Extraction method, structure-activity relationship and anti-tumor mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide is the active component of Lycium barbarum, which exhibits immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective effects, as well as anti-tumor activity. The relative molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bonds, branching degree, protein content, chemical modification and spatial structure of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide are closely related to its biological activity. High-voltage pulsed electric field extraction, high-speed shearing technology-assisted extraction and ultrasonic-assisted subcritical water extraction are three new methods for the extraction of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide can play an anti-tumor role by inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, regulating immune function and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Herein, the new extraction methods, structure-activity relationship and anti-tumor mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide are summarized and analyzed. At present, the exploration of the structure-activity relationship of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide is still in the primary stage, and there is a lack of research on the relationship between the active fragments, active centers and polysaccharide activity. Study of the advanced structure and spatial conformation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide will be helpful in revealing the specific structural sites where polysaccharides exert pharmacological effects and clarifying the molecular interaction between different structures and targets, which will be the focus of future studies and represents a way to enhance the innovation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide research.