Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides degraded by ultrasound assisted H2O2/Vc treatment enhances gut health in mice by promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound assisted H 2 O 2 /Vc degradation on the digestive characteristics of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharide (LRP) and gut microbiota regulation. Results showed that during in vitro digestion, no changes were observed in molecular weight ( M w ) of LRP and its antitumor activity remains stable. However, M w of degraded LRP (DLRP) slightly decreased from 45.66 × 10 4  Da to 36.61 × 10 4  Da with no free monosaccharides released, enhancing its antitumor activity. The supplementation with LRP or DLRP significantly elevated mice fecal water content and modulated microbiota composition. The total short chain fatty acids concentration of control, LRP, and DLRP groups were 20.07, 24.13, and 28.08 mmol/L, respectively. Compared with LRP, DLRP significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alloprevotella and Mucispirillum , exhibiting protective effects on intestinal health. This study provides a theoretical foundation for targeted regulation of intestinal flora by LRP and DLRP.