Effect of monosaccharide composition and proportion on the bioactivity of polysaccharides: A review

Microbial community and organic compounds composition analysis and the edible security of common buckwheat fermented via Kombucha consortium

This study investigates the microbial community and organic compound composition of common buckwheat fermented with a traditional Kombucha consortium. Twenty-five fungal species, nine bacterial species, five organic acids, and six phenolic compounds were identified in Common Buckwheat Kombucha (CBK). The fermentation process enriched CBK with bioactive compounds that enhanced its functional properties, including antioxidant activity and antibacterial efficacy, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria by over 81.1 %. Further research is encouraged to explore similar applications with other cereal crops.

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the physicochemical property, structure characterization, and bioactivity of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic degradation on Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) physicochemical properties, structure characterization, and bioactivities. The results indicated that the ultrasonic degradation could significantly decrease HCP's molecular weight (MW). Total polysaccharide, uronic acid content, solubility, and thermal stability of HCP increased gradually with the increase in ultrasonication power. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) spectra proved that the primary structure of HCP had not been changed via ultrasonic degradation. Antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity results confirmed that ultrasonication enhanced the ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, and OH) and improved α-glycosidase and α-amylase inhibition with the increase of ultrasonic power, which was increased in order HCP Collapse

Key Words

• Antioxidant activity
• Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide
• Hypoglycemic activity
• Polyphenols
• Structure characterization
• Ultrasonication

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MESH Headings

• Polysaccharides/chemistry
• Polysaccharides/pharmacology
• Houttuynia/chemistry
• alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors
• Ultrasonic Waves
• Antioxidants/chemistry
• Antioxidants/pharmacology
• Chemical Phenomena
• Molecular Weight
• Solubility
• Sonication
• Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry
• Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology

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Affiliation(s)

Mohammed Mansour College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Desert Research Center (DRC), Matariya, Cairo, Egypt
Ramy M Khoder College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Lin Xiang College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
Lan Lan Zhang College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
Ahmed Taha Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural, (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21531, Egypt
Alsadig Yahya College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
Ting Wu College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
Hassan Barakat Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
Ibrahim Khalifa Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Egypt
Xu Xiaoyun College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Food Science (Huazhong Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing & Quality Control, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.

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Prospects of Ganoderma polysaccharides: Structural features, structure-function relationships, and quality evaluation

Polysaccharides, the primary bioactive compounds found in Ganoderma, are responsible for a multitude of biological activities. The bioactivity of Ganoderma polysaccharides (GPs) closely correlates to their physicochemical properties. Consequently, the accurate characterization and quantification of GPs are essential for the quality control of these compounds. Regrettably, the complex structural features of GPs have limited research on the relationships between their structures and bioactivities. In addition, a lack of appropriate quality assessment methods has impeded the regulation and application of GPs and related products. Therefore, it is essential to conduct extensive studies to develop reliable for quality control methods based on their pharmacological activities. This review aims to comprehensively and systematically outline the structural features, structure-activity relationships and quality control methods of GPs, thereby supporting their potential value in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. The insights presented in this review will significantly contribute to the research and potential applications of GPs.

Multi-level fingerprint and immune activity evaluation of polysaccharides from Rhodiola rosea L

To establish the quality control method of Rhodiola rosea L., the multi-level fingerprinting profile was established. The quality evaluation of Rhodiola rosea L. was evaluated based on the following information: polysaccharide content in herbs (2.86-4.51 %), thirteen infrared absorption peaks (3391.25 cm-1, 2934.03 cm-1, 1747.47 cm-1, 1618.67 cm-1, 1445.12 cm-1, 1374.16 cm-1, 1357.16 cm-1, 1237.94 cm-1, 1102.37 cm-1, 1017.50 cm-1, 762.27 cm-1, 631.88 cm-1 and 528.77 cm-1), seven monosaccharides (Mannose, Rhamnose, Glucuronic acid, Glucose, Galactose, Xylose, Arabinose), and two molecular weight segments Mw1 (7.12 × 105-1.31 × 106 Da) and Mw2 (6.04 × 103-6.92 × 103 Da). The results of chemometric analysis found that the infrared absorption peaks of 762.27 cm-1, the monosaccharides of Man and Xyl, and the molecular weight of Mw1 were the key markers in differentiating the origin of Rhodiola rosea L. The spectrum-effect relationship showed that Rhodiola rosea L. polysaccharides (RRP) with a higher infrared absorption peak at 1618.67 cm-1, higher Xyl, and higher Mw1 displayed higher immune activity. In conclusion, this study determined the RRP content in herbs, established a polysaccharide-based quality control method for Rhodiola rosea L., and investigated the connection between fingerprints and in vitro immune activity. All of this study can provide more theoretical support for the authentication and quality control of Rhodiola rosea L.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide from Lespedeza formosa

A new acidic polysaccharide was extracted from Lespedeza Formosa (LF) using microwave-assisted extraction. After a progressive purification, Lespedeza Formosa polysaccharide (LFP-1) with 96.14 % purity and moderate molecular weight was obtained. Subsequently, LFP-1's structural analysis and in vitro anti-inflammatory experiments were performed. LFP-1 is composed of nine monosaccharides, mainly including 39.7 % glucose, 29.1 % galactose, and 19.9 % arabinose, with three branched chains of its structure. The diverse monosaccharides and branched chains provided the essential conditions for the anti-inflammatory effects of LFP-1, which diminished the release of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). And they altered the release of internal inflammatory factors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages. LFP-1 exerted intracellularly anti-inflammatory effects through the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signal pathway. The discovery of LFP-1 opens up a new possibility for natural anti-inflammatory medicine.

A review on polysaccharide-based tumor targeted drug nanodelivery systems

The tumor-targeted drug delivery system (TTDNS) uses nanocarriers to transport chemotherapeutic agents to target tumor cells or tissues precisely. This innovative approach considerably increases the effective concentration of these drugs at the tumor site, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Many chemotherapeutic agents face challenges, such as low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and inadequate drug resistance. To address these obstacles, TTDNS comprising natural polysaccharides have gained increasing popularity in the field of nanotechnology owing to their ability to improve safety, bioavailability, and biocompatibility while reducing toxicity. In addition, it enhances permeability and allows for controlled drug delivery and release. This review focuses on the sources of natural polysaccharides and their direct and indirect mechanisms of anti-tumor activity. We also explored the preparation of various polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanohydrogels, nanoliposomes, nanocapsules, nanomicelles, nanocrystals, and nanofibers. Furthermore, this review delves into the versatile applications of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, elucidating their capabilities for in vivo targeting, controlled release, and responsiveness to endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as pH, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields. This sophisticated design substantially enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drugs at tumor sites and provides a basis for preclinical and clinical research. However, the in vivo stability, drug loading, and permeability of these preparations into tumor tissues still need to be improved. Most of the currently developed biomarker-sensitive polysaccharide nanocarriers are still in the laboratory stage, more innovative delivery mechanisms and clinical studies are needed to develop commercial nanocarriers for medical use.

