An overview on natural polysaccharides with antioxidant properties

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Pharmacotherapy using natural substances offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
• There is a growing demand for safer drugs with fewer side effects, driving interest in natural ingredients.
• Bioactive polysaccharides from natural sources are gaining attention for their diverse biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current findings on antioxidant polysaccharides from diverse natural origins.
• To explore the relationship between polysaccharide structure and antioxidant activity.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of antioxidant action and potential for chemical modification.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in antioxidant polysaccharide research.
• Analysis of studies investigating structure-activity relationships.
• Examination of research on antioxidant mechanisms and biological response modification.

Main Results:

• Antioxidant polysaccharides have been identified in plants, fungi, bacteria, animal sources, and algae.
• Studies indicate a correlation between polysaccharide structure and antioxidant capacity.
• These compounds show potential for immunostimulating and biological response modifying effects.

Conclusions:

• Antioxidant polysaccharides represent a significant area of research in natural product pharmacology.
• Further investigation into their mechanisms and modifications could lead to novel therapeutic applications.
• These compounds may enhance cell-mediated immune responses, acting as biological response modifiers.