This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of polysaccharides from the hard shells of Juglans regia L. (JRP) on intestinal function and gut microbiota of mice. The results showed that JRP could increase the colonic length and colonic index, and ameliorate the histological characteristics of colon. JRP had a positive effect on immunity of mice by improving immune organ indexes. Owing to enhancement of intestinal peristalsis and increase of colonic fecal moisture by JRP, the defecation time was significantly reduced. After gastrointestinal digestion and absorption, JRP was metabolized by intestinal microorganisms to produce short chain fatty acids, thereby lowering the pH of intestine. Through microbial community analysis, the composition of gut microbiota was modulated by JRP via increasing the abundances of beneficial bacteria and decreasing the richness of harmful bacteria. This study suggests that JRP can be served as an excellent prebiotic to promote intestinal health.

本研究旨在研究Juglans regia L. (JRP)硬壳多糖对小鼠肠道功能和肠道菌群的调节作用。结果表明，JRP可增加结肠长度和结肠指数，改善结肠组织学特征。JRP通过改善免疫器官指标对小鼠免疫力产生积极影响。由于JRP增强肠道蠕动和增加结肠粪便水分，排便时间显着减少。JRP经胃肠消化吸收后，被肠道微生物代谢产生短链脂肪酸，从而降低肠道pH值。通过微生物群落分析，肠道微生物群的组成受到 JRP 的调节   通过增加 有益细菌的丰度 和减少有害细菌的丰富度。这项研究表明，JRP 可以作为一种极好的益生元来促进肠道健康。