Advancements in the extraction, characterization and function activities of polysaccharides from Physalis L.: A...

Physalis L. primarily including five species (P. alkekengi, P. minima, P. angulate, P. pubescens, P. peruviana), with a long history of medicinal and edible use in Asia. The fruit of such plants are not only juicy and appealingly sweet and sour but also an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it popular choice in Northeast China. Polysaccharides are among the key active ingredients in Physalis L. plants and have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, and prebiotic activities. Numerous polysaccharides have been successfully extracted from Physalis L. plants over the past few decades, highlighting their potential in health and nutrition. Despite these advances, there remains a significant lack in the comprehensive evaluation of the extraction processes, intricate high-level structures, and structure-activity relationships pertaining to Physalis L. polysaccharides (PLPs). Given the significance of PLPs in the food industry, biological studies, and drug discovery, a systematic review of PLPs is imperative. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge regarding their extraction, purification, structural characteristics, functional activities, and potential applications. This provides valuable insights for the application of PLPs in fields such as medicine, functional foods, and cosmetics.