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Progress in Molecular Biology and... 2019Most of traditional Chinese medicine substances come from herbal plants. The medicinal quality of herbal plants varies with the locations of cultivation, the parts of... (Review)
Review
Most of traditional Chinese medicine substances come from herbal plants. The medicinal quality of herbal plants varies with the locations of cultivation, the parts of the herb collected, the season of the herb collected, and the herb processing method. Polysaccharides are major components of the herb plants and their biosynthesis is partly controlled by the genes but mostly influenced by the availability of the nutrition and determined by the various environmental factors. In recent decades, polysaccharides isolated from different kinds of Chinese herbs have received much attention due to their important biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, radiation protecting, antiviral, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory activities. Interestingly, different batches of the same herb can obtain different polysaccharide fractions with subtle differences in molecular weight, monosaccharide compositions, glycosidic linkages, and biological functions. Even with these variations, a large number of bioactive polysaccharides from different kinds of traditional Chinese herbs have been purified, characterized, and reported. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest polysaccharide extraction methods and the strategies used for monosaccharide compositional analysis plus polysaccharide structural characterization. Most importantly, the reported chemical characteristics and biological activities of the polysaccharides from the famous traditional Chinese herbs including Astragalus membranaceus, Ginseng, Lycium barbarum, Angelica sinensis, Cordyceps sinensis, and Ophiopogon japonicus will be reviewed and discussed. The published studies provide evidence that polysaccharides from traditional Chinese herbs play an important role in their medical applications, which forms the basis for future research, development, and application of these polysaccharides as functional foods and therapeutics in modern medicine.
Topics: Humans; Immunomodulation; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 31030757
DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.003 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 2022Radix astragali polysaccharide (RAP) is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide. It is an immune promoter and regulator, and has antivirus, antitumor, anti-aging,... (Review)
Review
Radix astragali polysaccharide (RAP) is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide. It is an immune promoter and regulator, and has antivirus, antitumor, anti-aging, anti-radiation, anti-stress, anti-oxidation and other activitys. The extraction, separation, purification, structure, activity and modification of RAP were summarized. Some extraction methods of RAP had been introduced, and the separation and purification methods of RAP were reviewed, and the structure and activity of RAP were highly discussed. Current derivatization of RAP was outlined. Through the above discussion that the yield of crude polysaccharides from Radix astragali by enzyme-assisted extraction was significantly higher than that by other extraction methods, but each extraction method had different extraction effects under certain conditions, and the activity efficiency of RAP was also different. Therefore, it is particularly important to optimize the extraction method with known better yield for the study of RAP. In addition, the purification and separation of RAP are the key factors affecting the yield and activity of RAP. At the same time, there are still few studies on the derivatiration of Radix astragali polysaccharide, but the researches in this area are very important. RAP also has many important pharmacological effects on human body, but its practical application needs further study. Finally, studies on the structure-activity relationship of RAP still need to be carried out by many scholars. This review would provide some help for further researches on various important applications of RAP.
Topics: Aging; Astragalus propinquus; Dietary Carbohydrates; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 35468585
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113015 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Feb 2019Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine/metabolism disease characterized by hyperglycemia arising from defects in insulin action, insulin secretion, or both. Diabetes... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine/metabolism disease characterized by hyperglycemia arising from defects in insulin action, insulin secretion, or both. Diabetes mellitus is often complicated by visceral lesions, which can lead to serious complications and death. A variety of new agents are in development for the treatment of the disease. Astragalus polysaccharides are monomer components extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici), which have been studied widely for treating diabetes mellitus with promising effects in recent years. This paper reviews recent advances in experimental studies on the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides in treating diabetes mellitus. The effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on the etiology and complication of diabetes mellitus including insulin resistance and secretion, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic foot, and infection complicated by diabetes mellitus are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Astragalus Plant; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 32186034
DOI: No ID Found -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2015Microbes produce a biofilm matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides that is integral in the formation of bacterial communities. Historical... (Review)
Review
Microbes produce a biofilm matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides that is integral in the formation of bacterial communities. Historical studies of polysaccharides revealed that their overproduction often alters the colony morphology and can be diagnostic in identifying certain species. The polysaccharide component of the matrix can provide many diverse benefits to the cells in the biofilm, including adhesion, protection, and structure. Aggregative polysaccharides act as molecular glue, allowing the bacterial cells to adhere to each other as well as surfaces. Adhesion facilitates the colonization of both biotic and abiotic surfaces by allowing the bacteria to resist physical stresses imposed by fluid movement that could separate the cells from a nutrient source. Polysaccharides can also provide protection from a wide range of stresses, such as desiccation, immune effectors, and predators such as phagocytic cells and amoebae. Finally, polysaccharides can provide structure to biofilms, allowing stratification of the bacterial community and establishing gradients of nutrients and waste products. This can be advantageous for the bacteria by establishing a heterogeneous population that is prepared to endure stresses created by the rapidly changing environments that many bacteria encounter. The diverse range of polysaccharide structures, properties, and roles highlight the importance of this matrix constituent to the successful adaptation of bacteria to nearly every niche. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge regarding the diversity and benefits that polysaccharide production provides to bacterial communities within biofilms.
