In vitro digestion and fermentation of ginseng pectic polysaccharide GPS-1 and attenuation of its product on oleic acid-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells

This study demonstrates that the hepatoprotective effect of GPS-1 depends on gut microbial fermentation. GPS-1 resists digestion but is degraded by the microbiota, enriching <i>Bacteroides</i>, boosting propionate and acetate production, and generating fermented products with enhanced antioxidant and lipid-lowering activity. These findings suggest that GPS-1 has potential as a prebiotic functional ingredient for improving intestinal health and regulating lipid metabolism.