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Review

The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides

by
Xinhui Fan
1,2,3,
Ke Li
1,2,4,*,
Maohui Yang
1,2,5,
Xuemei Qin
1,2,
Zhenyu Li
1,2 and
Yuguang Du
4
1
Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
2
The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
3
Engineering Research Center of Glycoconjugates, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
4
State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
5
Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073075
Submission received: 23 January 2026 / Revised: 5 February 2026 / Accepted: 10 February 2026 / Published: 27 March 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Structure, Biological Activity and Structure–Activity Relationship of Polysaccharides)
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Abstract

Polysaccharides are natural polymers that are widely found in medicinal plants. Structurally, they are complex molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. Modern pharmacological research shows that the bioactivity of polysaccharides is closely related to their monosaccharide composition. This review summarises the monosaccharide composition of 210 polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants. They were classified into 10 types through principal component analysis (glucans; homogalacturonan; galactans; arabinogalactans; mannans; glucomannans; arabinans; xylans; fructans; rhamnogalacturonan-I). The relationship between monosaccharide composition and biological activity was further analysed. The results are as follows: glucans make significant contributions to immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota regulation; galactans are crucial for antioxidant effects, immunomodulation, and gut microbiota regulation; mannans play a key role in immunomodulation, antitumor activity, and neuroprotection; fructans are vital for gut microbiota regulation, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects; and pectins exhibit notable immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycaemic properties. Consequently, developing polysaccharides from medicinal plant resources based on their monosaccharide composition is expected to speed up the search for polysaccharides with high biological activity and provide a theoretical reference for polysaccharide research.

1. Introduction

Polysaccharides are natural macromolecule polymers of long chains of monosaccharide units linked via glycosidic bonds and are widely found in medicinal plants [1]. Due to their non-toxicity and abundant availability, they have garnered increasing research attention in recent years [2].
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that medicinal plant polysaccharides have a variety of biological activities, including immune regulation, protection of the liver, protection of nerves, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, regulation of intestinal flora, and regulation of blood glucose [3].
Polysaccharides possess highly complex structural characteristics, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond configuration, and functional groups [4]. These structural features determine and influence the biological activity of polysaccharides. Among these, monosaccharides constitute the most fundamental units of the primary structure of polysaccharides and form the basis for other advanced structures [5]. They not only influence the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides, such as functional group, electrification, chain length, and spatial conformation [6], but are also among the most easily detectable indicators. For example, Feng et al. [7] found that an increase in uronic acid content induced by ultrasonic treatment enhanced the foam capacity, thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Sagittaria sagittifolia. Yu et al. [8] highlighted the composition and proportion of monosaccharides as key structural features influencing the probiotic activity of polysaccharides. They noted that neutral sugars in the side chains of sugar beet pulp polysaccharides are more readily fermented by gut microbiota, and that intestinal flora preferentially utilise arabinose, glucose, fucose, and galacturonic acid, in that sequence.
Although various biological activities of medicinal plant polysaccharides have been extensively studied, a review focusing on how monosaccharide composition influences their biological functions remains relatively scarce. An analysis of the relationship between monosaccharide composition and specific biological activities is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of action of polysaccharides.
However, this field of research faces a fundamental challenge: most published bioactivity data currently originate from incompletely isolated, highly heterogeneous mixed polysaccharide fractions. Directly exploring the correlation between monosaccharide composition and activity based on such data is prone to introducing bias, thereby reducing the reliability of conclusions. To address this issue, this study screened the literature by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases using keywords such as “polysaccharides” and “Latin names of 72 medicinal plants”. All the selected publications underwent a rigorous evaluation to ensure direct relevance to this review. To enhance the reliability of structure–activity relationship analysis, only studies involving highly homogeneous polysaccharide fractions-systematically isolated, purified, and structurally characterised were included. Additionally, publications were required to explicitly provide monosaccharide composition data and corresponding bioactivity assay results. This screening strategy established a relatively reliable and comparable data foundation for this research.
This review summarises high-quality literature from recent years concerning the influence of monosaccharide composition on the biological activity of polysaccharides. It is hoped that this will provide new perspectives for understanding the relationship between the structure and function of medicinal plant polysaccharides.

2. Main Monosaccharides Description

The primary monosaccharide types in medicinal plant polysaccharides include glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, xylose, fucose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and fructose. The monosaccharides are classified as pentoses and hexoses based on the number of carbon atoms [9]. Xylose and arabinose are classified as pentoses. Meanwhile, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, fucose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and fructose are classified as hexoses or their derivatives. Furthermore, uronic acids are a class of monosaccharide derivatives characterised by the structural oxidation of the hydroxyl group (typically at C6) to a carboxyl group (-COOH) [10]. The types of uronic acid that make up medicinal plant polysaccharides mainly include glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. Their structures are shown in Figure 1.