Dynamic high-pressure microfluidization for the extraction and processing of polysaccharides: a focus on some foods and by-products

Dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM) is an emerging treatment technology and has been widely used for the recovery of natural polysaccharides. The aim of the present contribution is to discuss the DHPM-assisted extraction and processing of polysaccharides from some foods and by-products by reviewing the instrument and working principle, procedures, key parameters, and effects of DHPM on the structures, food properties, and bioactivities of resulting polysaccharides. It was found that a DHPM instrument with Z-type chamber is preferable for extracting polysaccharides, and a DHPM with Y-type chamber is applicable for processing polysaccharides. The solid-to-liquid ratio (or concentration), pressure, and number of passes are the key parameters influencing the outcome of DHPM extraction and processing. The DHPM under suitable conditions is conducive to boosting the extraction yields of polysaccharides, enriching the carbohydrates and uronic acids in polysaccharides, lowering the protein impurities, and transforming insoluble dietary fibers into soluble ones. In most cases, DHPM treatment improved the food properties of polysaccharides via decreasing viscosity, molecular weight, and particle size, as well as losing the surface morphology. More importantly, DHPM is a mild treatment technique that barely affects the chain backbones of polysaccharides. DHPM-assisted extraction and processing endowed polysaccharides with enhanced antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities, exhibiting potential for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In addition, DHPM-treated polysaccharides exerted certain potential in whitening cosmetics via inhibiting tyrosinase. In conclusion, DHPM is a mild, efficient, and green technology to recover and modify polysaccharides from natural resources, especially foods and by-products. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polysaccharides with antioxidant activity: Extraction, beneficial roles, biological mechanisms, structure-function relationships, and future perspectives: A review

Polysaccharides are valuable macromolecules due to their multiple bioactivities, safety, and a wide range of sources. Recently, a series of polysaccharides with antioxidant activity have been intensively reported. In this review, the latest advances in polysaccharides with antioxidant activity have been reviewed, primarily based on the investigations of polysaccharides regarding advanced extraction methods, roles in oxidative stress-related diseases, intracellular signaling pathways associated with antioxidant responses, activating pathways in the gut, structure-function relationships, and methods to improve antioxidant activity. The summarized information highlighted that much work needs to be conducted, from laboratory to industry, to understand and fully utilize the antioxidant potential of polysaccharides. Finally, future perspectives, including scaling-up of advanced extraction methods, standardizing the protocols for assessing and screening polysaccharides, bridging gaps on the biological mechanisms underlying antioxidant activity, performing clinical trials, and elucidating structure-antioxidant relationships, have been addressed. The information present in this review will be helpful to the scientific community when studying on polysaccharides with antioxidant potential and provides research directions for a better understanding of the polysaccharides and promotes their successful applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Structural characterization and in vitro fermentation of the polysaccharide from fruits of Gardenia jasminoides

In the current, the polysaccharide (GFP-40) from fruits of Gardenia jasminoides was obtained by water extraction and ethanol precipitation, further to characterize the structure features by the high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), methylation combined with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Subsequently, GFP-40 was enzymatically degraded into several fractions with different molecular weight, and further evaluated the prebiotic potentials by in vitro fecal fermentation. Results showed that GFP-40 had molecular weight of 253 kDa, mainly consisted of GalA (82.03 %). Structure analysis indicated that GFP-40 was the mainly high-methoxyl homogalacturonan (HG) pectin (79.61 %) with alternately linked 1,4-GalpA and 1,4-GalpA (OMe) as backbone. Additionally, GFP-40 and its degraded fractions (55.6 kDa, 14.2 kDa, 4.7 kDa and 2.0 kDa) showed no significant difference in monosaccharide composition. The OD600 of each group gradually increased during fermentation, while the pH value, neutral sugar, and uronic content decreased. After fermentation, degraded fractions with lower molecular weight (4.7 kDa and 2.0 kDa) significantly increased the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). GFP-40 and its enzymatic degraded fractions significantly increased the relative abundance of probiotics (such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota) and decreased the relative abundance of pathogens (such as Proteobacteria). These findings indicated that molecular weight of polysaccharide was related to the probiotic effect, with lower molecular weight showed better activities, and polysaccharide from fruits of Gardenia jasminoides could be potentially used as a functional substance to improve human health.

Exploiting the bacterial exopolysaccharide bioconversion using residual cheese whey as culture medium

Cheese whey (CW) represents a potential substrate in biotechnological processes due to the presence of valuable nutrients in its composition. Therefore, CW is used as a low-cost substrate in fermentation for microbial growth and the synthesis of value-added compounds, while mitigating the environmental impact that this by-product can cause. The current study aimed to obtain exopolysaccharides (EPS) by fermenting lactic acid bacteria in CW followed by optimizing production using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and evaluating the biological properties. Out of 64 isolates, Enterococcus sp. 133 V exhibited a high concentration with 5.58 mg/mL of EPS. With optimization using RSM, 21.74 mg/mL of EPS was obtained with temperature and fermentation time fixed at 42 °C and 22 h, respectively. The characterization of the new EPS revealed a hetero-polysaccharide consisting of galactose, glucose, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose and fucose, including proteins and uric acid in the structure. With a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the purified EPS showed good scavenging effects against DPPH (27%), ABTS (72%) and superoxide (43%), except for the hydroxyl radical (1.29%) which needs a high EPS concentration. These findings underscore the interest in using cheap residue as culture medium to produce biopolymers with potential for applications, particularly in the food and biotechnology sectors.

Structural characterization and combined immunomodulatory activity of fermented Chinese yam polysaccharides with probiotics

In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum M616 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC 32883 were used in modifying Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYPs) through fermentation. The carbohydrate content of microbe-fermented CYP (CYP-LS) was 78.49 % ± 1.64 %, versus the 71.03 % ± 2.75 % carbon content of unfermented CYP (CYP-NF). However, CYP-LS had a lower protein content (6.01 % ± 0.08 %) than CYP-NF (8.24 % ± 0.19 %). The molar ratios among rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose were respectively 0.493:0.6695:0.9738:0.7655:12.4365 for CYP-NF and 0.2849:0.182:0.5684:1.4069:3.7227 for CYP-LS. Molecular weight and polydispersity decreased respectively from 124.774 kDa (CYP-NF) to 34.111 kDa (CYP-LS) to and from 6.58 (CYP-NF) to 5.176 (CYP-LS). Moreover, CYP-LS had better immunomodulatory activity than CYP-NF, regulating superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-β in a RAW 264.7 cell model. A combination of CYP-LS and probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus HH-LPH17, Lactobacillus johnsonii LBJ 456® and Lactobacillus acidophilus HH-LA26) showed enhanced immune activity.

Physicochemical properties, biological activities, applications, and protective potential of the skeletal system of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: a review

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv (E. ulmoides) is a widely distributed plant with economic value, nutritional value, edible value and even medicinal value. In recent years, E. ulmoides polysaccharides are considered to be one of the most important bioactive ingredients in E. ulmoides. Modern pharmacological studies show that the crude extract of E. ulmoides polysaccharides, their active monomer and ramifications have a wide range of pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo experiments, which can be used to improve inflammation, regulate immunity, improve osteoporosis, and promote osseointegration, etc. Therefore, this review focuses on the induction and summary of the research at home and abroad in recent years, and summarizes the extraction and purification, modification methods, physicochemical properties, biological activities and potential mechanisms of E. ulmoides polysaccharides, providing a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of E. ulmoides polysaccharides and the development of related products.

