Progress of Studies on Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Affecting Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Recently, plant-derived polysaccharides have been in general use in animal production, due to their strong hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antitumor, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. The available literature suggests that plant-derived polysaccharides improved performance and health in poultry. Therefore, this review aims to provide a reference for the scientific application of plant-derived polysaccharides in poultry production, while also exploring their effects on the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, intestinal morphology and immune function, etc.; the potential action mechanisms of plant-derived polysaccharides are briefly summarized. ABSTRACT: As natural bioactive components, plant-derived polysaccharides have many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoccidial, and immunity regulation, and have been widely used in poultry production. In this review paper, firstly, the sources and structures of plant-derived polysaccharides are reviewed; secondly, the effects of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal microbiome, permeability, morphology and immune function of poultry are summarized; thirdly, the potential molecular regulation mechanism of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal barrier function of poultry was preliminarily analyzed. The review paper will bring a basis for the scientific utilization of plant-derived polysaccharides in the poultry industry.