• Natural edible polysaccharide can protect gastric mucosa from damage • The mechanism of how natural edible polysaccharides affect gastric mucosal injury • The gastric mucosal protection of natural edible polysaccharides was prospected Social pressures and dietary habits have contributed to an increased prevalence of gastric mucosal injury, presenting a significant challenge to human health. In recent decades, advancements in chromatographic separation, identification technologies, and molecular biology have enhanced research into the structure and biological activity of macromolecules, particularly polysaccharides. Given their excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, polysaccharides hold considerable potential for development. Consequently, they have garnered extensive attention in the fields of functional foods, with ongoing research into their pharmacological activities continually progressing. As research into the biological activities of natural edible polysaccharides deepens, their role in the prevention and treatment of gastric mucosal injury has emerged as a prominent area of interest. Recent studies have elucidated that natural edible polysaccharides actively contribute to the prevention and treatment of gastric mucosal injury by modulating key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, Keap1-Nrf2, and JAK/STAT, as well as by regulating microbiota. This paper reviews recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms through which natural edible polysaccharides prevent and treat gastric mucosal injury, and summarizes their structure-activity relationship, providing a theoretical framework for further investigation into their preventive and intervention strategies.
Du et al. (2026) studied this question.