Comprehensive review: Extraction-structure-conformation-pharmacological activity coupling research of Scutellaria...

The genus Scutellaria L. is rich in germplasm resources and has a long history of medicinal use, with Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria barbata serving as particularly representative species of significant medicinal value. Polysaccharides, which are among the primary bioactive constituents of Scutellaria plants, have emerged as a central focus of research concerning their development and application. Recently, Scutellaria polysaccharides (SLPs) have attracted considerable attention from both academic and industrial sectors due to their diverse and important pharmacological activities, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects. Despite significant progress in the extraction, separation, purification, and structural characterization of SLPs, a comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationships (SAR) that underlie their biological functions remains elusive. Additionally, systematic optimization of extraction and separation processes continues to be a challenge, impeding the thorough development and industrialization of SLPs. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in extraction research, focusing on SLP separation and purification techniques developed in recent years. It discusses the structural characterization of SLPs and synthesizes the effects of various extraction and separation methods on SLP content, purity, and structural features, which in turn influence their biological activity. Additionally, we emphasize the chemical and structural diversity of SLPs, the specificity of their biological activities, and the key structure-activity relationships (SARs) that determine their pharmacological effects. We also address the challenges and opportunities associated with the application of SLPs in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors, while critically examining potential development trends and future research directions. This review aims to furnish a thorough academic understanding and a solid theoretical foundation for the further research and development of SLPs as therapeutic agents and multifunctional biomaterials, thereby establishing a scientific basis for innovation in novel drugs and functional foods derived from Scutellaria.