3. Classification of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides

This article summarises the monosaccharide composition of 210 polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants. These are listed in Table 1 and Figure 2. Polysaccharides in medicinal plants may be classified as neutral polysaccharides or acidic polysaccharides based on whether their monosaccharide composition includes uronic acids. Neutral polysaccharides are primarily classified into six categories: glucans, galactans, arabinans, mannans, fructans, and xylans(Figure 2A). In the classification of galactans, arabinogalactan constitutes the primary component, whereas the proportion of pure galactans (gal > 90%) is comparatively low (Figure 2B). In the classification of mannans, glucomannan constitutes the primary component, whereas the proportion of pure mannans (man > 90%) is comparatively low (Figure 2C). Acidic polysaccharides are primarily pectins, which are categorised into two main types (Figure 2D) based on their monosaccharide composition: homogalacturonan(HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I(RG I). Their structures of 10 polysaccharides are shown in Figure 3.

4. The Correlation Between Activities and Monosaccharide Composition of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides

Based on the analysis of the collected literature in Table 1, it appears that there may be some relationship between monosaccharide composition and the biological activity of medicinal plant polysaccharides (Figure 4 and Table 2). For each polysaccharide, we select the top three bioactivities with the highest number of literature reports for discussion.
Glucans play a critical role in immune regulation [13], antioxidant effects [47], and the regulation of gut microbiota [30]. Galactans play a critical role in antioxidant effects [94], immune regulation [79], and the regulation of gut microbiota [84]. Mannans play a critical role in immune regulation [124], antitumor effects [128], and neuroprotection [130]. Fructans play a critical role in the regulation of gut microbiota [143], immune regulation [154], and antioxidant effects [160]. Pectins play a critical role in immune regulation [171], antioxidant effects [190], and lowering blood sugar [207]. Furthermore, due to the limited variety of arabinan and arabinoxylan found in medicinal plants, they are not discussed in this article.

5. Effects of the Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides

5.1. Immunomodulatory Activity

Medicinal plant polysaccharides are important macromolecules that can strongly affect the immune system and have the potential to be used as immunomodulators with broad clinical applications [221]. Table 2 reveals that glucans and pectins exhibit excellent immunomodulatory activity.
The monosaccharide composition of glucans is simple, with glucose content exceeding 90%. For instance, a glucan (glucose content: 89.0%) isolated from Astragalus membranaceus promotes the polarisation of M0-type macrophages to the M1-type and repolarises M2-type to M1-type via the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signalling pathway [11]. Another glucan from the same plant (glucose content: 95.7%) significantly alleviates the immunosuppression in mice by enhancing immune organ indices, stimulating immune cell proliferation, and reducing intestinal inflammation, mechanisms linked to activation of TLR4 and MAPK signalling [12]. A further glucan (91.6% glucose) isolated from Astragalus membranaceus suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines while elevating anti-inflammatory mediators through coordinated regulation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α/NF-κB and FXR-mediated pathways [14]. Similarly, a glucan (glucose content: 97.5%) from Angelica dahurica enhances phagocytosis and promotes the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 from RAW264.7 cells, accompanied by up-regulation of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 mRNA and increased phosphorylation of p65, p38, ERK, and JNK proteins [20]. Glucans from Angelica sinensis also exhibit immunostimulatory effects: one (97.8% glucose) could cause the proliferation of the lymphocyte, upregulate and stimulate the production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion, and increase the ratio of CD3(+)CD56(+) cells to some extent [21]; another (95.7% glucose) promotes surface molecule expression on RAW264.7 cells, stimulates T and B lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine secretion, and improves immune organ indices, cytokine levels, and T lymphocyte subtype in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice [27].
In contrast, the monosaccharide composition of pectin is highly complex, but galacturonic acid is the key component that distinguishes it from other types of polysaccharides. A pectin from Panax ginseng (49.3% galacturonic acid) promotes TLR2, NF-κB, and TRAF6 protein expression levels, thereby enhancing macrophage phagocytosis, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and secretion of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α [171]. Another pectin (47.7% galacturonic acid) from Panax ginseng increases IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a production, elevates the splenocyte proliferation index, and promotes expression of GATA-3, T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in H1N1 vaccine-immunised mice, mediated through the activation of the TLR4-dependent pathway via up-regulation of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, and NF-κB proteins and genes [175]. A pectin (17.1% galacturonic acid) from Panax notoginseng triggers the DC-induced T-cell immune response, as indicated by the higher expressions of CD4, CD8, CD69, and MHC II in T cells with increased secretion of INF-β. Furthermore, it could bind to the pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR 4), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR 2), mannose receptor (MR), and activate TLR4/TLR2-NF-κB signaling pathway [180].
In summary, both glucans and pectins modulate systemic immune homeostasis by acting on immune organs, cells, and cytokines. Their consistent mechanisms of action are illustrated in Figure 5. Additionally, due to structural differences, they all possess characteristic immune receptors (glucans: Dectin-1, CR3, and pectins: MR, Gal-3) [180]. These features support their further development as potential immunomodulatory agents.