Mapping the evolution of anti-diabetic polysaccharides research: Trends, collaborations, and emerging frontiers

Diabetes Mellitus, characterized by insufficient insulin secretion, pancreatic beta cell damage, or insulin resistance, is the third most prevalent chronic metabolic disease worldwide. Polysaccharides, biocompatible natural macromolecules, have garnered significant attention for their potential in modulating diabetes through various mechanisms. Despite extensive studies, a comprehensive and impartial evaluation of anti-diabetic polysaccharides (ATDPs) research is still lacking. This study employs bibliometric and knowledge mapping techniques to analyze research trends and developments concerning ATDPs. A total of 3435 publications from 2001 to 2024 were examined, revealing a marked increase in publication volume and citation frequency, particularly since 2016. Network analysis indicates China as the leading contributor, with the highest number of publications and prominent institutions. The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules is identified as the most prolific journal in this field. Shaoping Nie stands out as a leading researcher with the highest citation frequency and h-index. Current research trends focus on the role of polysaccharides in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation, modulation of gut microbiota, and their structural characterization. Emerging studies investigate how these polysaccharides impact gut microbiota composition, enhance intestinal barrier functions, and modulate immune responses, representing cutting-edge areas in diabetes research. This research pioneers the use of bibliometric analysis to map ATDPs research trajectories, offering valuable insights into prevailing trends, emerging topics, and opportunities for future research and collaboration.

Preparation technologies, structural characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from bee pollen: A review

Bee pollen, a natural honeybee product, is hailed as a treasure trove of human nutrition. Among the nourishing substances of bee pollen, the constituents with a low molecular weight (such as phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides) have been extensively studied in the past decades, whereas the polysaccharides with a relatively high molecular weight have received much less attention. To deepen our understanding of bee pollen polysaccharides, this review summarizes the published findings related to their preparation technologies, structural characteristics and biological activities. Among the preparation technologies, ultrasonic-assisted extraction is currently the most effective technology for the recovery of polysaccharides from bee pollen, because ultrasound can crack the pollen exine into fragments and facilitate the release of polysaccharides present in the pollen intine. The preliminary structures, including the molecular weight and monosaccharide composition, of bee pollen polysaccharides have been widely reported, but their fine structures have not fully elucidated. Moreover, bee pollen polysaccharides have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities, exhibiting potential application in functional foods. Furthermore, bee pollen polysaccharides can modulate the composition of gut microbiota and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids. It is expected that this review can provide inspiration for the development and utilization of bee pollen polysaccharides.

Pioneering polysaccharide extraction with deep eutectic solvents: A review on impacts to extraction yield, physicochemical properties and bioactivities

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as promising solvents for polysaccharide extraction from various sources. The DES which is produced by combining hydrogen bond donors and acceptors offers sustainability, low toxicity, a wide range of solubility and tailored properties. This review examines DES features and their effectiveness as extraction media for polysaccharides, highlighting the mechanisms behind their enhanced extraction efficiency compared to classical solvents. Additionally, we discuss the mechanism behind the DES affecting the physicochemical and structural properties of the extracted polysaccharides. The review also explores the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and immunomodulatory properties of DES-extracted polysaccharides compared to classical solvents which emphasize structural changes in the polymer complex. This review intends to shed insight into the prospects of green extraction technologies by providing information on the benefits of DES and its potential to modify polysaccharide characteristics and enhance their biological activities, which is covered in depth for the first time here.

Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of a Novel Polysaccharide Isolated from Gymnopetalum cochinchinense

In this investigation, a novel heteropolysaccharide, denoted as PS-HW1, is isolated from Gymnopetalum cochinchinense. The achieved PS-HW1 polymer exhibits a molecular weight of 1.22 × 102 kDa and composes the residues of d-glucose, d-fructose, and d-galactose in a 1:1:2 ratio. The structure of PS-HW1 is elucidated via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, revealing a backbone consisting of (1→4)-d-glucopyranose, (1→4)-d-galactopyranose, and (1→3)-d-fructopyranose residues. Furthermore, PS-HW1 demonstrates remarkable antioxidant activity, with low IC50 values of 0.88 and 3.51 mg·mL-1 in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Its total antioxidant capacity is determined to be 0.2672 ± 0.0042 mg of GA·g-1 or 0.1765 ± 0.0028 mg of AS·g-1. Additionally, PS-HW1 shows significant inhibitory effects on nitric oxide, acetylcholinesterase, and cytotoxicity against HepG2, MCF-7, KB, and SK-LU-1 cancer cells. Such findings emphasize the considerable potential of PS-HW1 from G. cochinchinense for pharmaceutical applications.

F2-sulfated polysaccharides of Laetiporus sulphureus suppress triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) are a unique secondary metabolite isolated from Laetiporus sulphureus. This study examined the detailed molecular mechanisms of action of F2, a medium molecular weight SPS of L. sulphureus, on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and metastasis. Results showed that the sulfate and protein content of F2 were 2.1 % and 15.6 %, respectively. F2 had a molecular weight of 23.8 kDa and did not contain a triple helix conformation. The monosaccharide composition of F2 was mannose, galactose, glucose, and fucose. F2 inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation mainly by blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, which was attributed to the down-regulation of CDK4 and cyclin D1 and the up-regulation of p21 protein expression. F2 suppressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated intracellular signaling events, such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and GSK-3β and activation of NF-κB and β-catenin, resulting in the cell cycle arrest. Moreover, F2 significantly reduced the EGFR phosphorylation and expression, and the level of mutant p53 protein. F2 also effectively inhibited breast cancer cell migration and invasion through down-regulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 protein expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that F2 exhibited anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities against MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the activation of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways.

In Vitro Assessment of Bacillus thuringiensis Exopolysaccharides and Their Effects on Gut Microbiota from Ulcerative Colitis In Vitro

Bacillus thuringiensis exopolysaccharide BPS-2 inhibits malondialdehyde secretion, enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, and significantly improves the antioxidant status of inflammatory cells. In the present study, the apparent morphology and spatial conformation of BPS-2 were analyzed further, and several functional properties were investigated. The results demonstrated that BPS-2 was a polymeric straight-chain polysaccharide with good thermal stability, exhibiting non-Newtonian properties and good antioxidant and anticancer activities. Notably, this study systematically investigated the impact of BPS-2 on the intestinal microbiota composition in patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Through in vitro fermentation of fecal bacteria collected from six volunteers, it was found that BPS-2 exerted a positive influence on the intestinal flora of ulcerative colitis patients, augmenting the secretion of short-chain fatty acids and facilitating an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. These results suggest that BPS-2 has the potential to be a food additive for suppressing ulcerative colitis and for other medically related applications.

A comparative investigation on the extraction-function relationship of polysaccharides derived from moringa oleifera seeds in terms of antioxidant capacity

Owing to the hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial bioactivities of Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS), the antioxidant activities and physicochemical characteristics of deproteinized polysaccharides extracted using hot water (MSWP) and alkali (MSAP) from MOS were systematically studied. MSAP exhibited higher antioxidant activity than MSWP in vitro. Subsequently, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated after oral administration of MSAP in diabetic rats. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in serum antioxidant parameters. The two polysaccharides were then purified and characterized. The molecular weights of purified fractions MSAP3 and MSWP1 were 4.582 × 104 Da and 1.9058 × 105 Da, respectively; the content of uronic acid in MSAP3 was higher than that in MSWP1; and both compounds presented typical infrared spectral absorption peaks of polysaccharides. In conclusion, MSAP exhibits superior antioxidant properties that depend on its structural characteristics, and this study provides data support for further elucidation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of MSAP.

