Date byproduct polysaccharides enhance gut health via microbiota-dependent metabolic pathways and immune stability: In-vivo study

This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and gut microbiota-modulating potential of date pomace (DPP) and date seed (DSP) polysaccharides in a preclinical model over 2 weeks (200 μL/day, 4 mg/mL). Flow cytometry analysis of mesenteric lymph nodes revealed no significant changes in immune cell subsets, indicating biocompatibility without disruptive immuno- modulation. Metagenomic sequencing of fecal microbiota revealed dominance of Pseudomonadota, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes (>90 %), with DPP/DSP promoting a lowering of Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, highlighting their anti-obesogenic potential. Metabolomic analyses (KEGG, COG, MetaCyc) indicated enrichment of carbohydrate degradation associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and biosynthesis of amino acids, lipids, coenzymes, and vitamins. Network analyses showed suppression of opportunistic pathogens ( Klebsiella oxytoca , Acetatifactor muris ) and promotion of SCFA-producing taxa ( Bacteroides caecimuris , Limosilactobacillus reuteri ), supporting mucosal integrity. These findings suggest DPP and DSP function as prebiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbial diversity, beneficial metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis without perturbing systemic immune profiles. • Date polysaccharides showed safe immune response and good biocompatibility in vivo. • Gut microbiota shifted: higher Bacteroidetes and lower Firmicutes ratio observed. • Reduced harmful microbes and promoted SCFA-producing beneficial taxa. • Enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyrate) synthesis. • Supported gut health and homeostasis without affecting systemic immunity.