# Polysaccharides from Citrus Fruit with Different Mastication Traits Ameliorate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Restoring Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbiota Balance

## TL;DR

Citrus fruit polysaccharides with better mastication traits help reduce ulcerative colitis by improving gut health and balancing gut bacteria.

## Contribution

This study reveals how citrus mastication traits correlate with polysaccharide efficacy in treating colitis through microbiota and intestinal barrier modulation.

## Key findings

- HMR polysaccharides most effectively reduced inflammation and improved intestinal barrier markers.
- Citrus polysaccharides enriched beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia and suppressed harmful species.
- Polysaccharides increased production of short-chain fatty acids, especially propionate and butyrate.

## Abstract

Mastication trait is an important indicator for evaluating citrus fruit texture and may modulate the biological activity of citrus polysaccharides. This study compared the protective effects of pulp polysaccharides from citrus fruit with different mastication traits, namely Hongmeiren (HMR, superior), Satsuma (WM, moderate), and Nanfeng tangerine (NF, inferior mastication trait) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. All polysaccharides alleviated UC symptoms, with HMR showing the most pronounced effects by more markedly reducing TNF-α levels, while enhancing IL-10, ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 expression. NF exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on IL-6. Microbiota analysis revealed that citrus polysaccharides suppressed Escherichia–Shigella and Helicobacter, enriched Akkermansia and norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and promoted short-chain fatty acid production, particularly of propionate and butyrate. LEfSe analysis further indicated that HMR selectively enriched Dubosiella and norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014, WM increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and NF promoted the growth of Parabacteroides. Overall, HMR with superior mastication trait exhibited the greatest efficacy in attenuating inflammation and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These findings reveal an intrinsic link between citrus mastication traits and their colitis-alleviating activity, offering a mechanistic basis for dietary intervention in inflammatory bowel disease as well as for functional citrus breeding.