A self-fixing xanthan gum hydrogel membrane with ROS scavenging capability for the prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesion

Postoperative abdominal adhesions are a common complication of surgery and are caused by inflammation, tissue damage, and hypoxia. To address this issue, we prepared a SC-Xg hydrogel membrane by crosslinking xanthan gum (Xg) and sodium citrate (SC) through a dehydration condensation reaction with a crosslinking density of 39.4 %. Moreover, the mechanical performance of the SC-Xg hydrogel membrane could be enhanced by adjusting the concentration of SC. The 1.2-SC-Xg hydrogel membrane exhibited the highest stress resistance. The SC-Xg hydrogel membrane retains the excellent self-fixing ability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of Xg while incorporating the antioxidant properties of SC. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that the SC-Xg hydrogel membrane can completely cover irregular surgical sites and act as the most effective barrier against adhesions, fully exerting both physical and biological effects. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies revealed that the hydrogel membrane primarily activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway in a concentration-dependent manner, enabling the SC-Xg hydrogel membrane to suppress postoperative oxidative stress reactions (ROS), reduce inflammation levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, reduce fibrosis, and effectively prevent the formation of abdominal adhesions. In conclusion, the SC-Xg hydrogel membrane represents a promising strategy for preventing postoperative abdominal adhesions.

Water-soluble polysaccharides from Torreya grandis nuts: Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity

Torreya grandis (T. grandis) nuts are widely consumed as a functional food in China. In this study, we investigated the structural characteristics of T. grandis nuts polysaccharides and evaluated their potential biological functions with anti-inflammatory activities. Polysaccharides (TGP) were extracted from T. grandis nuts using water extraction and alcohol precipitation methods. Through a series of purification steps, three heteropolysaccharides (TGP-0a, TGP-2a, and TGP-3a) with distinct molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, and surface morphologies were isolated. Their anti-inflammatory activities were screened, and TGP-0a was shown to be the most effective component. By combining NMR and methylation studies, TGP-0a was predominantly composed of linear α-1,4-glucan region and linear β-1,4-(gluco)mannan region. In cellular anti-inflammatory assays, TGP-0a significantly diminished the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, by lowering the levels of iNOS and COX-2, TGP-0a decreased the release of inflammatory mediators (NO and ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion, T. grandis nut polysaccharides, particularly TGP-0a, show strong potential as natural anti-inflammatory agents for functional foods and pharmaceutical applications.

Effects of aging on the fine structure, chain conformation, and morphology of Chenpi polysaccharides

The aging process endows Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) with unique value and efficacy. This study investigated the dynamic changes in the fine structure, chain conformation, and morphology of water-soluble polysaccharides from Chenpi over time. In the initial storage period of Chenpi (1 year), Chenpi polysaccharides (CP) exhibited a triple-helical structure, with chains entangled and aggregated into rough spherical conformations. Galacturonic acid (GalA, 47.78 mol%) was the predominant monosaccharide. As aging progressed, the homogalacturonan (HG) regions gradually degraded, leading to decreases in molecular sizes (particle size, Mw, Mn, and Rg), a reduction in the degree of esterification, and a weakening of the semicrystalline structure. Consequently, arabinose (Ara) emerged as the main monosaccharide (41.38 mol%). Neutral sugars continuously enriched the rhamnogalacturonan (RG-I) side chains, forming highly branched single molecules that curled into spherical shapes. By 15 years, CP were fully degraded, adopting a compact molecular conformation with the triple-helix structure disappearing and sizes uniformly below 20 nm. However, AFM results indicated aggregation phenomena in 15-year CP. Additionally, CP viscosity decreased while thermal stability improved, reflecting the natural structural transformation of CP. This study provides scientific evidence supporting the application of Chenpi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bacterial exopolysaccharides: Characteristics and antioxidant mechanism

Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are secondary metabolites of microorganisms which play important roles in adhesion, protection, biofilm formation, and as a source of nutrition. Compared with polysaccharides obtained from animal and plant species, bacterial polysaccharides have significant advantages in terms of production cost and large-scale production due to their abundant metabolic pathways and efficient polysaccharide production capacity. Most extracellular polysaccharides are water-soluble, and some are insoluble, such as bacterial cellulose. Some soluble bacterial EPS also have biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities. These biological activities are mainly affected by the molecular weight, monosaccharide type, composition and structure of EPS. In recent years, bacterial EPS are considered as novel functional polysaccharides with important application prospects, especially in free radical scavenging and antioxidation. This review focuses on the characteristics of bacterial EPS, their ability to scavenge free radicals and their corresponding antioxidant mechanisms, and summarizes the relationship between different structures (such as monosaccharide composition, functional groups, molecular weight, etc.) and antioxidant activities. It provides a new idea for the development of more bioactive bacterial EPS antioxidants, points out a new direction for the commercial production of natural, safe and economical polysaccharide drugs and health products.

Preparation methods, structural features, biological activities and potential applications of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides: An updated review

Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicus) has a history of thousands of years as herbal medicine and nutritional food in China. Polysaccharides are one of the main bioactive components of O. japonicus. Various extraction methods and purification techniques have been employed to obtain O. japonicus polysaccharides (OJPs). Nevertheless, the structural characteristics of OJPs remain incompletely understood and require further investigation through the integration of advanced analytical techniques to uncover potential structure-activity relationships. Moreover, OJPs exhibit a variety of biological activities, such as regulating gut microbiota, providing cardiovascular protection, lowering blood glucose, and combating obesity. These diverse pharmacological effects make OJPs highly promising for widespread application in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of OJPs, covering their preparation methods, structural features, bioactivity, and structure-activity relationships. Here also emphasizes the significant promise of medicine and functional foods fields and advocating for their integration into clinical and industrial processes.

Impact of Enzymatic Degradation Treatment on Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Capacity, and Prebiotic Activity of Lilium Polysaccharides

In order to overcome the bioavailability limitation of Lilium polysaccharide (LPS) caused by its high molecular weight and complex structure, two low-molecular-weight degraded polysaccharides, namely G-LPS(8) and G-LPS(16), were prepared through enzymatic degradation. The molecular weight of LPS was significantly reduced by enzymolysis, leading to increased exposure of internal functional groups and altering the molar ratio of its constituent monosaccharides. The results of antioxidant experiments showed that enzymatic hydrolysis had the potential to enhance the antioxidant performance of LPS. In vitro fermentation experiments revealed that LPS and its derivatives exerted different prebiotic effects on intestinal microbial communities. Specifically, LPS mainly inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria such as Fusobacterium, while G-LPS(8) and G-LPS(16) tended to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like Megamonas, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides. Metabolomic analysis revealed that LPSs with varying molecular weights exerted comparable promoting effects on multiple amino acid and carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Importantly, with the reduction in molecular weight, G-LPS(16) also particularly stimulated sphingolipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, as well as ascorbic acid and uronic acid metabolism, leading to the significant increase in specific metabolites such as sphingosine. Therefore, this study suggests that properly degraded LPS components have greater potential as a prebiotic for improving gut health.

Exploring the structure-activity relationship of Safflower polysaccharides: From the structural characteristics to biological function and therapeutic applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Safflower, the florets of Carthamus tinctorius L., is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for promoting circulation and improving dysmenorrhea. Polysaccharides is one of the principal water-soluble components in Safflower, which recently endowed with a variety of biological activities, thus making them have important research significance in the field of ethnopharmacology.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review summarized the latest research progress on the preparation technology, structural characteristics, and pharmacological effects of Safflower polysaccharides. Moreover, by comparing the structural characteristic of Safflower polysaccharides, the potential structure-activity relationship of Safflower polysaccharides was also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article used keywords including Safflower polysaccharide, Carthamus tinctorius L polysaccharide, Safflower polysaccharide extraction and separation, Safflower polysaccharide structure, and Safflower polysaccharide anti-tumor effects to search for all relevant literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, CNKI and other databases from the establishment of the database to July 2024.