5.2. Antioxidant Activity

Oxidative stress is caused by a variety of oxygen-derived free radicals (ROS), such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. Elevated ROS levels can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA, ultimately leading to cell death [222]. Due to their notable antioxidant properties, polysaccharides have attracted growing research interest in recent years. As shown in Table 2, glucans, galactans, and pectins all demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity.
A glucan from Dendrobium officinale (77.8% glucose) significantly alleviates glial cell activation, enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreases malondialdehyde (MDA) content in senescent mice [45]. A glucan (glucose content: 100%) from Polygonum multiflorum exhibits strong activity against free radicals, lipid oxidation, and protein glycation, with IC50 values of 0.47, 0.6, and 0.93 mg/mL for scavenging superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical (OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), respectively [47]. Another glucan from Pouteria campechiana (86.6% glucose) shows potent scavenging capacity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), OH, and superoxide radicals [50]. Similarly, a glucan from Fallopia multiflora (100% glucose) displays high hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing capacity in vivo, increasing serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities while lowering MDA levels [53].
In the classification of galactans, arabinogalactan constitutes the primary component. Galactose serves as the primary backbone and framework, while arabinose exists as a side-chain modification. The combined content of galactose and arabinose exceeds 70%. An arabinogalactan from Angelica sinensis (galactose 52.4%, arabinose 19.3%) significantly increases glutathione (GSH) levels and SOD activity while reducing MDA content [93]. Another from Taraxacum officinale (galactose 52.9%, arabinose 25.9%) exhibits excellent radical scavenging ability (DPPH, ABTS, OH) and reducing power, protects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro, enhances SOD activity, and reduces MDA levels [98].
Pectins also possess notable antioxidant activity. A pectin from Lycium barbarum (60.5% galacturonic acid) alleviates paraquat-induced oxidative stress in N2 worms, modulating NO production, activities of SOD, catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR), GSH and GSSG levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, and MDA content [190]. A pectin (galacturonic acid content: 49.2%) from Bupleurum chinense demonstrates potent scavenging of DPPH, ABTS, OH, and superoxide radicals in vitro, increases total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), SOD, and GSH-Px activities, and reduces MDA levels in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells [192]. Another pectin from Morus alba (61.0% galacturonic acid) shows strong Fe2+ chelating ability and scavenging activity against DPPH, OH, SOD, and ABTS radicals [196].
In summary, glucans, galactans, and pectins each exhibit broad antioxidant effects through direct radical scavenging, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of intracellular antioxidant defence systems. Their consistent mechanisms of action are illustrated in Figure 6. Furthermore, structural differences among these polysaccharides also influence their target tissues: the high galacturonic acid content and complex branching of pectins and arabinogalactans make them particularly effective in the liver and intestines [92,193], whereas glucans show distinctive potential in cellular protection and immune activation [48].

