Extraction techniques, structural features, biological functions and bibliometrics of Moringa oleifera Lam....

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a classic food-medicine plant long used in Ayurvedic practice and widely adopted in modern nutrition. Polysaccharides from M. oleifera (MOPs) are increasingly recognized as key macromolecules underpinning many of its health effects and are being explored for applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and biomaterials.

The study aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities of MOPs. It also seeks to address the gaps in the current knowledge surrounding their structure-activity relationships, safety evaluation, and potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.

This review systematically evaluates the various extraction techniques for MOPs, including conventional and modern methods, and the impact of purification on the bioactivity of the polysaccharides. Additionally, bibliometric analysis is utilized to identify trends and hotspots in the MOPs research field.

The study highlights the diverse extraction strategies, with modern methods like enzyme-assisted extraction showing higher yields and better bioactivity. The polysaccharides are primarily composed of monosaccharides like galactose and arabinose, with molecular weights ranging from 10³ to 10⁸ Da. Biological activities including regulation of gut microbiota, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic effects are well-documented. MOPs also show potential for use in drug delivery, animal husbandry, and agricultural applications. Notably, the relationship between the polysaccharides' structural features and their bioactivities is underexplored, offering opportunities for further research.

The review provides a critical update on the state of MOPs, particularly in relation to their biological properties and potential applications. It emphasizes the need for more research into the structure-activity relationships and safety of these compounds. The review contributes significantly by offering insights into new extraction methods, structural characteristics, and the broad range of applications of MOPs, thus laying the foundation for their future use in functional foods and medicine.