role of polysaccharides as carriers for drugs or active molecules. Furthermore, the potential of developing natural plant polysaccharides as functional food or health products to alleviate IBD is emphasized.