Extraction and purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications, and quality control of...

Aloe vera is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the lily family, and is widely utilised in traditional Chinese medicine and the beauty industry throughout the world. The primary active components extracted from this genus are polysaccharides, which have demonstrated significant pharmacological activities both in vivo and in vitro. This paper reviews the methods for the extraction, isolation, and purification of Aloe vera polysaccharides, along with their physicochemical properties and structural characteristics. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, and other biological activities of Aloe vera polysaccharides are examined. Finally, the paper discusses quality control measures for Aloe vera polysaccharides, aiming to provide a reference for their development and utilization. This review serves as a resource for further research on the application of Aloe vera polysaccharides in food, dentistry, and orthopedics.