Morchella spp. are a group of precious edible and medicinal fungi. Their polysaccharides have become a research hotspot in the field of natural products in recent years due to their excellent biological safety and diverse physiological activities. In recent years, many studies have revealed the mechanism by which Morchella polysaccharides (MPs) can regulate host body function by influencing the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota. MPs can selectively promote the proliferation of beneficial commensal bacteria in the gut while inhibiting potential pathogenic bacteria, thereby alleviating diseases associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Moreover, MPs can be degraded by the gut microbiota into biologically active metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites not only promote the absorption of polysaccharides, but also play essential roles in maintaining the intestinal barrier function, regulating immune responses, and inhibiting inflammation. The current review summarizes the isolation and purification methods of MPs, the degradation of MPs in intestine, the impacts of MPs on gut microbiota community and SCFAs productivity, as well as the beneficial effects of MPs to host by targeting gut microbiota, and reveals the interaction mechanism among MPs, gut microbiota and host body function. We hope this article can offer some theoretical bases and inspirations for the clinical application of MPs and the development of functional foods.

Morchella polysaccharides  /  gut microbiota  /  short-chain fatty acids  /  body function  /  immune regulation  /  intestinal barrier