Recent advances in Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides: Preparation techniques, structural features, and...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Platycodon grandiflorum is a valued medicinal and edible plant.
• Polysaccharides from P. grandiflorum (PGPs) are key bioactive compounds.
• PGPs exhibit numerous biological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review extraction, purification, structure, and biological functions of PGPs.
• To consolidate knowledge on PGPs' therapeutic potential and sanitarian functions.
• To identify research gaps in structure-bioactivity, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides.
• Analysis of extraction, purification, and structural characterization methods.
• Compilation of data on diverse pharmacological activities and toxicological profiles.

Main Results:

• PGPs possess a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial properties.
• Existing research extensively covers extraction and basic bioactivities.
• Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding PGPs' structure-activity relationships, toxicological effects, and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Conclusions:

• PGPs hold considerable therapeutic potential as functional foods and therapeutic agents.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate structure-activity relationships, safety, and in vivo behavior.
• Systematic review supports the continued investigation and application of PGPs.