RESULTS

Summarizing current research findings, seventeen homogeneous Safflower polysaccharides have been obtained. Their structural characteristics, including molecular weights, monosaccharide composition, sugar residue types, glycosidic bond configuration, and the linkage sequence, were initially researched. In terms of pharmacological activity, Safflower polysaccharides exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including immune regulation, anti-tumor effects, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the structural characteristics of Safflower polysaccharides significantly influence its biological activities, encompassing factors such as molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and degree of branching.

CONCLUSION

Safflower polysaccharides have seen significant advancements in recent years regarding preparation methods, structural characterization, and pharmacological studies. These achievements would provide a theoretical basis for the application of Safflower polysaccharide in the field of ethnopharmacology. While Safflower polysaccharides exhibit diverse biological activities and significant potential for development and utilization, further in-depth research is needed to enhance our understanding of their mechanisms of action and optimize their clinical applications.

Effects of microbial fermentation on the anti-inflammatory activity of Chinese yam polysaccharides

In this study, Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYPs) were fermented using Lactobacillus plantarum M616, and changes in the chemical composition, structure, and anti-inflammatory activity of CYPs before and after fermentation were investigated. The carbohydrate content of L. plantarum M616-fermented CYP (CYP-LP) increased from 71.03% ± 2.75 to 76.28% ± 2.37%, whereas protein and polyphenol content were almost unaffected compared with those of the unfermented CYP (CYP-NF). The monosaccharide composition of CYP-NF included rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose in a molar ratio of 0.493:0.6695:0.9738:0.7655:12.4365. CYP-LP had the same monosaccharides as CYP-NF, but the molar ratio was 0.3237:0.3457:0.8278:2.5541:10.4995. Meanwhile, the molecular weight and polydispersity of CYP-LP, respectively, increased from 124.774 kDa and 6.58 (CYP-NF) to 376.628 kDa and 17.928, indicating a low homogeneity. In vitro antioxidant analysis showed that L. plantarum M616 fermentation had varying effects on CYP-LP against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals. However, CYP-LP had superior anti-inflammatory activity to CYP-NF and is more effective in regulating superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 release in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. This study suggested that CYP-LP is a potential anti-inflammatory ingredient in drugs and functional food.

Primary Study on Effect of Extraction Methods on the Properties and Activities of Polysaccharides from Geum japonicum var. Chinense F. Bolle

Geum japonicum Thunb. var. Chinese F. Bolle, a traditional Miao medicine with significant clinical potential, is rich in polysaccharides. Despite its importance, there is a scarcity of research on the structure and activities of these polysaccharides. In this study, polysaccharides from Geum japonicum (GJPs) were extracted using various methods, including heated reflux extraction (HRE), acidic extraction (ACE), alkaline extraction (AAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzymatic extraction (EAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and deep eutectic solvents extraction (DESE). The extraction yield, physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and antioxidant activities of these polysaccharides were comprehensively investigated and compared. Physicochemical analysis, including FT-IR spectral features and monosaccharide compositions, revealed that the GJPs are acidic heteropolysaccharides with both α- and β-configurations. DESE and ACE were the most effective methods for obtaining the highest neutral and acidic sugars with yields of 29.1%/64.2%, and 39.8%/55.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, AAE was preferable for extracting the polysaccharide-protein complex, achieving a yield of 14.21% and exhibiting superior thermal stability. In particular, DESE and PLE showed the best homogeneity with distinct molecular weights of 39.5 kDa and 17.6 kDa, respectively. In addition, biological evaluation indicated that DESE and MAE exhibited relatively stronger antioxidant activities as evidenced by DPPH and ABTS assays. Conversely, ACE demonstrated highest Fe2+ chelating ability but the lowest activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. Furthermore, the results of correlation analysis showed that the monosaccharides composition, protein and polyphenol content were significantly associated with the antioxidant activity. The choice of extraction method greatly affects the property and activity of G. japonicum polysaccharides. Polysaccharides extracted by deep eutectic solvents from G. japonicum show promise as natural antioxidants in the food and medicine industries.

Polysaccharides from Lactarius volemus Fr. ameliorate high-fat and high-fructose diet induced metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier dysfunction

Our research was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactarius volemus Fr. polysaccharides (LVP) on metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier dysfunction in HFFD-induced obese mice. Our findings demonstrated that LVP supplementation significantly ameliorated hyperlipoidemia and hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and hepatic inflammation. Additionally, LVP alleviated hepatic steatosis and histological lesions, as well as hepatic function dysbiosis. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of hepatic insulin signaling transduction pathway such as IRS1/AKT pathway and the suppression of MAPKs signaling pathway. Furthermore, LVP intervention improved intestinal barrier function and reduced intestinal permeability by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins and restoring intestinal microbiota composition. In summary, our results provided evidence that LVP exerted beneficial effects on HFFD-induced metabolic disorders along with restoration of intestinal barrier function and reduction in endotoxin levels. These outcomes are associated with maintenance of gut microbiota homeostasis and up-regulation of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). Furthermore, butyric acid was found to restrict lipid accumulation in OA-induced HepG2 hepatocytes while strengthening intestinal barrier integrity in LPS-induced Caco-2 cells. Thus, polysaccharides LVP may serve as a potential prebiotic or health supplement in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Polysaccharide-Based Drug Carriers-A Patent Analysis

Polysaccharide-based carriers as biomaterials for drug delivery have been inspiring scientists for years due to their exceptional characteristics, such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and degradability, as they are able to protect pharmaceutically active molecules and provide their controlled/modified release. This review focuses on selected drug delivery systems based on natural polymers, namely fucoidan, pullulan, dextran, and pectin, with the aim of highlighting published patent documents. The information contained in patents is very important because it is usually not published in any other document and is much less discussed as the state of the art in the scientific literature. The Espacenet-European Patent Office database and the International Patent Classification were used for the research to highlight the specific search procedure. The presented analysis of the innovative state of the art includes an overview from the first patent applications to the latest granted patents in this field.

Physical field-assisted deep eutectic solvent processing: A green and water-saving extraction and separation technology

Extraction of organic and bioactive compounds from plant materials with the traditional organic solvents aided by water or oil bath heating is not sustainable, because it consumes a lot of energy, time, water/oil, solvents, and results in lower yield. This review discusses deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green solvent, physical field technology (PFT) as a water-saving and green technology, and how the coupling of PFT (ultrasound [US], microwave [MW], infrared [IR]) to DES will improve the yield and quality of protein, polysaccharides, polyphenols, pectin, and terpenoids extracted from plant materials. Ultrasonication increases DES extraction efficiency via cavitation dislodgement and pores creation. IR coupling to DES enhances the extraction yield of polyphenols and the antioxidant and antiradical activity. MW improves DES extraction yield, reduces energy consumption, operational cost, and compound degradation, and is inferred to be the greenest technology.

Microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Micromelum minutum leaves using citric acid monohydrate-glycerol based deep eutectic solvents and evaluation of biological activities

BACKGROUND

The extraction of polysaccharides using an acidic extraction media has been extensively reported, highlighting its effectiveness in yielding high-quality polysaccharides. A higher concentration of acidic solution could hydrolyze the structure of polysaccharide, while a low concentration reduces the extraction efficiency. Despite this challenges, deep eutectic solvents (DES) were introduced as an alternative extraction medium due to additional interactions such as inter and intra-molecular interactions, Van de Waals, hydrogen bond, and electrostatic interactions, which could improve the polysaccharide extraction efficiency and biological activities. Furthermore, the extraction conditions such as extraction medium and extraction parameters could affect the properties of polysaccharides as well as influence their structure-activity relationship for biological activities.

