An overview of the advantageous effects and underlying mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The global incidence and prevalence of IBD continue to increase. While multiple clinical treatments exist, conventional therapies frequently present limitations and adverse effects. Natural polysaccharides (PSs) have emerged as a significant focus of research interest due to their therapeutic potential and applications in functional foods and health products. This review synthesizes current understanding of IBD pathophysiology and the mechanisms by which natural PSs counter IBD, including their capacity to restore immune homeostasis and intestinal barrier function, modulate gut microbiota and metabolites, reduce oxidative stress, and address irregularities in autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). The review examines the structure-activity relationships of PSs demonstrating anti-IBD effects and identifies promising therapeutic products. The discussion encompasses pharmacokinetics, safety evaluations, and clinical applications of these compounds. This comprehensive review establishes a theoretical foundation for developing natural PS-based therapeutic approaches for IBD management.