Health gut microbiota mediated effects of mushrooms: potential in neuroprotection

Resume: Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been directly connected with several clinical conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders. Many neuroactive molecules produced by intestinal flora such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin, have been shown to contribute to healthy brain function. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been connected with reduced levels of these metabolites. Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and aging have been associated with increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract epithelium and blood-brain barrier, resulting in the alteration of transport mechanisms. Gut microbiota modulation has been suggested as a potential tool for AD and diet is believed to be a powerful driver in this modulation. Numerous studies showed the prebiotic potential of mushrooms or mushroom polysaccharide extracts. β-glucans and other mushroom prebiotic molecules strongly stimulate the production of neuroactive metabolites by gut microbiota. We aimed to assess the state-of-the-art of mushroom prebiotic potential and their neuroprotective gut microbiota-mediated effects.