Plant Polysaccharides Modulate Immune Function via the Gut Microbiome and May Have Potential in COVID-19 Therapy |
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| Authors: | Mengsheng Tang Lu Cheng Yanan Liu Zufang Wu Xin Zhang Songmei Luo |
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| Institution: | 1.Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.T.); (Z.W.); (X.Z.);2.Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;3.Department of Pharmacy, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, China |
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| Abstract: | Plant polysaccharides can increase the number and variety of beneficial bacteria in the gut and produce a variety of active substances, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Gut microbes and their specific metabolites have the effects of promoting anti-inflammatory activity, enhancing the intestinal barrier, and activating and regulating immune cells, which are beneficial for improving immunity. A strong immune system reduces inflammation caused by external viruses and other pathogens. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still spreading globally, and patients with COVID-19 often have intestinal disease and weakened immune systems. This article mainly evaluates how polysaccharides in plants can improve the immune system barrier by improving the intestinal microecological balance, which may have potential in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. |
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| Keywords: | COVID-19 plant polysaccharides probiotics SCFAs immunity gut flora |
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