5.3. Regulation of Intestinal Flora

The gut, the largest organ in the human body, plays essential roles in digestion and immunity and harbours a complex microbial ecosystem. The gut microbiota is involved in numerous physiological processes, including nutrient absorption, metabolism, and immune regulation [223]. Given their notable capacity to modulate the gut microbiota, polysaccharides have garnered increasing research attention in recent years. As indicated in Table 2, fructans exhibit favourable effects on gut microbiota regulation. These polysaccharides possess a simple monosaccharide composition, typically containing over 90% fructose.
For example, a fructan from Ophiopogon japonicus (100% fructose) ameliorates microbial diversity and increases the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, especially short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice. Following microbial fermentation, it elevates levels of acetic and valeric acids, thereby regulating inflammatory responses and hepatic lipid metabolism [144]. Similarly, a fructan from Polygonati kingianum (91.3% fructose) enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1 and occludin) and restored intestinal microbiota diversity by increasing the abundance of Firmicutes and reducing the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota [147]. Fructans from Polygonatum cyrtonema also showed prebiotic effects: one (77.4% fructose) protects the intestinal barrier, regulates SCFA levels, and promotes beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogens [150]; another (89.4% fructose) stimulates SCFA production and increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Megamonas, Bifidobacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium, thereby changing microbial composition [152]. Noteworthy, previous research has proven that Bifidobacteria are considered key players in maintaining intestinal homeostasis [224,225].
Furthermore, extensive research has focused on the interactions between the gut microbiota, the gut, and the brain, commonly referred to as the “microbiota-gut-brain axis [226]”. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, particularly SCFAs, serve as key mediators in this bidirectional communication [227]. For example, a fructan (93.56% fructose) extracted from Polygonatum kingianum demonstrated significant neuro-regenerative activity in a mouse model of spinal cord injury by inhibiting excessive microglial activation, reducing neuroinflammation, and promoting neuronal survival and axonal regeneration [148]. However, fructans do not act directly on the brain or spinal cord but instead exert their effects by regulating the brain-gut axis. By reshaping the gut microbiota, they significantly increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria within the intestines, thereby elevating systemic circulation levels of their metabolic product, butyrate. Elevated butyrate acts as a key signalling molecule, ultimately exerting a remote inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses within the central nervous system.
Fructans are the common name of a polysaccharide consisting of β-D-fructose. Although the small intestine does not produce any human digestive enzymes that can hydrolyse the β-glycosidic linkages, most gut microbiota can ferment fructans to promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), regulate the composition of the gut microbiota, maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and restore microbial metabolite levels [149,152]. The mechanism of action is shown in Figure 7. These properties support the potential development of fructans as prebiotic agents.
Fructans exert their overall regulation of the gut microbiota through enhancing intestinal barrier function (Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, Mucin 2 (MUC2)), producing key metabolites (short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate)) and modulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

5.4. Other Activities

As summarised in Table 2, glucans display notable bioactivity in liver protection, neuroprotection, and tumour inhibition. Galactans have shown anti-ageing properties, mannans exhibit immunomodulatory potential, fructans combine immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions, and pectins hold promise for hypoglycaemic applications.
The biological activities of medicinal plant polysaccharides are closely linked to their highly complex and heterogeneous structures. Such structural diversity underlies their wide range of physiological effects. To date, however, the structure–activity relationships of these polysaccharides have not been elucidated, and the connections between specific structural features and their corresponding functions require further investigation.

