Research progress on the preparation, structural characterization, biological activity, structure-activity...

Pu-erh tea, as one of the top ten famous teas in China, has unique nutritional and medicinal value, attributed to its rich bioactive components. Among the many bioactive components, Pu-erh tea polysaccharides are one of the important components that exert their functions and have potential clinical applications. This article overviewed the preparation and structural characteristics of Pu-erh tea polysaccharides, and reviewed their diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, immune regulatory activity, etc. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of Pu-erh tea polysaccharides was analyzed, including the relationship between their activity and molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic chains, etc. It aims to provide a basis for the development of the edible and medicinal value of polysaccharides in Pu-erh tea, so as to further promote the high value-added utilization of Pu-erh tea resources.