Polysaccharides, particularly those derived from plants, fungi, and seaweeds (such as beta-glucans, arabinoxylans, pectins, and fucoidans), have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects on colitis, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The proposed mechanisms involve their prebiotic effects, modulation of gut microbiota, enhancement of mucosal barrier function, and immunomodulatory properties. Several animal studies have demonstrated that specific polysaccharide preparations can attenuate inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and improve histopathological outcomes in chemically induced models of colitis. For example, beta-glucans from oats and mushrooms, as well as pectins from fruits, have shown efficacy in reducing colonic inflammation and restoring gut homeostasis in preclinical trials.

While these results are promising, human clinical evidence remains limited. Some small-scale clinical trials using plant-derived polysaccharides—such as aloe vera gel polysaccharides and plantain-derived arabinoxylans—have reported improvements in symptoms and inflammatory markers in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, these studies often have limitations, including small sample sizes, variable polysaccharide compositions, and short study durations. As such, while the use of polysaccharides for colitis is supported by a moderate body of preclinical evidence and some early clinical data, more robust, large-scale human trials are needed to definitively establish their efficacy and safety.