RESULTS

The result showed that the microwave-assisted extraction of Micromelum minutum leaf polysaccharide (MMLP) using DES as an extraction media (MMLP-DES) gave a higher yield (improvement of 101.20 %) than citric acid monohydrate (CAM) (MMLP-CAM) and required a lower percentage of microwave power (19.83 % less) and time (0.78 min less). The properties of MMLPs significantly differ based on their pH, molecular weight, viscosity, degree of esterification and monosaccharide molar ratio which influenced the biological activities. Compared to MMLP-CAM, MMLP-DES had a more branched and less linear structure. The bioactivities study revealed that MMLP-DES exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-α-amylase activities (i.e.

, DPPH

74.52 %, FRAP: 2.87 mM FeSO4 and α-amylase inhibition: 86.23 %) compared to MMLP-CAM (i.e.

, DPPH

49.33 %, FRAP: 1.49 mM FeSO4, and α-amylase inhibition: 81.76 %). The mechanism and structure-activity relationship of MMLPs on bioactivities were also hypothesized.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on our previous study, the citric acid monohydrate-glycerol based DES as an extraction medium has enhanced the extraction yield of polysaccharides from M. minutum. This study highlights the DES combined with microwave-assisted extraction to improve the yield of MMLP and evaluate the biological activities compared to CAM as a classical solvent. In conclusion, the DES showed the advantages for extraction of polysaccharides with desired biological activities.

Structural characterization of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) pectin and its inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of noni pectin (NP) extracted using various solvents, three fractions of noni pectin were obtained using traditional chemical and deep eutectic solvents. NPs are composed of various ratios of galacturonic acid, arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, glucose, and galactose with different yields, molecular weights, esterification degrees (DE), and microstructures. Among the fractions, noni pectin extracted with Betaine-citric acid (BNP) exhibited higher molecular weight, degree for esterification and pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activity than the other fractions. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that BNP inhibited PL via a noncompetitive mechanism. BNP significantly altered the secondary structure of PL and quenched PL fluorescence, suggesting a static quenching mechanism. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) further demonstrated that the binding of BNP to PL was spontaneous and driven by enthalpy, primarily mediated by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. Molecular docking simulations also confirmed strong noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces) between BNP and PL. This study validated the high efficiency of the deep eutectic solvent-extracted noni pectin fraction in pancreatic lipase inhibition.

A mini review of polysaccharides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim: Their extraction, purification, structural characteristics, bioactivity and potential applications

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (Z. bungeanum), commonly known as Sichuan pepper or Chinese prickly ash, is a deciduous shrub in the Rutaceae family, with a lengthy history of use as a food ingredient and traditional medicine in China. Z. bungeanum polysaccharides (ZBPs) represent one of the crucial bioactive components of Z. bungeanum, garnering global attention due to their potential medicinal value, culinary significance, and promising application prospects. The principal methods for extracting ZBPs are hot water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction and microbial fermentation extraction. However, the structural characteristics of ZBPs remain ambiguous, necessitating further exploration and elucidation of the structure-activity relationship using the advanced analytical techniques. In addition, ZBPs demonstrate diverse bioactivities, including antioxidant activity, neuroprotective effect, antibacterial activity, and the anti-fatigue effect, positioning them as promising candidates for various therapeutic and health-promoting applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, bioactivities, and potential applications of ZBPs, emphasizing the significant promise of ZBPs as valuable natural compounds with a range of bioactivities, supporting their further exploitation and application in various fields of industries and therapeutics.

A review of in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic polysaccharides: Extraction methods, physicochemical and structure-activity relationships

Nowadays, various plant polysaccharides have been successfully extracted which exhibited strong biological activities and might be useful for diabetes management. However, the effect of extraction methods, physicochemical and the structural-activity relationships of polysaccharides to exhibit antioxidants and antidiabetics were inadequate to explain their mechanism in action. The uses of advance extraction methods might be preferred to obtain higher antioxidants and antidiabetic activities of polysaccharides compared to conventional methods, but the determination of optimal extraction conditions might be crucial to preserve their structure and biological functions. Other than that, the physicochemical and structural properties of polysaccharides were closely related to their biological activities such as antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Therefore, this review addressed the research gap of the influence of extraction methods, physicochemical and structural relationships of polysaccharides to biological activities, pointing out the challenges and limitations as well as future prospects to the current findings.

Structural characterization of an arabinogalactan rich fraction from Bauhinia forficata Link leaves and evaluation of its effect on THP-1 macrophages

Bauhinia forficata is a medicinal plant known as cow's paw, used for many purposes. Although there are studies that aimed to elucidate compounds from the plant leaves, there is no information about its polysaccharides. This study intended to obtain a polysaccharide rich fraction from its leaves, structurally characterize the water-soluble polysaccharides, as well as evaluate their effect on THP-1 cells. From the aqueous extract, followed by purification processes, a polysaccharide fraction (TCA-S) was obtained, constituted mainly of arabinose and galactose. Bidimensional NMR (13C/1H, HSQC) and methylation analyses identified type I and type II arabinogalactans, arabinan and starch as the major polysaccharides of the fraction. TCA-S was then submitted to starch removal process and renamed as TCA-Sα. TCA-Sα (2 to 500 μg/mL) was not cytotoxic to THP-1-cells and exhibited an immunostimulatory effect by increasing the secretion of nitric oxide and both pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Immunomodulatory effect on IL-6 secretion was observed when macrophages were treated with TCA-Sα at 500 μg/mL. Additionally, the ratio between the concentrations of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines produced by LPS-treated cells was higher than that produced by LPS plus TCA-Sα treated ones, suggesting that the polysaccharide fraction could modulate the LPS inflammation effects.

Physicochemical and processing properties and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart polysaccharide

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart fruit polysaccharide (PCP) was obtained after determining the optimal extraction conditions for complex enzyme-assisted hot buffer extraction based on single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, followed by characterization of its physicochemical, processing, rheological, and biological properties. PCP was a thermally stable carbohydrate with acidic functional groups and a molecular weight of 1398.69 kDa, exhibiting smooth, dense flake and honeycomb network microstructures. PCP had favorable hygroscopicity, moisturizing properties, water and oil-holding capacity, proemulsification capability, and in vitro antioxidant activity. The apparent viscosity of PCP in an aqueous system was dependent on concentration and temperature and was altered by the variety and amount of metal ions added; its aqueous solutions exhibited strong viscosity and hydrogel-forming tendencies at suitable concentrations, along with excellent hydrogel properties after gelation. Furthermore, PCP favored the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and associated microbes responsible for producing essential short-chain fatty acids. Overall, PCP displayed high potential as a multifunctional additive for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Characterization of Exopolysaccharides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PC715 and Their Antibiofilm Activity Against Hafnia alvei

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) secreted by lactic acid bacteria have the potential to enhance human health by showing various biological functions. This study investigated the biological role and antibiofilm properties of EPS715, a new neutral EPS produced by pickled vegetables originating from Lactobacillus plantarum PC715. The results indicate that EPS715 is primarily composed of rhamnose, glucose, and mannose. Its molecular weight (Mw) is 47.87 kDa, containing an α-glucoside linkage and an α-pyranose ring. It showed an amorphous morphology without a triple helix structure. Furthermore, EPS715 showed improved antioxidant activity. Specifically, its scavenging capacity of ABTS+ radicals, DPPH radicals, and the hydroxyl (·OH) reduction capacity at 5 mg/mL was 98.64 ± 2.70%, 97.37 ± 0.79%, and 1.64 ± 0.05%, respectively. Its maximal scavenging capacity was >40%, and the hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging ability was dose-dependent. Moreover, the biofilm of various pathogens including S. aureus, B. cereus, S. saprophyticus, Acinetobacter spp., and H. alvei was substantially dispersed and affected by EPS715, with a maximum inhibition rate of 78.17% for H. alvei. The possible mechanism by which EPS715 shows antibiofilm properties against the H. alvei may be attributed to its effects on the auto-aggregation, hydrophilic characteristics, and motility of Hafnia spp. Thus, EPS715 has significant antioxidant and antibiofilm characteristics that may hold substantial potential for applications in food and medicinal products.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activities of low-molecular-weight and high-sulfate-content sulfated polysaccharides extracted from the edible fungus Poria cocos

