Extraction, purification, structural characterization and bioactivities of polysaccharides from coix seed: A review

Coix seed, the dried mature kernel of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen (Roman.) Stapf,contains polysaccharides as its main bioactive components. These polysaccharides have garnered growing attention due to their diverse pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, intestinal flora modulatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor activities. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in the extraction, isolation and purification, structural characteristics, biological activity, quality standards, and toxicity of coix seed polysaccharides. Despite significant progress, current studies have remained largely limited to in vivo and in vitro experiments, and challenges persist in extraction efficiency, structural characterization, and translational application. Future research should prioritize the innovation and industrialization of extraction and purification techniques, the systematic investigation of structure-activity relationships, and clinical validation, laying a solid foundation for the application of coix seed polysaccharides in the pharmaceutical and food industries.