Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC polysaccharide structural properties and its protective impact on cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal harm by restoring the intestinal barrier and gut flora

Atractylodes lancea has been extensively used in dietary health and clinical treatments due to its beneficial therapeutic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we isolated and purified AL polysaccharide (ALP) and investigated its therapeutic efficacy in chemotherapy-associated gastrointestinal damage. In vivo experiments demonstrate that ALP-3 possesses strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and restorative properties in repairing the intestinal barrier. Additionally, ALP-3 significantly enhances the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacilli, while simultaneously reducing the prevalence of Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella, and decreasing LPS-induced TLR4 activation. Our findings suggest that ALP-3 may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing and ameliorating gastrointestinal damage induced by chemotherapy.