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPSs) have excellent physicochemical properties, attracting research interest in the pharmaceutical industry. A previous study extracted SPS (named Suc40) from the edible fungus, Poria cocos and demonstrated that it exhibited anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In this study, three fractions of Suc40, Suc40 F1, Suc40 F2, and Suc40 F3, with different molecular weights and sulfate contents were prepared through gel-filtration column chromatography. The molecular weights of F1, F2, and F3 were approximately 616.23, 82.57, and 6.21 kDa, respectively, and their sulfate content were 0.23, 1.65, and 1.90 mmol/g, respectively. The fractions' anti-inflammatory activities were determined by assessing their ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Suc40 F2 and Suc40 F3 suppressed interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by 60 % and 35 %, respectively. Suc40 F2 and Suc40 F3 suppressed protein kinase B (AKT)/p38 and p38 signaling, which resulted in anti-inflammatory effects. The fractions' anti-lung cancer activity was evaluated by assessing their H1975 cell proliferation inhibition. Suc40 F3 at a concentration of 800 μg/ml exhibited maximal cell proliferation inhibition. The low molecular weight and high sulfate content of Suc40 F3 were associated with its enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-lung cancer activities.

Purification, structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a polysaccharide isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf

In our research, a novel polysaccharide (named SSP-3a) with uniform molecular weight was extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf. The structural analysis revealed that SSP-3a was an acidic polysaccharide with a heavy average molecular weight of 1.83 × 105 Da. By HPLC, the primary constituents of SSP-3a were mannose (11.60 %), glucuronic acid (42.99 %), glucose (23.43 %), and xylose (22.04 %). According to FT-IR and 1H NMR analysis, it was confirmed to be a β-configuration pyranose with a CO stretching vibrational peak. The immunomodulation results also showed that SSP-3a not only significantly promoted RAW264.7 cell proliferation and phagocytosis, but also stimulated the release of NO and cytokines. Furthermore, mechanistic studies suggested that SSP-3a had the ability to trigger MAPKs and NF-κB immunological signaling pathways via TLR4 receptors. The findings suggested that SSP-3a might be a beneficial active component for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Comprehensive evaluation of Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide based on in vitro digestion and human fecal fermentation

Flammulina velutipes residues (FVR) are the waste culture medium derived from the collection of Flammulina velutipes fruiting bodies, with an annual output that remains largely unexplored. The characteristics of digestion and fermentation of Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide (FVRP) are still relatively unknown. This study investigated the structure of the gut microbiota through 16 s rDNA gene sequencing and analyzed changes in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content via targeted metabolome analysis. The aim was to explore the prebiotic activity of FVRP based on a simulated digestion model combined with an in vitro anaerobic fermentation model. The results demonstrated that FVRP did not exhibit significant changes during in vitro digestion and fermentation but did enhance antioxidant activity. Furthermore, FVRP was found to rapidly reduce the pH value and increase SCFA production in the fermentation broth from lactic acid bacteria and human feces. Notably, FVRP altered the gut microbiota structure, significantly increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Thus, FVRP could be considered a promising prebiotic food and feed additive that promotes the generation of short-chain fatty acids by modulating gut microbiota.

Effects of ultrasonic degradation on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Gleditsia sinensis seed polysaccharides

In this study, two degraded polysaccharides from Gleditsia sinensis seed were obtained under ultrasonic power treatments of 300 and 450 W. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and antioxidant activities of the degraded and undegraded polysaccharides were studied and compared. Ion exchange chromatography and methylation analysis showed that the polysaccharides had similar basic structural features and were composed of the same monosaccharide units before and after degradation, but the ultrasonic treatment increased the total monosaccharide content and changed the Mannose/Galactose value. Furthermore, with the increase in the ultrasonic power, the molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity of polysaccharides decreased, and the micromorphology became looser. The scavenging capacities for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl free radicals and the reducing ability were significantly increased by the ultrasonic treatment. In conclusion, ultrasonic treatment may be an effective way to improve the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from G. sinensis seed, and further studies on its antioxidant mechanism are still needed.

Enhancement of Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Corn Silk Polysaccharides After Selenium Modification

Objective

This study aimed to study the effect of selenium modification on the bioactivity of corn silk polysaccharides, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions.

Methods

HNO3-NaSeO3 was used to selenize degraded corn silk polysaccharides (DCSP). The structure and physicochemical properties of DCSP and selenized corn silk polysaccharides (Se-DCSP) were characterized by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, nanometer, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The protective effects of DCSP and Se-DCSP on HK-2 cells damaged by nano-calcium oxalate and the changes of inflammatory factors were detected by laser confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy.

Results

The selenium content of DCSP and Se-DCSP were 19.5 and 1226.7 μg/g, respectively. Compared with DCSP, Se-DCSP showed significantly improved biological activity, including the scavenging ability of various free radicals (increased by about 2-3 times), the intracellular reactive oxygen content (decreased by about 1.5 times), and the mitochondrial membrane potential (decreased by about 2.5 times). Moreover, cell viability and morphological recovery ability were improved. Compared with DCSP, Se-DCSP significantly down-regulated HK-2 cell inflammatory factors MCP-1 (about 1.7 times), NLRP3, and NO (about 1.5 times).

Conclusion

The antioxidant activity and the ability to down-regulate the expression of inflammatory factors of Se-DCSP were significantly enhanced compared with DCSP, and Se-DCSP can better protect HK-2 cells from oxidative damage, indicating that Se-DCSP has a stronger potential ability to inhibit kidney stone formation.

Different microbiota modulation and metabolites generation of five dietary glycans during in vitro gut fermentation are determined by their monosaccharide profiles

Dietary oligo- and polysaccharides modulate gut microbiota and thus exert prebiotic activity, which is determined by their heterogeneous structure. To explore the correlations between monosaccharide profile and microbial community, simulated gut fermentation of different glycans, including arabinan (ArB), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), arabinogalactan (ArG), rhamnogalacturonan (RhG), and xyloglucan (XyG) that are characterized by typical sugar residues were performed. Results showed that RhG displayed high contents of galacturonic acid (344.79 mg/g), rhamnose (171.70 mg/g), and galactose (151.77 mg/g), and the degradation ratio of them after fermentation was 73.87 %, 84.96 %, and 87.11 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of glycan-degrading bacteria Bacteroides in the RhG was boosted from 4 h (4.97 %) to 48 h (36.45 %). Butyrate-generating bacteria Megasphaera (56.69 %) and Bifidobacterium (28.02 %) are dominant genera in the ArB, which generated the highest concentration of carbohydrate-metabolite (94.58 mmol/L) in terms of acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate, followed by the ArG (87.36 mmol/L). However, ammonia generation of the ArG increased rapidly, representing the highest content of protein-metabolite (66.36 mmol/L) including ammonia, isobutyrate, and isovalerate. As compared, metabolites generated from protein and carbohydrates grow steadily at a low level during the XyG fermentation. Correlation analysis further indicated that Bacteroides was positively correlated with propionate (p < 0.001), galacturonic acid (p < 0.001), and rhamnose (p < 0.05), while Bifidobacterium has positive correlation with butyrate and arabinose (p < 0.01). Overall, monosaccharides composition in the different oligo- and polysaccharides induces distinct responses of the dominant microbiota and thus modulates the subsequent fermentation metabolites of carbohydrate and protein, promoting a deep understanding of the structure-fermentation relationship of dietary glycans.