6. Conclusions

Polysaccharides possess highly complex structural characteristics. These include molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond configuration, and functional groups [4]. It is these structural features that determine and influence the biological activity of polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the most fundamental units of the primary structure of polysaccharides and form the basis for more complex structures [5]. This review summarises high-quality literature from recent years concerning the influence of monosaccharide composition on the biological activity of polysaccharides.
The results are as follows: glucans are vital for immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and the regulation of gut microbiota. Similarly, galactans are important for antioxidant effects, immune regulation, and the regulation of gut microbiota. Mannans play a critical role in immune regulation, anti-tumour effects, and neuroprotection. Fructans play a critical role in regulating gut microbiota, immune regulation, and antioxidant effects. Pectins play a critical role in immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and lowering blood sugar.
Based on the fact that monosaccharide composition is a key factor affecting the activity of medicinal plant polysaccharides, subsequent researchers may consider isolating and purifying total polysaccharides to obtain target polysaccharides in order to improve their bioactivity. An in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the structure–activity relationship between the monosaccharide composition and biological activity of medicinal plant polysaccharides is expected to lead to the development and production of functional polysaccharides.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, X.F., K.L. and Y.D.; software, X.F.; formal analysis, X.F.; investigation, X.F.; data curation, X.F.; writing—original draft preparation, X.F.; writing—review and editing, X.F., K.L., M.Y., X.Q., Z.L. and Y.D.; supervision, X.F., K.L., X.Q., Z.L. and Y.D.; funding acquisition, K.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81872962).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analysed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Main types of monosaccharides composing medicinal plant polysaccharides.
Figure 1. Main types of monosaccharides composing medicinal plant polysaccharides.
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Figure 2. PCA scatter plots of monosaccharide composition of medicinal plant polysaccharides. (A): neutral polysaccharides (glucans, galactans, arabinans, mannans, fructans, and xylans); (B): galactans (galactans, arabinogalactan, arabinans); (C): mannans (mannans, glucomannans); (D): acidic polysaccharides (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I).
Figure 2. PCA scatter plots of monosaccharide composition of medicinal plant polysaccharides. (A): neutral polysaccharides (glucans, galactans, arabinans, mannans, fructans, and xylans); (B): galactans (galactans, arabinogalactan, arabinans); (C): mannans (mannans, glucomannans); (D): acidic polysaccharides (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I).
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Figure 3. The hypothetical chemical structure of 10 polysaccharides. (A): glucans; (B): homogalacturonan; (C): galactans; (D): arabinogalactans; (E): mannans; (F): glucomannan; (G): arabinans; (H): xylans; (I): fructans; (J): rhamnogalacturonan-I. All shapes and colors comply with the Symbol Nomenclature for Glycans guidelines (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/glycans, accessed on 4 February 2026).
Figure 3. The hypothetical chemical structure of 10 polysaccharides. (A): glucans; (B): homogalacturonan; (C): galactans; (D): arabinogalactans; (E): mannans; (F): glucomannan; (G): arabinans; (H): xylans; (I): fructans; (J): rhamnogalacturonan-I. All shapes and colors comply with the Symbol Nomenclature for Glycans guidelines (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/glycans, accessed on 4 February 2026).
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Figure 4. The Correlation Between Activities and Monosaccharide Composition of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides.
Figure 4. The Correlation Between Activities and Monosaccharide Composition of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides.
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Figure 5. Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. Glucans and pectins modulate systemic immune homeostasis by acting on immune organs (spleen and thymus), cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, T-lymphocyte (T cells), B-lymphocyte (B cells), and dendritic cells), and cytokines (Nitric Oxide (NO), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and Interleukin-2 (IL-2)). The signaling pathways involved in this process include mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK), toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiationfactor 88-nuclear factor-κB pathway (TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB), sirtuin 1-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α-nuclear factor-κB pathway (SIRT1-PGC-1α-NF-κB), and toll-like receptor 2-nuclear factor-κB pathway (TLR2-NF-κB).
