Extraction, purification, structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A review

Polysaccharides from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge, the extraction, purification, structure characterization, biological activities and application of a traditional herbal medicine

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge (commonly known as Zhi Mu in Chinese) is a herbaceous plant predominantly found in China and Korea, with a long history of medicinal use. It possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including blood sugar regulation, immune enhancement, and antioxidant properties. Due to these health benefits, A. asphodeloides is widely utilized as a functional food. Among its bioactive components, Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharides (AAP) stand out as particularly significant. This review systematically examines the extraction, isolation, and purification methods of AAP, their chemical structures, chemical modifications, and the biological activities associated with them. Additionally, the study explores the structure-activity relationships of AAP and its diverse applications across various fields. Furthermore, the article addresses the current limitations in AAP research and discusses future directions for its study and utilization. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive foundation for the further development and application of A. asphodeloides in the healthcare, wellness, and agriculture.

Structural characterizations and antiaging activities of hydrolyzed low-molecular-weight polysaccharides from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata

Natural polysaccharides as the primary active components derived from herbal medicine often face challenges due to their large molecular weights, varying chemical structures and poor bioavailability, which significantly restrict their bioactive mechanism investigation and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and clarify the antiaging mechanism of polysaccharides from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata, the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides (PRP) were hydrolyzed into two low-molecular-weight fractions (PRP1 and PRP2) by hydrogen peroxide-ascorbic acid method. The results of structural characterization showed that they were glucans with the molecular weights of 13.43 kDa and 5.97 kDa, respectively. Compared with PRP and PRP1, PRP2 exhibited the most potent antiaging activity in D-galactose-treated T lymphocytes, attributed to its shorter chain length and lower molecular weight. Furthermore, oral administration with PRP2 not only decreased the levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related inflammatory cytokines, elevated the counts of T cells, NK cells, and macrophages in the blood, but also reduced the expressions of p16 and p21 proteins in spleen tissues of naturally aged C57BL/6J mice and two fast-aging (ERCC2+/- and TERT-/-) mice. Mechanistically, PRP2 competitively bound with Keap1 and subsequently activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Therefore, PRP2 could be explored as a potential candidate for treatment of age-related diseases and overall aging.

Exploring Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides: A recent advance in preparation, structural features, bioactivities, and potential application prospects

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (T. hemsleyanum) is a traditional Chinese herb recognized as a 'plant antibiotic' due to its multiple beneficial effects on the human body. As a valuable plant, its wild resources are on the verge of extinction. Fortunately, advancements in artificial cultivation over the past two decades have led to an increase in high-quality plant resources. Consequently, research on this herb has been gaining popularity. Polysaccharides are an important component of T. hemsleyanum and have received extensive attention from scholars due to their various biological activities. Currently, various extraction and purification methods have been developed to isolate T. hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THPs). These polysaccharides have demonstrated significant effects in experiments, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, metabolic-regulatory, and thermoregulatory effects. Furthermore, they possess broad application potential in fields such as food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. Unfortunately, a comprehensive review of the literature on THPs is currently lacking, which poses challenges for future research endeavors. This work aims to summarize the latest progress in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications of THPs across fields comprehensively from the past to the present, analyze the shortcomings of recent research, and discuss potential applications and future research directions.

Structural characterization of a pectin-like polysaccharide from Clematis chinensis Osbeck and its anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity

Clematis chinensis Osbeck is a traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatic arthritis (RA). We hypothesized that C. chinensis polysaccharide, as a bioactive ingredient, might have the anti-RA function. However, the structure and bioactivity of C. chinensis polysaccharides are less explored. A pectin-like polysaccharide CCPB-2-2 was isolated from C. chinensis root. The putative chemical structure of CCPB-2-2 was characterized through monosaccharide composition, uronic acid reduction, partial acid hydrolysis, methylation reaction, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. CCPB-2-2 was composed of the RG-I domain of the pectin moiety and the non-pectin moiety with a backbone with →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-α-D-GlcAp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→ residues. Moreover, the anti-RA activity of CCPB-2-2 was evaluated in MH7A cells. CCPB-2-2 could inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced MH7A cell proliferation, down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and interleukin-1 beta) and matrix metalloproteinase genes (matrix metallopeptidase 1 and matrix metallopeptidase 3), regulate apoptosis proteins (B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X and B-cell lymphoma-2) and inhibit cell migration. In conclusion, C. chinensis polysaccharide CCPB-2-2 exhibited great potential as a drug candidate for the treatment of RA, which is worth of further research and development.

