Preventive effects of crude polysaccharides extracted from morel mushroom stems on ulcerative colitis in mice

Morels (Morchella spp.) are renowned edible fungi that have been recognized for their beneficial effects on health, including anti-inflammatory and gut-health promoting properties. Despite their known health benefits, the preventive effects and underlying mechanisms of morel polysaccharides against ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been extensively studied. This study investigates the potential of crude polysaccharides derived from morel stems for UC management. Polysaccharides were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted extraction technique with a deep eutectic solvent, followed by deproteination, and their monosaccharide composition was determined using ion chromatography. Crude polysaccharides from morel stem were primarily composed of glucose and small amounts of galactose, mannose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, and xylose. In a mouse model of UC, the weight loss of mice and increases in Disease Activity Index (DAI) were reversed, and colonic damage improved. Importantly, this treatment reduced inflammation and promoted inflammatory repair. Additionally, the polysaccharide extract moderated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved intestinal microbiota diversity and richness, improved intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and enhanced intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. This treatment also promoted restoration of the intestinal barrier function in UC mice. These findings indicate that crude polysaccharides from morel stems may be an effective component in functional foods aimed at managing UC, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for this condition.