A structure defined pectin SA02B from Semiaquilegia adoxoides is metabolized by human gut microbes

Polysaccharide is one of the major factors for shaping the gut microbiota. However, bioactivity of polysaccharide isolated from Semiaquilegia adoxoides on human gut microbiota remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesize gut mi-crobes may act on it. Herein, pectin SA02B from the roots of Semiaquilegia adoxoides with molecular weight 69.26 kDa was elucidated. The backbone of SA02B was composed of alternate 1, 2-linked alpha-Rhap and 1, 4-linked alpha-GalpA, with branches of terminal (T)-, 1, 4-, 1, 3-and 1, 3, 6-linked beta-Galp, T-, 1, 5-and 1, 3, 5-linked alpha-Araf and T-, 1, 4-linked-beta-Xylp substituted at C-4 of 1, 2, 4-linked alpha-Rhap. Bioactivity screening showed SA02B promoted the growth of Bacteroides spp. which deconstructed it into monosaccharide. Simultaneously, we observed competition might exist between Bacteroides spp. and probiotics. Besides, we found that both Bacter-oides spp. and probiotics could generate SCFAs grown on SA02B. Our findings highlight SA02B may deserve as a prebiotic to be explored to benefit the health gut microbiota.

Automated summary

This study revealed that the polysaccharide SA02B from Semiaquilegia adoxoides has bioactivity on human gut microbiota by promoting the growth of Bacteroides spp. and generating SCFAs. Competition might exist between Bacteroides spp. and probiotics. SA02B may be explored as a prebiotic to benefit the health of gut microbiota.