Non-starch polysaccharides from nutmeg: Preparation process and bioactivity

This study was for the preparation of bioactive non-starch polysaccharides from nutmeg (NEP), addressing the high content of lipids and starch in nutmeg. First, lipids were removed by 3 times defatted with petroleum ether. Then, the optimal extraction process was 170 min at 82 °C with a liquid solid ratio of 15: 1 mL/g. Finally, the removal of starch was confirmed through enzymatic hydrolysis with α-amylase and amyloglucosidase, supported by I2-KI reagent, HPLC, and IR analysis. The yield of NEP was 3.09 %. Compared with non-enzymatic hydrolysis polysaccharides (NNP), total sugar and uronic acid contents were increased by 13.8 % and 18.5 %, respectively. The molecular weight decreased from 1.031 × 106 to 6.31 × 105 Da, exhibiting a porous sheet-like morphology and β-glycosidic bonds. NEP had superior activity, with an IC50 value of 0.47 mg/mL for ABTS radical scavenging, compared to 1.20 mg/mL for NNP, and its total reducing capacity was nearly double that of NNP. 100 μg/mL of NEP stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages to release 12.14 μM of nitric oxide, exceeding the 9.13 μM induced by lipopolysaccharide. These results indicate the antioxidant and immunomodulatory efficacy of NEP, highlighting its potential as an active ingredient in foods or pharmaceuticals.

Prospects and applications of efficient physical field processing technologies for polysaccharide extraction and quality improvement in edible mushrooms: A systematic review

Edible mushroom-derived polysaccharides (EMPs) have been widely used in foods, medicine, and cosmetics due to theirs' diverse and versatile biological activities. Currently, many conventional extraction methods for extracting EMPs are struggling to meet the growing demand, and the produced EMPs with poor quality and low bioactivity. Novel physical field (e.g., acoustic, electromagnetic, electrical, and mechanical field) processing technologies not only overcome the shortcomings of conventional extraction methods, but also improve the structural feature, bioactivity, and solution behavior of EMPs. Moreover, physical field-assisted techniques can induce the degradation or modification of EMPs, thereby effectively altering the physicochemical properties and structural features of EMPs to improve their bioactivities or processing properties. Therefore, a comprehensive review of physical field processing technologies such as ultrasound, high pressure, pulsed electric field, and microwave for extracting and modifying EMPs in recent years, is presented. In addition, recent advances in physical field-assisted extraction/degradation techniques for EMPs, as well as their mechanisms of action and synergistic effects, are discussed and summarized. In summary, this review provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the physical field processing technology in improving the extraction yield and quality of EMPs, as well as large-scale industrial production.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) polysaccharides: A review

Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) polysaccharide (FZP) is a key bioactive macromolecule derived from the root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. FZP has a variety of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-depressant, organ-protective, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. The biological activities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structures, and different extraction and purification methods will yield different polysaccharide structures. In this review, we summarized the advancements in FZP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanism to provide basic reference for developing and applying as therapeutic agents and functional foods. At the same time, the shortcomings of FZP research are discussed in depth, and the potential development prospects and future research direction are prospected.

Medicine and food homology substances: A review of bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effects and applications

In recent years, the idea of medicine and food homology (MFH), which highlights the intimate relationship between food and medicine, has gained international recognition. Specifically, MFH substances have the ability to serve as both food and medicine. Many foods have been reported to have good nutritional and medical values, not only for satiety but also for nourishing the body and treating diseases pharmacologically. As modern scientific research has progressed, the concept of MFH has been emphasized and developed in a way that has never been seen before. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the development history of MFH substances, summarized some typical bioactive ingredients, and recognized pharmacological effects. In addition, we further discussed the application of MFH substances in the food field, with the goal of providing ideas and references for the research and development of MFH in the food industry as well as the progress of related industries.

Anti-inflammatory effect of sea buckthorn in an HCl-induced cystitis rat model

PURPOSE

Although the mechanism underlying interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains unclear, oxidative stress is suggested to be implicated in IC/BPS development. Sea buckthorn (SB; Hippophae rhamnoides L.) contains several compounds with antioxidant properties. In addition, intravesical application of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in rats induces histological changes similar to those observed in humans with IC. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SB in an HCl-induced rat cystitis model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled with HCl in their bladders to create an IC/BPS model. The model rats were divided into three groups and orally administrated distilled water (control, n=4), concentrated SB (n=8), or pentosan polysulfate (PPS, n=8) daily. Pathologic inflammation grade (H&E staining), number of mast cells per square millimeter (toluidine blue staining), fibrotic changes (Masson's trichrome staining), and apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining) of bladder tissue samples were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the SB and PPS groups showed reduced edema (5.25±0.96 vs. 2.25±0.46 vs. 2.50±0.54, p=0.004, p=0.005, respectively), number of mast cells (12.5±3.6 vs. 6.8±1.9 vs. 6.6±1.8, p=0.010, p=0.002, respectively), ratio of fibrotic submucosal tissue (63.9%±7.0% vs. 43.6%±9.9% vs. 40.5%±5.2%, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively), and ratio of apoptotic nucleus (40.7%±11.7% vs. 7.7%±6.5% vs. 5.1%±4.9%, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SB exhibited anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of PPS in the HCl-induced chemical cystitis model.

