Extraction, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Modification of Plant-Derived Polysaccharides: An Integrated Framework for Evidence-Based Method Selection and Bioactivity Optimization—A Review
- 1State Key Laboratory of Integration and Innovation of Classic Formula and Modern Chinese Medicine, National Chinmedomics Research Center, Metabolomics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
- 2State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Macau, China
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted on plant-derived polysaccharides, yet three interrelated challenges remain insufficiently explored: extraction methods are often selected without systematic validation; the structure–activity relationship (SAR) remains fragmented; and modification strategies are rarely designed on the basis of SAR knowledge. This article systematically summarizes three key aspects: extraction, SAR, and structural modification. We critically compare various extraction techniques and clarify that method selection requires consideration of source characteristics and application orientation. We also demonstrate that extraction conditions may affect structural integrity and, consequently, influence biological activity. Subsequently, we analyze SAR by examining molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, uronic acid content, and chain conformation to identify structural determinants of biological functions. Finally, we review chemical modification strategies and illustrate how their efficacy depends on structural features initially determined by extraction. By integrating evidence from these three stages, this review offers a practical framework to support rational, evidence-based development of plant-derived polysaccharides for applications in medicine, food, and biomaterials.
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BibTeX
@article{he2026extraction,
title = {{Extraction, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Modification of Plant-Derived Polysaccharides: An Integrated Framework for Evidence-Based Method Selection and Bioactivity Optimization—A Review}},
author = {Yuting He and Yu Xin and Xiwu Zhang and Di Han and Qichao Liang and Ling Kong and Yu Guan and Hui Sun and Chang Liu and Ying Han and Xijun Wang},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27198850},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13664757},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Extraction, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Modification of Plant-Derived Polysaccharides: An Integrated Framework for Evidence-Based Method Selection and Bioactivity Optimization—A Review
AU - Yuting He
AU - Yu Xin
AU - Xiwu Zhang
AU - Di Han
AU - Qichao Liang
AU - Ling Kong
AU - Yu Guan
AU - Hui Sun
AU - Chang Liu
AU - Ying Han
AU - Xijun Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - International journal of molecular sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27198850
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13664757
AB - Extensive research has been conducted on plant-derived polysaccharides, yet three interrelated challenges remain insufficiently explored: extraction methods are often selected without systematic validation; the structure–activity relationship (SAR) remains fragmented; and modification strategies are rarely designed on the basis of SAR knowledge. This article systematically summarizes three key aspects: extraction, SAR, and structural modification. We critically compare various extraction techniques and clarify that method selection requires consideration of source characteristics and application orientation. We also demonstrate that extraction conditions may affect structural integrity and, consequently, influence biological activity. Subsequently, we analyze SAR by examining molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, uronic acid content, and chain conformation to identify structural determinants of biological functions. Finally, we review chemical modification strategies and illustrate how their efficacy depends on structural features initially determined by extraction. By integrating evidence from these three stages, this review offers a practical framework to support rational, evidence-based development of plant-derived polysaccharides for applications in medicine, food, and biomaterials.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -