@article{Wang2026, 
author = {Peiyi Wang and Ken Cheng and Dongcheng Shi and Peilong Sun and Wenling Tang and Ming Cai},
title = {Synergy effects of Ganoderic acid A and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on enhancing protection against DSS-induced colitis via gut microbiota rebalancing and inflammation suppression},
year = {2026},
journal = {Food Science and Human Wellness},
keywords = {Natural products, Aanti-inflammatory, NF-κB signaling pathway, Gut microbiota, Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Synergistic effect},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FSHW.2026.9251169},
doi = {10.26599/FSHW.2026.9251169},
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by persistent intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The study investigated the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) and ganoderic acid A (GAA) administered individually and in combination on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathology, serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), TLR4/NF-κB pathway proteins, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were evaluated. Combination therapy of GLP and GAA (GL-PA) significantly ameliorated body weight loss, reduced DAI scores, and restored colon length compared to individual treatments (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed preserved crypt architecture and reduced inflammatory infiltration. GL-PA markedly suppressed serum cytokine levels and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB activation more effectively than GLP or GAA alone (P < 0.05). Microbiota analysis showed GL-PA restored gut diversity, increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, promoted beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Turicibacter) while suppressing pathogenic bacteria (Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Desulfovibrionaceae). GL-PA significantly enhanced SCFAs production, particularly propionate and butyrate (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed associations between harmful bacteria and inflammatory markers, while beneficial bacteria correlated with SCFAs levels. The combination exhibits synergistic protective effects through dual mechanisms: inflammatory pathway suppression and gut microbiota homeostasis restoration. GL-PA represents a promising natural therapeutic strategy for IBD treatment.}
}