Research progress on extraction techniques, structure-activity relationship, and biological functional mechanism of berry polysaccharides: A review

In recent years, polysaccharides extracted from berries have received great attention due to their various bioactivities. However, the preparation and application of berry polysaccharides have been greatly limited due to the lack of efficient extraction techniques, unclear structure-activity relationships, and ambiguous functional mechanisms. This review discusses the technological progress in solvent extraction, assisted extraction, critical extraction, and combination extraction. The structure-activity relationship and functional mechanism (antioxidation, hypoglycemic, immunoregulation etc.) of berry polysaccharides are reviewed. After systematic exploration, we believe that industrial production is more suitable for using efficient and low-cost extraction methods, such as ultrasonic assisted extraction and microwave assisted extraction. And some of the bioactivities (antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, etc.) of berry polysaccharides are closely related to their structure (molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, branching structure, etc.). Besides, berry polysaccharides exhibit bioactivities by regulating enzyme activity, cellular metabolism, gene expression, and other pathways to exert their effects on the body. These findings indicate the potential of berry polysaccharides as functional foods and drugs. This paper will contribute to the preparation, bioactivity research, and application of berry polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides from Lonicera japonica Thunb.: Extraction, purification, structural features and biological activities-A review

Lonicera japonica Thunb.,commonly referred to as Caprifolium japonicum (Thunb.) Dum. Cours.,is a perennial herb classified under the caprifoliaceae family. It is utilized worldwide as a medicinal plant and also serves as food source and an ornamental plant. Lonicera japonica Thunb. polysaccharides (LJP) constitute one of its primary components, demonstrating a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. This paper reviews and summarizes recent research advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities of LJP, offering a valuable foundation and up-to-date insights for the continued development and application of LJP in pharmaceutical and functional food sectors.

A review: Polysaccharides targeting mitochondria to improve obesity

Polysaccharides are one of the most important and widely used bioactive components of natural products, which can be used to treat metabolic diseases. Natural polysaccharides (NPs) have been the subject of much study and research in the field of treating obesity in recent years. Studies in the past have demonstrated that mitochondria are important for the initiation, progression, and management of obesity. Additionally, NPs have the ability to improve mitochondrial dysfunction via a variety of mechanisms. This review summarized the relationship between the structure of NPs and their anti-obesity activity, focusing on the anti-obesity effects of these compounds at the mitochondrial level. We discussed the association between the structure and anti-obesity action of NPs, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, conformation and extraction methods. Furthermore, NPs can demonstrate a range of functions in adipose tissue, including but not limited to improving the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain, inhibiting oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial mass homeostasis. The purpose of this work is to acquire a thorough understanding of the function that mitochondria play in the anti-obesity effects of NPs and to offer fresh insights for the investigation of how NPs prevent obesity and the creation of natural anti-obesity medications.

Investigation of the Lipid-Lowering Activity and Mechanism of Three Extracts from Astragalus membranaceus, Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. Mazz Based on Network Pharmacology and In Vitro and In Vivo Experiments

Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism, resulting in lipid accumulation in the plasma. According to reports, medicinal and edible plants can reduce the risk of metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia. This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME), Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRE), and Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. Mazz extract (TME) on hyperlipidemia. Active compounds and potential gene targets of AME, HRE, and TME were screened using LC-MS and TCMSP databases, and hyperlipidemia targets were detected from the OMIM and DisGeNet databases. A drug-target pathway disease network was constructed through protein interactions, GO enrichment, and KEGG pathway analysis. Finally, the lipid-lowering effects of three extracts were validated through in vitro HepG2 cell and in vivo animal experiments. The results show that LC-MS and network pharmacology methodologies identified 41 compounds and 140 targets. KEGG analysis indicated that the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways significantly treat hyperlipidemia with AHT. In vitro experiments have shown that AHT is composed of a ratio of AME:HRE:TME = 3:1:2. HepG2 cell and animal experiments revealed that AHT exhibits strong lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties, significantly regulating the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). It is worth noting that AHT can effectively downregulate the protein expression levels of p-AKT/AKT and p-PI3K/PI3K and upregulate the protein expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1, verifying the results predicted by network pharmacology. This study presents a novel approach to utilizing these natural plant extracts as safe and effective treatments for hyperlipidemia.

Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application

Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) is an excellent medicinal and edible plant owing to its high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As an important bioactive component, H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) have aroused wide attention due to their various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and so on. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of HRP-derived functional food and medicines are constrained to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship, application, and safety of HRPs. This review systematically summarizes the advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of HRPs. The structure-activity relationship, safety evaluation, application, as well as the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of HRPs and lay a groundwork for future research and utilization of HRPs as multifunctional biomaterials and therapeutic agents.