How Our Bodies Absorb and Excrete Nutrients from Goji Berries

Greg Howard
11th August, 2024

How Our Bodies Absorb and Excrete Nutrients from Goji Berries

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Nanjing Agricultural University found that LBPs-4 from Lycium barbarum L. is not absorbed in its original form in rats
  • Instead, LBPs-4 is broken down in the large intestine by gut bacteria, particularly Bacteroides ovatus
  • This breakdown leads to the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like acetic acid, which promote gut health
Polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates found in plants, animals, and microbes, have been the subject of increasing scientific interest due to their diverse biological activities. These macromolecules have shown promise in various pharmacological applications, including immunoregulation, anti-tumor, anti-virus, antioxidation, and hypoglycemic activities[2]. However, the mechanisms by which these polysaccharides are absorbed and transported within the body remain largely unclear[3]. Recent research from Nanjing Agricultural University has provided new insights into this topic by investigating the in vivo absorption and fecal excretion of a purified fraction of polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (LBPs-4) in rats[1]. In this study, LBPs-4 was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to track its movement within the body. Following the administration of a single dose of LBPs-4-FITC (100 mg/kg of body weight) to rats, researchers found that LBPs-4-FITC was not detected in the plasma within 24 hours. This indicated that LBPs-4 was hardly absorbed in its original form. Instead, a smaller fragment dissociated from LBPs-4-FITC was observed in the feces and accumulated over time, suggesting that LBPs-4 was excreted in a degraded form. These findings align with previous studies, which have shown that some bioactive polysaccharides are not absorbed but instead modulate gut microbiota[4]. In this case, LBPs-4-FITC was found to influence the fecal bacterial community by increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroides ovatus and Alistipes. This modulation also promoted the production of acetic acid, a short-chain fatty acid known for its beneficial effects on gut health. Further monoculture experiments confirmed that LBPs-4 could be metabolized into smaller fragments by B. ovatus, resulting in the production of acetic acid. The study's findings contribute to the broader understanding of how polysaccharides interact with the body post-ingestion. Previous research has demonstrated that polysaccharides can be absorbed through the small intestine and distributed to various organs, such as the liver and kidneys[3]. However, this new study suggests that not all polysaccharides follow this pathway. Instead, some, like LBPs-4, are broken down in the large intestine by gut microbiota, which then exert their bioactive effects. This research also complements findings from studies on other polysaccharides, such as those from Dendrobium officinale, which were shown to be undigested and degraded into short-chain fatty acids in the large intestine[4]. These studies collectively suggest that the bioactivity of some polysaccharides may be attributed more to their interaction with gut microbiota than to direct absorption into the bloodstream. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of understanding the specific mechanisms by which different polysaccharides are processed in the body. For example, polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata were found to be absorbed through the small intestine and transported to the liver and kidneys via endocytosis[3]. In contrast, LBPs-4 from Lycium barbarum L. appears to follow a different route, being degraded in the large intestine and influencing gut microbiota. In conclusion, the study from Nanjing Agricultural University provides valuable insights into the fate of LBPs-4 after oral administration. It reveals that LBPs-4 is not absorbed in its original form but is instead degraded in the large intestine by gut microbiota, particularly Bacteroides ovatus, which then produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids like acetic acid. This research not only expands our understanding of the mechanisms behind polysaccharide bioactivity but also underscores the potential for using these natural substances in future pharmacotherapy[2][5].

FruitsBiochemAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) In vivo absorption and fecal excretion of polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. in rats through fluorescence labeling`.

Published 8th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134613

Related Studies

2) Biological activities and pharmaceutical applications of polysaccharide from natural resources: A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.009

3) Oral absorption mechanism of the polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata Blume base on fluorescence labeling.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110342

4) Destiny of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide after Oral Administration: Indigestible and Nonabsorbing, Ends in Modulating Gut Microbiota.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.9b01489

5) Biological activities and potential health benefit effects of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum L.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.11.023


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