Beneficial effects of EPS on human health and gut microbiota

Abstract

Recently bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) extracted from Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. has received considerable attention, mainly due to the novel and unique physical characteristics and physiological functions. EPS contributes to biofilm formation and host healthy maintenance, it can be used as an instrument for probiotics to survive in harsh condition. In this review, we provide a fresh perspective and focus on the advancement of bioactivity and immune modulating capability of exopolysaccharide. Indeed, EPS from Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. exhibit many beneficial bioactivity including anti-tumor activity, antiviral activity, radical scavenging activity and abrogate the cytotoxic effect. Therefore, it has great potential for further development as therapeutic agents or adjuvants for cancer. Furthermore, EPS binds to common surface receptors to elicit the immune response in host, it was able to reduce the secretion of the proinflammatory e.g., IL-6. Thus, the EPS seem to be critical in studying the physiology of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and their interaction with the host.