Pectic polysaccharide from Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via the gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids-liver axis.

This study investigates the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. Polysaccharide (PRP-2-3), a pectic polysaccharide extracted from Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., is known for its cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Structural characterization revealed that PRP-2-3 is a homogeneous pectic polysaccharide, primarily composed of GalA (38.256%), Ara (9.764%), Rha (10.523%), and Gal (19.957%). It consists mainly of HG-type domains, with some RG-I domains. In NAFLD-induced mice, PRP-2-3 exerted dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects, including reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, attenuation of liver injury, and improvement of steatosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that PRP-2-3 alleviates hepatic injury associated with NAFLD through modulation of gut microbiota (GM), augmentation of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) biosynthesis, and reinforcement of intestinal barrier function.