Figure 5. Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. Glucans and pectins modulate systemic immune homeostasis by acting on immune organs (spleen and thymus), cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, T-lymphocyte (T cells), B-lymphocyte (B cells), and dendritic cells), and cytokines (Nitric Oxide (NO), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and Interleukin-2 (IL-2)). The signaling pathways involved in this process include mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK), toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiationfactor 88-nuclear factor-κB pathway (TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB), sirtuin 1-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α-nuclear factor-κB pathway (SIRT1-PGC-1α-NF-κB), and toll-like receptor 2-nuclear factor-κB pathway (TLR2-NF-κB).
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Figure 6. Mechanism of Antioxidant Action in Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. Glucans, galactans, and pectins exhibit broad antioxidant effects through direct radical scavenging (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)), reduction of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)), and enhancement of intracellular antioxidant defence systems (serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)).
Figure 6. Mechanism of Antioxidant Action in Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. Glucans, galactans, and pectins exhibit broad antioxidant effects through direct radical scavenging (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)), reduction of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)), and enhancement of intracellular antioxidant defence systems (serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)).
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Figure 7. Mechanism of Gut Microbiota Regulation by Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides.
Figure 7. Mechanism of Gut Microbiota Regulation by Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides.
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Table 1. Monosaccharide composition and the bioactivity of medicinal plant polysaccharides.
Table 1. Monosaccharide composition and the bioactivity of medicinal plant polysaccharides.
No.SourceTypes of PolysaccharidesGlucose (%)Galactose (%)Arabinose (%)Mannose (%)Rhamnose (%)Xylose (%)Fucose (%)Glucuronic Acid (%)Galacturonic Acid (%)Fructose (%)BioactivityReference
1Astragalus membranaceusGlucans89.00 3.00 3.50 1.00 ------Immunomodulatory activity[11]
2Astragalus membranaceusGlucans95.76 1.83 2.41 -------Immunomodulatory activity[12]
3Astragalus membranaceusGlucans100 ---------Immunomodulatory activity[13]
4Astragalus membranaceusGlucans91.69 4.18 4.13 -------Immunomodulatory activity[14]
5Gastrodia elataGlucans92.04 4.79 2.19 - ------Immunomodulatory activity[15]
6Sagittaria sagittifoliaGlucans91.76 7.72 0.27 -------Immunomodulatory activity[16]
7Panax ginsengGlucans100---------Immunomodulatory activity[17]
8Dendrobium huoshanenseGlucans95.46 --4.54 ------Immunomodulatory activity[18]
9Dendrobium officinaleGlucans94.17 -- ---5.82 --Immunomodulatory activity[19]
10Angelica dahuricaGlucans97.50 0.41 -0.82 -1.15 ----Immunomodulatory activity[20]
11Angelica sinensisGlucans97.83 --1.19 ------Immunomodulatory activity[21]
12Polygonum multiflorumGlucans100.00 ---------Immunomodulatory activity[22]
13Radix Aconiti Lateralis PreparataGlucans92.50 -7.50 -------Immunomodulatory activity[23]
14Schisandra chinensisGlucans71.4322.28-6.27------Immunomodulatory activity[24]
15Schisandra chinensisGlucans89.80 10.20 --------Immunomodulatory activity[25]
16Gastrodia elataGlucans88.21 4.48------4.40-Immunomodulatory activity[26]
17Pueraria lobataGlucans95.74 2.19 1.25 0.30 -0.43 0.09 ---Immunomodulatory activity[27]
18Pueraria lobataGlucans100.00 ---------Immunomodulatory activity[28]
19Glehnia littoraliGlucans100.00 ---------Immunomodulatory activity[29]
20Astragalus membranaceusGlucans97.00 ---------Regulation of intestinal flora[30]
21Astragalus membranaceusGlucans83.011.2215.40-------Regulation of intestinal flora[31]
22Astragalus membranaceusGlucans76.34-17.51-------Regulation of intestinal flora[32]
23Astragalus membranaceusGlucans89.784.304.391.53 ------Regulation of intestinal flora[33]
24Panax ginsengGlucans95.303.301.40-------Regulation of intestinal flora[34]
25Crataegus pinnatifidaGlucans95.37 0.42 0.79 0.15 0.70 ---2.34 -Regulation of intestinal flora[35]
26Lycium barbarumGlucans98.10 ---------Regulation of intestinal flora[36]
27Atractylodis macrocephalaeGlucans84.16 6.51 9.33 -------Regulation of intestinal flora[37]
28Lycium barbarumGlucans81.83 2.02 3.46 6.52 6.06 -----Neuroprotective activity[38]
29Schisandra chinensisGlucans87.00 13.00 --------Neuroprotective activity[39]
30Gastrodia elataGlucans99.10 0.90 --------Neuroprotective activity[40]
31Gastrodia elataGlucans97.90 -2.10 -------Neuroprotective activity[41]
32Gastrodia elataGlucans100.00 ---------Neuroprotective activity[42]
33Lonicera japonicaGlucans100.00 ---------Neuroprotective activity[43]
34Corydalis yanhusuoGlucans100.00 ---------Neuroprotective activity[44]
