Abstract:Butyric acid is the preferred energy source for colon epithelial cells, which improves the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promotes human intestinal health. It has been reported that Hericium erinaceus β -glucan (HEBG) promotes the production of butyric acid by human intestinal flora, but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this paper, the preparation methods of HEBG and the obtained HEBG with different structural characteristics were reviewed. Then, this paper summarized the bacteria with the characteristic of producing butyric acid in human feces, and reviewed the research progress of the mechanism of β-glucan regulating the intestinal bacteria producing butyric acid from different sources. It is concluded that Hericium erinaceus β-glucan is an excellent dietary fiber, which may promote the production of butyric acid by human intestinal flora through direct or indirect mode. This review has guiding significance for the development of the probiotics of β-glucan and the creation of healthy food of Hericium erinaceus.
