Actinidia polysaccharides: A potential bioactive substance - extraction, structure, and bioactivity studies

Kiwifruit, a dual - purpose medicinal and dietary fruit, has drawn significant research interest mainly because of its component, genus Actinidia polysaccharides (GAPs). GAPs' multiple bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor effects, make them a research hotspot in Actinidia studies. GAPs demonstrate promising application prospects in the fields of biomedicine and functional foods. However, the diversity of extraction, separation, and purification methods impacts the content, purity, and structural characteristics of GAPs to varying degrees, thereby influencing their biological activities. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive review studies on GAPs. Given the significant role of GAPs in biological research and drug development, this paper systematically reviews the latest research progress in recent years regarding the extraction, isolation and purification methods, structural characterization, pharmacological activities, and potential mechanisms of action of GAPs, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research and product development of GAPs.