35Dendrobium officinaleGlucans77.87 --22.12 ------Antioxidant activity[45]
36Angelica sinensisGlucans76.34 14.81 2.63 5.78 ------Antioxidant activity[46]
37Polygonum multiflorumGlucans100.00 ---------Antioxidant activity[47]
38Glycyrrhiza inflataGlucans79.08 10.50 10.42 -------Antioxidant activity[48]
39Glycyrrhiza glabraGlucans98.03 ---------Antioxidant activity[49]
40Pouteria campechianaGlucans86.65 --4.62 ------Antioxidant activity[50]
41Taraxacum officinaleGlucans79.30 10.00 8.80 -1.50 -----Antioxidant activity[51]
42Sophora flavescensGlucans78.75 9.17 8.34 2.49 0.30 0.95 ----Antioxidant activity[52]
43Fallopia multifloraGlucans100.00 ---------Antioxidant activity[53]
44Astragalus membranaceusGlucans97.51 1.56 0.93 -------Hypoglycaemic activity[54]
45Angelica sinensisGlucans84.59 8.90 --6.36 -----Hypoglycaemic activity[55]
46Codonopsis PilosulaGlucans71.38 24.98 3.60 -------Hypoglycaemic activity[56]
47Glycyrrhiza uralensisGlucans78.38 7.51 5.55 2.82 0.65 3.96 0.65 -0.48 -Hypoglycaemic activity[57]
48Lycium barbarumGlucans81.83 2.02 3.46 6.52 6.06 -----Hepatoprotective activity[58]
49Polygonatum sibiricumGlucans98.10 ---------Hepatoprotective activity[59]
50Schisandra chinensisGlucans77.80 4.10 7.74 -----8.98 -Hepatoprotective activity[60]
51Puerariae lobataeGlucans100.00 ---------Hepatoprotective activity[61]
52Puerariae thomsoniiGlucans100.00 ---------Hepatoprotective activity[62]
53Puerariae thomsoniiGlucans100.00 ---------Hepatoprotective activity[63]
54Cyathulae officinalisGlucans93.34 6.65 --------Hepatoprotective activity[64]
55Ginkgo bilobaGlucans98.12 1.10 0.80 -------Hepatoprotective activity[65]
56Dendrobium officinaleGlucans68.15 --31.85------Antitumor activity[66]
57Angelica sinensisGlucans93.15 -6.75 -------Antitumor activity[67]
58Platycodon grandiflorusGlucans92.80 2.85 1.11 0.26 ---1.14 1.83 -Antitumor activity[68]
59Atractylodes macrocephalaGlucans82.10 -17.90 -------Antitumor activity[69]
60Glehnia littoralisGlucans92.10 5.30 2.60 -------Antitumor activity[70]
61Pseudostellaria heterophyllaGlucans93.10 1.00 0.90 ----2.50 0.50 -Antitumor activity[71]
62Angelica pubescensGlucans85.10 4.50 3.20 7.30 ------Anti-inflammatory activity[72]
63Dioscorea oppositaGlucans79.72 3.03 1.45 14.90 0.22 0.42 ----Anti-inflammatory activity[73]
64Gastrodia elataGlucans66.12 -------- 31.76Anti-inflammatory activity[74]
65Gastrodia elataGlucans89.69 --------10.31Anti-inflammatory activity[75]
66Lycium ruthenicumArabinogalactans-39.52 56.62 -3.80 -----Immunomodulatory activity[76]
67Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans-31.07 63.79 -1.23 ---3.89 -Immunomodulatory activity[77]
68Scutellaria baicalensisArabinogalactans-22.20 67.10 -4.40 --1.20 6.30 -Immunomodulatory activity[78]
69Rehmannia glutinosaArabinogalactans0.05 56.60 38.10 -------Immunomodulatory activity[79]
70Atractylodes lanceaArabinogalactans-35.00 50.00 -14.50 4.00 ----Immunomodulatory activity[80]
71Astragalus membranaceusArabinogalactans6.34 27.39 48.39 1.61 6.05 ---10.21 -Immunomodulatory activity[81]
72Astragalus membranaceusArabinogalactans13.77 18.36 51.00 -1.53 ---15.30 -Immunomodulatory activity[82]
73Atractylodes lanceaArabinogalactans3.01 11.21 70.82 -8.84 1.84 --4.28 -Immunomodulatory activity[83]
74Dendrobium officinaleArabinogalactans-46.79 29.79 -11.68 ---11.80 -Regulation of intestinal flora[84]
75Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans-45.00 55.00 -- -----Regulation of intestinal flora[85]
76Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans12.4021.9238.52 -15.88---10.47 -Regulation of intestinal flora[86]
77Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans10.2230.2 48.18-5.23---2.57-Regulation of intestinal flora[87]
78Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans2.15 39.67 40.66 ----5.12 12.40 -Regulation of intestinal flora[88]
79Angelica sinensisArabinogalactans-62.08 30.36 -----7.57 -Regulation of intestinal flora[89]
80Atractylodes chinensisArabinogalactans-44.10 55.90 -------Regulation of intestinal flora[90]
81Angelica sinensisArabinogalactans17.75 52.41 19.31 ----10.44 --Antioxidant activity[91]
82Angelica sinensisArabinogalactans17.75 52.40 19.31 ----10.44 --Antioxidant activity[92]
83Angelica sinensisArabinogalactans17.75 52.40 19.31 ----10.44 --Antioxidant activity[93]
84Bupleurum chinenseArabinogalactans17.80 44.50 37.38 -------Antioxidant activity[94]
85Zizyphus JujubaArabinogalactans3.41 55.40 33.30 2.44 4.06 ---1.42 -Antioxidant activity[95]
86Pueraria mirificaArabinogalactans4.50 58.50 27.80 0.60 7.40 --0.80 0.20 -Antioxidant activity[96]
87Taraxacum officinaleArabinogalactans9.43 42.24 43.84 2.35 2.07 -----Antioxidant activity[97]
88Taraxacum officinaleArabinogalactans8.07 52.94 25.95 7.33 1.84 --1.47 2.40 -Antioxidant activity[98]
89Ginkgo bilobaArabinogalactans5.94 54.00 17.28 4.32 6.48 --8.64 3.24 -Antioxidant activity[99]
90Panax ginsengArabinogalactans-22.40 53.80 -10.30 ---13.20 -Antioxidant activity[100]
91Polygonatum sibiricumArabinogalactans-73.64 21.04 -5.26 -----Antioxidant activity[101]
92Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans18.84 30.22 43.09 -------Anti-ageing activity[102]
93Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans-45.90 46.10 -------Anti-ageing activity[103]
