Current research and perspectives of polysaccharides in flowers: A review

As a significant plant resource with medicinal, edible, and ornamental values, the active compounds found in flowers have garnered considerable attention. In addition to the traditionally recognized flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids, and alkaloids, flower polysaccharides (FPs) have emerged as a research hotspot in recent years due to their unique structural characteristics and wide biological activities. Studies have shown that FPs possess significant immune-activating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and prebiotic activities, which exhibit considerable potential in disease treatment and novel drug development. Currently, research on FPs is widespread both domestically and internationally; however, there remains a lack of systematic summaries. In this paper, we systematically review the latest progress of FPs research over the past five years (from 2020 to now), focusing on their structural characteristics, biological functions, conformational relationships, and applications. It also analyzes the shortcomings of current research, examines its future prospects, and points out future research. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth research and exploitation of FPs, promote the value of floral resources, and offer new ideas for developing innovative drugs derived from natural polysaccharides.