Preparation methods, structural characteristics, bioactivities, and structure-activity relationships of...

Moutan Cortex polysaccharides (MCPs), extracted from Moutan Cortex (the dried root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews), have garnered increasing attention due to their diverse bioactivities. Beyond their recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, MCPs demonstrate particularly notable anti-diabetic effects by effectively lowering blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, current studies on MCPs remain fragmented, with most studies limited to in vitro and in vivo experiments, lacking a comprehensive framework for elucidating their structure-function relationships and pharmacological activities. This review summarizes recent progress in the extraction, separation, purification, and structural characterization of MCPs, as well as their biological functions and structure-activity relationships, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for the further development and application of MCPs in medical and health-related fields.