Effect of mushroom (Schizophyllum spp.) derived β-glucan on low-fiber diet induced gut dysbiosis

Abstract

Dietary pattern has paramount importance in shaping the gut microbiota and its associated host health. Herein this study, long term (12 weeks) impact of mushroom derived dietary fiber, β-glucan, is investigated for its effect on low fiber diet consumption. Inclusion of dietary fiber into the low fiber diet (LFD) increased the abundance of genera Lactobacillus and Anaerostipes, the microbes responsible for butyrate (major ‘fuel source’ of colonocytes) production. Mice fed LFD with β-glucan showed significant increase in the length of small intestine compared to that of the LFD group without β-glucan. Further, dietary fiber consumption enhanced goblet cell density along with mucosal layer thickness. These results indicate promising effects of β-glucan towards maintenance of healthy gut and gut microbiota.