Topics: Alginates; Bacteria; Bacterial Adhesion; Bacterial Capsules; Biofilms; Cellulose; Extracellular Matrix; Fructans; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Polysaccharides; Polysaccharides, Bacterial
PubMed: 26185074
DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0011-2014 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2019is a medicinal plant species of the genus Aloe with a long history of usage around the world. Acemannan, considered one of the main bioactive polysaccharides of ,... (Review)
Review
is a medicinal plant species of the genus Aloe with a long history of usage around the world. Acemannan, considered one of the main bioactive polysaccharides of , possesses immunoregulation, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, wound healing and bone proliferation promotion, neuroprotection, and intestinal health promotion activities, among others. In this review, recent advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological activities of acemannan from were summarized. Among these advancements, the structural characteristics of purified polysaccharides were reviewed in detail. Meanwhile, the biological activities of acemannan from determined by , and clinical experiments are summarized, and possible mechanisms of these bioactivities were discussed. Moreover, the latest research progress on the use of acemannan in dentistry and wound healing was also summarized in details. The structure-activity relationships of acemannan and its medical applications were discussed. Finally, new perspectives for future research work on acemannan were proposed. In conclusion, this review summarizes the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities and pharmacological applications of acemannan and provides information for the industrial production and possible applications in dentistry and wound healing in the future.
Topics: Aloe; Animals; Humans; Mannans; Plants, Medicinal; Polysaccharides; Structure-Activity Relationship; Wound Healing
PubMed: 31010204
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081554 -
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B Sep 2021Polysaccharides have attracted considerable attention in a broad range of applications in recent years, which is due to their remarkable features such as... (Review)
Review
Polysaccharides have attracted considerable attention in a broad range of applications in recent years, which is due to their remarkable features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewable origin, and facile modification. Considerable research efforts have been focused on developing polysaccharide nanoparticles and to promote their applications in various areas and biomedicine in particular. The present review highlights the properties of common polysaccharides used in nanoparticle formation as well as strategies to fabricate polysaccharide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combination of polysaccharide nanoparticles and polymers is presented and brought into the context of applications. Finally, applications of polysaccharide nanoparticles as nano-delivery system, Pickering emulsion stabilisers, and material reinforcing agent in the fields of nanomedicine, cosmetics, and food system are highlighted. Moreover, this review describes and critically discusses present limitations and drawbacks in the preparation and use of polysaccharide nanoparticles, revealing directions to develop polysaccharide nanoparticles for further utilisation in various applications in the future.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Materials Testing; Nanoparticles; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 33928990
DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00628b -
Acta Biomaterialia Sep 2023To tackle antimicrobial resistance, a global threat identified by the United Nations, is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and is responsible for... (Review)
Review
To tackle antimicrobial resistance, a global threat identified by the United Nations, is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and is responsible for significant costs on healthcare systems, a substantial amount of research has been devoted to developing polysaccharide-based strategies that prevent bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on surfaces. Polysaccharides are essential building blocks for life and an abundant renewable resource that have attracted much attention due to their intrinsic remarkable biological potential antibacterial activities. If converted into efficient antibacterial coatings that could be applied to a broad range of surfaces and applications, polysaccharide-based coatings could have a significant potential global impact. However, the ultimate success of polysaccharide-based antibacterial materials will be determined by their potential for use in manufacturing processes that are scalable, versatile, and affordable. Therefore, in this review we focus on recent advances in polysaccharide-based antibacterial coatings from the perspective of fabrication methods. We first provide an overview of strategies for designing polysaccharide-based