Structural Elucidation, Modification, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Polysaccharides in Chinese Herbs: A Review

Abstract

Chinese herbal polysaccharides (CHPs) are natural polymers composed of monosaccharides, which are widely found in Chinese herbs and work as one of the important active ingredients. Its biological activity is attributed to its complex chemical structure with diverse spatial conformations. However, the structural elucidation is the foundation but a bottleneck problem because the majority of CHPs are heteropolysaccharides with more complex structures. Similarly, the studies on the relationship between structure and function of CHPs are even more scarce. Therefore, this review summarizes the structure-activity relationship of CHPs. Meanwhile, we reviewed the structural elucidation strategies and some new progress especially in the advanced structural analysis methods. The characteristics and applicable scopes of various methods are compared to provide reference for selecting the most efficient method and developing new hyphenated techniques. Additionally, the principle structural modification methods of CHPs and their effects on activity are summarized. The shortcomings, potential breakthroughs, and developing directions of the study of CHPs are discussed. We hope to provide a reference for further research and promote the application of CHPs.

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

“…The polysaccharides found in the stems of E. alata are particularly interesting products due to their contribution to the antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of the extracts [153]. Ephedra polysaccharides warrant further consideration to improve their identification and contribution to extract activities [181,182].…”

Structure–effect relationship studies of polysaccharides based on receptor–active centres: an alternative view

“…The Congo red experiment, on the other hand, is easy to undertake, does not require special instruments, and is more popular, but the method can only be used as a basis for determining whether the sample is a triple helix structure, and the precise structure could not be determined. 128 To date, the most commonly used methods for the advanced structural resolution of polysaccharides are size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) 14 coupled with dynamic and static light scattering (SLS/DLS) or viscosity determination based on polymer dilute solution theory. Li et al 129 developed an analytical method in which a differential pressure viscometer is added in series to a gel permeation chromatography with multiangle light scattering (GPC-MALS) system.…”

Recent Developments in Edible Films and Coatings for Fruits and Vegetables

“…Based on their composition, polysaccharides are classified as homoglycans, with a single constituent in the main polymeric chain, or heteroglycans, with two or more constituents in the main polymeric chain, and as having an alternate or irregular sequence [72,73]. The physicochemical properties of polysaccharides vary by the degree of polymerization, molecular weight, ring size, anomeric configuration, linkage type, and absence or branching [72,73]. Hence, solvent polysaccharide interactions make them soluble, insoluble, or partially soluble.…”