Preparation, structural characterization and bioactivities of Se-containing polysaccharide: A review

Se-containing polysaccharide is known to Se-conjugated macromolecule, with potent bioactivities due to the synergistic effects of Se and native polysaccharide. It is not only explored as a novel Se source in dietary supplement, but also as the superb bioactive component owning various functions, including antioxidant, antitumor, immune-enhancement, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Se containing polysaccharide can exert the efficacy of Se and polysaccharide, and its activities are much higher than those of Se or polysaccharide. In the last decades, numerous reports on Se-containing polysaccharide (including natural Se-containing polysaccharide and selenylated polysaccharide) appeared in literature. For the first time, this article systematically introduces recent advances on preparation, structural characterization and bioactivities of Se-containing polysaccharide in details, and discusses its future prospects and the weaknesses in the current study. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.