antimicrobial formulations and methods to assess the antibacterial properties of coatings. Recent advances on manufacturing polysaccharide-based coatings using some of the most common polysaccharides and fabrication methods are then detailed, followed by a critical comparative overview of associated challenges and opportunities for future developments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our review presents a timely perspective by being the first review in the field to focus on advances on polysaccharide-based antibacterial coatings from the perspective of fabrication methods along with an overview of strategies for designing polysaccharide-based antimicrobial formulations, methods to assess the antibacterial properties of coatings as well as a critical comparative overview of associated challenges and opportunities for future developments. Meanwhile this work is specifically targeted at an audience focused on featuring critical information and guidelines for developing polysaccharide-based coatings. Including such a complementary work in the journal could lead to further developments on polysaccharide antibacterial applications.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Polysaccharides; Coated Materials, Biocompatible
PubMed: 37481193
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.023 -
Carbohydrate Research Mar 2015Polysaccharide nanocomposites have become increasingly important materials over the past decade. Polysaccharides offer a green alternative to synthetic polymers in the... (Review)
Review
Polysaccharide nanocomposites have become increasingly important materials over the past decade. Polysaccharides offer a green alternative to synthetic polymers in the preparation of soft nanomaterials. They have also been used in composites with hard nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials. This mini review describes methods for polysaccharide nanocomposite preparation and reviews the various types and diverse applications for these novel materials.
Topics: Animals; Nanocomposites; Nanotechnology; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 25498200
DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2014.07.016 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2021The natural gums used as high molecular weight oleogelators are mainly polysaccharides that deliver a broad spectrum of possible utilization methods when structuring... (Review)
Review
The natural gums used as high molecular weight oleogelators are mainly polysaccharides that deliver a broad spectrum of possible utilization methods when structuring liquid fats to solid forms. The review discusses a natural gums' structuring and gelling behavior to capture the oil droplets and form the water/oil gelling emulsions basing on their structural conformation, internal charge, and polymeric characteristics. The specific parameters and characteristics of natural gums based oleogels are also discussed. In the future, oleogels may eliminate saturated and trans fats from food products and allow the production of low-fat products, thus reducing the environmental damage caused by the excessive use of palm oil. The increasing knowledge of molecular interaction in polysaccharide chains of natural gums allows to apply more sustainable and wiser strategies towards product formulation. Innovative solutions for using oleogels based on natural polysaccharide biopolymers let incorporate them into the food matrix and replace fats completely or create blends containing the source of fats and the addition of the oleogel. The profound insight into molecular characteristics of natural gums in the function of being oleogelators is presented.
Topics: Alginates; Carrageenan; Colloids; Emulsions; Fatty Acids; Food; Food Analysis; Organic Chemicals; Plant Gums; Polysaccharides; Polysaccharides, Bacterial
PubMed: 34884775
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312977 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022Cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly increasing worldwide; therefore, effective therapies are required in the current scenario of increasing cancer cases.... (Review)
Review
Cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly increasing worldwide; therefore, effective therapies are required in the current scenario of increasing cancer cases. Polysaccharides are a family of natural polymers that hold unique physicochemical and biological properties, and they have become the focus of current antitumour drug research owing to their significant antitumour effects. In addition to the direct antitumour activity of some natural polysaccharides, their structures offer versatility in synthesizing multifunctional nanocomposites, which could be chemically modified to achieve high stability and bioavailability for delivering therapeutics into tumor tissues. This review aims to highlight recent advances in natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide-based nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Polysaccharides; Antineoplastic Agents; Neoplasms; Nanomedicine
PubMed: 36432183
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228083