Insights into immunoregulatory effects of bioactive polysaccharides derived from seaweeds through gut microbiota

Seaweeds polysaccharides possess diverse structures and functions, extending beyond culinary uses to potentially offer health benefits. Notable among seaweed polysaccharides are fucoidans, carrageenans, galactans, agars, alginates, and laminarin etc. These bioactive compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. Seaweed polysaccharides, characterized by their unique structural complexity, present themselves as promising candidates for immunomodulation. This review provides an overview of the intricate connections between gut microbiota, immune system dynamics, and the prebiotic potential of seaweed polysaccharides. The review highlights the prebiotic effects of seaweed polysaccharides, examining their fermentation in the colon, promotion of beneficial bacteria, and inhibition of pathogens. This section presents the significant discoveries from the review, categorizing them based on the types of seaweeds studied which are brown, red, and green. It highlights the distinct prebiotic effects associated with the polysaccharide. The conclusion summarizes the key insights derived from the dynamic interplay of gut microbiota, seaweed polysaccharides, and their prebiotic effects.