Extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activity, structure-activity relationship, and applications of polysaccharides derived from Polygonatum sibiricum: A review

Background: Polygonatum sibiricum is a medicinal and edible plant with multiple bioactivities that present important market potential. Polysaccharides are among the primary bioactive components of P. sibiricum, which exhibit several bioactivities in vitro and in vivo, including antioxidant, immune enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporosis functions. However, a comprehensive review of P. sibiricum remains lacking. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, structural characterization, bioactivity, structure-activity relationship, applications, and safety assessment of P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSPs). Scope and approach: This review systematically examines the methodologies employed for extracting and purifying PSPs. It also provides an in-depth analysis of research on the structural characteristics of PSPs, including molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, and chemical structure identification. Furthermore, the biological activities of PSPs, including their antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal regulation activities, are discussed. We also explore the application of PSPs in nanoparticle development, packaging materials, medicinal applications, and functional foods. Key findings and conclusions: This review reveals that PSPs exhibit various biological activities, making them promising candidates for functional food development and therapeutic applications. The structural diversity of PSPs, including variations in molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic linkages, is closely associated with bioactivity. However, challenges remain, including optimizing extraction and purification processes, understanding structure-activity relationships, and ensuring safety and efficacy in food applications. Future research should focus on these areas to fully harness the potential of PSPs in the food and health industries.