Review of the recent advances in polysaccharides from Ficus carica: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, bioactivities and potential applications

Ficus carica (F. carica), commonly referred to as the fig tree, has received considerable attention due to its delectable and nutritious fruits. F. carica polysaccharides (FPs) are one of the key bioactive constituents of F. carica, demonstrating various biological activities such as antioxidative, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects, among others. Nevertheless, the extraction and purification techniques for FPs still require innovations to address their structural characteristics in order to elucidate the intricate mechanisms affecting their biological activities. Given this, the current review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in FPs, covering extraction, purification, structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships (SARs), current applications, challenges and future prospects. The composition of FPs predominantly includes Glu, Gal, and Rha, with a broad molecular weight distribution (ranging from 21.9 kDa to 6890 kDa). The SARs analysis suggests that the bioactivities of FPs are closely linked to their monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, uronic acid content, and configuration characteristics, underscoring the significant role of FPs in driving the development of novel bioactive compounds in the health, food, and medical sectors. In conclusion, this review would contribute the valuable research insights and provide the updated information to foster the advancement of FPs for diverse therapeutic and industrial applications.

Shellfish polysaccharides: A comprehensive review of extraction, purification, structural characterization, and beneficial health effects

Global food systems are currently facing great challenges, such as food sources, food safety, and environmental crises. Alternative nutritional resources have been proposed as part of the solution to meeting future global food demand. In the natural resources, shellfish are the major component of global aquatic animals. Although most studies focus on the allergy, toxin, and contamination of shellfish, it is also a delicious food to the human diet rich in proteins, polysaccharides, minerals, and omega-3. Among the functional ingredients, shellfish polysaccharides possess nutritional and medicinal values that arouse the great interest of researchers. The selection of the extraction approach and the experimental condition are the key factors that influence the extraction efficiency of shellfish polysaccharides. Importantly, the purification of crude polysaccharides comprises the enrichment of shellfish polysaccharides and isolation of fractions, also resulting in various structural characteristics and physicochemical properties. Chemical modification is also an efficient method to further improve the biological activities of shellfish polysaccharides. This review summarizes the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and chemical modification methods for shellfish polysaccharides. Additionally, the beneficial health effects of shellfish polysaccharides are highlighted, with an emphasis on their potential mechanism. Finally, current challenges and perspectives on shellfish polysaccharides are also spotlighted.

Effect of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides on gluten structure, in vitro digestion and shelf-life of fresh wet noodle

This study aimed to investigate the effects of raw Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides (RPCPs) and "zhi" P. cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides (ZPCPs) on the gluten structure, in vitro digestion, and shelf life of fresh wet noodles (FWN). The results demonstrated that incorporating PCPs improved the cooking and sensory qualities of FWN. Moreover, the shelf life of FWN was extended by 6 days with 1.5 % RPCPs (w/w) compared with the control FWN. Furthermore, incorporating 1.5 % ZPCPs led to a 1.2- and 0.2-fold increase in the disulfide bond and α-helix content, respectively, compared with the control FWN. This resulted in enhanced gluten structure, improved springiness and viscidity, and reduced cooking loss by 14.47 %-52.19 %. The scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the starch particles were entrapped by PCPs, leading to higher gelatinization temperature and lower setback value of FWN, thereby reducing the starch digestion ratio to 55.50 %. In summary, the findings suggested that FWN containing PCPs can extend shelf life, improve taste, and slow starch digestion staple.

Antibacterial activity of a polysaccharide isolated from litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pericarp against Staphylococcus aureus and the mechanism investigation

The long-term use of antibiotics can cause drug resistance. Natural polysaccharides are a novel means of treating bacterial infections, and the development and utilization of litchi pericarp polysaccharide (LPPs) as a bacteriostatic active substance offer a new research direction for the high-value utilization of litchi by-products. This study revealed that LPPs inhibited Staphylococcus aureus more than Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations of 145, 205, 325, and 445 μg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory activity of LPPs was insignificant for Bacillus subtilis at 505 μg/mL. The assessment of antibacterial mechanisms revealed that LPPs influenced the growth, conductivity, protein, and nucleic acid, reducing sugar, respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity, bacterial lipid peroxidation, intracellular adenosine triphosphate, and extracellular alkaline phosphatase levels of S. aureus. Of note, LPPs could modify the cell wall integrity and cell membrane permeability of S. aureus, resulting in the leakage of intracellular large and small molecules, inhibition of cellular respiratory metabolism, and oxidative losses. These processes exhibited an inhibitory effect and made the bacterium nonfunctional, thereby affecting its growth and metabolism or causing cell death. These findings provide support and insights into the potential application of LPPs as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Effect of ultrasound assisted H2O2 degradation on longan polysaccharide: degradation kinetics, physicochemical properties and prebiotic activity

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-assisted H2O2 (US/H2O2) reaction on degradation parameters and kinetics, physicochemical properties and prebiotic activity of longan polysaccharide (LP). Results showed that US/H2O2 had a synergistic effect on the degradation of LP, and its kinetic equation followed to the fist - order model. US/H2O2 degradation did not change the chemical and monosaccharide composition of LP but altered their ratio. Compared with LP, three degraded polysaccharides (DLPs) displayed lower molecular weight, particle size and viscosity, but higher solubility. SEM and AFM revealed that US/H2O2 degradation led to significant differences in the microstructure and solution conformation of LP. Moreover, LP and DLPs showed different proliferation effects on four lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains, among which DLP-8 (degraded for 8 h) exhibited the strongest prebiotic activity. US/H2O2 could be effectively applied to the degradation of LP to improve its physicochemical properties and bioactivities.

Unraveling the web of defense: the crucial role of polysaccharides in immunity

The great potential of polysaccharides in immunological regulation has recently been highlighted in pharmacological and clinical studies. Polysaccharides can trigger immunostimulatory responses through molecular identification, intra- and intercellular communication via direct or indirect interactions with the immune system. Various immunostimulatory polysaccharides or their derivative compounds interacts at cellular level to boost the immune system, including arabinogalactans, fucoidans, mannans, xylans, galactans, hyaluronans, fructans, pectin and arabinogalactans, etc. These natural polysaccharides are derived from various plants, animals and microbes. A unique structural diversity has been identified in polysaccharides, while monosaccharides and glucosidic bonds mainly confer diverse biological activities. These natural polysaccharides improve antioxidant capacity, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, strengthen the intestinal barrier, influence the composition of intestinal microbial populations and promote the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. These natural polysaccharides are also known to reduce excessive inflammatory responses. It is crucial to develop polysaccharide-based immunomodulators that could be used to prevent or treat certain diseases. This review highlights the structural features, immunomodulatory properties, underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms of naturally occurring polysaccharides, and activities related to immune effects by elucidating a complex relationship between polysaccharides and immunity. In addition, the future of these molecules as potential immunomodulatory components that could transform pharmaceutical applications at clinical level will also be highlighted.