Recent advances in the extraction, purification, structural-property correlations, and antiobesity mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine-derived polysaccharides: a review

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has displayed preventive and therapeutic effects on many complex diseases. As natural biological macromolecules, TCM-derived antiobesogenic polysaccharides (TCMPOs) exhibit notable weight-loss effects and are seen to be a viable tactic in the fight against obesity. Current studies demonstrate that the antiobesity activity of TCMPOs is closely related to their structural characteristics, which could be affected by the extraction and purification methods. Therefore, the extraction, purification and structural-property correlations of TCMPOs were discussed. Investigation of the antiobesity mechanism of TCMPOs is also essential for their improved application. Herein, the possible antiobesity mechanisms of TCMPOs are systematically summarized: (1) modulation of appetite and satiety effects, (2) suppression of fat absorption and synthesis, (3) alteration of the gut microbiota and their metabolites, and (4) protection of intestinal barriers. This collated information could provide some insights and offer a new therapeutic approach for the management and prevention of obesity.

Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of the traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharide on hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Therefore, the research on “TCM polysaccharides-intestinal microbiota-tumor immune microenvironment-immune cells” can better explore the anti-tumor mechanism of TCM polysaccharides. (4) The biological activity of TCM polysaccharides is closely related to its primary and advanced structure, but the study of its structure-activity relationship is still a shortcoming in this field ( 140 ). Therefore, it is of great significance to further break through the key technical barriers of TCM polysaccharide preparation and characterization for the innovation and transformation of TCM polysaccharides and anti-tumor precision medicine.…”