94Rehmannia glutinosaArabinogalactans6.68 37.83 55.49 -------Anti-ageing activity[104]
95Rehmannia glutinosaArabinogalactans15.39 61.36 18.19 0.80 3.31 ---0.96 -Anti-ageing activity[105]
96Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans-60.93 39.06 -------Neuroprotective activity[106]
97Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans6.89 37.64 34.88 1.03 3.68 2.46 -0.73 12.67 -Neuroprotective activity[107]
98Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans1.40 49.80 47.80 -1.20 -----Neuroprotective activity[108]
99Ginkgo bilobaArabinogalactans3.00 5.00 82.00 5.00 ------Neuroprotective activity[109]
100Lycium barbarumArabinogalactans14.7228.08 37.53 4.50-7.83----Antitumor activity[110]
101Lycium ruthenicumArabinogalactans16.8329.3543.511.75 3.29--2.113.16 -Antitumor activity[111]
102Angelica sinensisArabinogalactans17.75 52.41 19.31 ----10.44 --Antitumor activity[112]
103Panax notoginsengArabinogalactans-43.70 56.30 -------Antitumor activity[113]
104Ophiopogon japonicusGalactans-100.00 --------Antitumor activity[114]
105Polygonatum cyrtonemaGalactans-100.00 --------Regulation of intestinal flora[115]
106Polygonatum cyrtonemaGalactans-100.00 --------Regulation of intestinal flora[116]
107Polygonatum sibiricumGalactans2.13 82.91 -14.96 ------Immunomodulatory activity[117]
108Polygonatum sibiricumGalactans-78.77 -5.50 ----13.84 -Immunomodulatory activity[118]
109Rehmannia glutinosaArabinans--100.00 -------Immunomodulatory activity[119]
110Glehnia littoralisArabinans--100.00 -------Antitumor activity[120]
111Akebia quinataArabinans--100.00 -------Immunomodulatory activity[121]
112Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans33.3 16.60-50.00 ------Immunomodulatory activity[122]
113Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans17.97--82.03 ------Immunomodulatory activity[123]
114Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans28.36--70.43 ------Immunomodulatory activity[124]
115Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans14.80 --85.20 ------Immunomodulatory activity[125]
116Anemarrhena asphodeloidesGlucomannans10.90 2.60 7.30 79.00 -0.20 ----Immunomodulatory activity[126]
117Dendrobium wardianumGlucomannans22.85 --76.66 ------Antitumor activity[127]
118Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans22.84 --77.16 ------Antitumor activity[128]
119Platycodon grandiflorumGlucomannans42.00 --57.96 ------Antitumor activity[129]
120Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans17.92 --82.08 ------Neuroprotective activity[130]
121Dendrobium huoshanenseGlucomannans24.19 --75.81 ------Neuroprotective activity[131]
122Dendrobium huoshanenseGlucomannans33.47 0.48 0.26 65.79 ------Gastroprotective activity[132]
123Dendrobium huoshanenseGlucomannans24.75 --75.25 ------Gastroprotective activity[133]
124Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans24.00 --76.00 ------Hepatoprotective activity[134]
125Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans17.24 --82.76 ------Renal protective activity[135]
126Dendrobium officinaleGlucomannans28.17 --71.83 ------Regulation of intestinal flora[136]
127Dendrobium huoshanenseGlucomannans36.07 1.65 -62.25 ------Anti-osteoporosis activity[137]
128Bletilla striataGlucomannans25.00 --75.00 ------Antioxidant activity[138]
129Dendrobium officinaleMannans5.09 2.29 1.46 91.15 ------Immunomodulatory activity[139]
130Ginkgo bilobaMannans-2.91 -97.08 ------Antioxidant activity[140]
131Codonopsis pilosulaFructans3.40 --------96.60 Regulation of intestinal flora[141]
132Codonopsis pilosulaFructans2.72 --------97.28 Regulation of intestinal flora[142]
133Ophiopogon japonicusFructans---------100.00 Regulation of intestinal flora[143]
134Ophiopogon japonicusFructans---------100.00 Regulation of intestinal flora[144]
135Ophiopogon japonicusFructans---------100.00 Regulation of intestinal flora[145]
136Ophiopogon japonicusFructans---------100.00 Regulation of intestinal flora[146]
137Polygonati kingianumFructans6.90 --0.90 -----91.30 Regulation of intestinal flora[147]
138Polygonatum kingianumFructans6.44 --------93.56 Regulation of intestinal flora[148]
139Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans3.44 --------96.32 Regulation of intestinal flora[149]
140Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans7.50 --7.40 -----77.40 Regulation of intestinal flora[150]
141Polygonatum kingianumFructans7.10 --------92.90 Regulation of intestinal flora[151]
142Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans5.84 --3.18 -----89.48 Regulation of intestinal flora[152]
143Atractylodes lanceaFructans5.52 --------94.48 Regulation of intestinal flora[153]
144Codonopsis pilosulaFructans---------100.00 Immunomodulatory activity[154]
145Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans19.19--------80.81 Immunomodulatory activity[155]
146Polygonatum odoratumFructans3.30 --------96.70 Immunomodulatory activity[156]
147Atractylodis MacrocephalaeFructans11.00 --------89.00 Immunomodulatory activity[157]
148Anemarrhena asphodeloidesFructans5.50 --------94.50 Immunomodulatory activity[158]
149Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans6.37 0.90-------92.73 Antioxidant activity[159]
150Polygonatum sibiricumFructans5.40 --3.60 -----91.00 Antioxidant activity[160]
151Polygonatum cyrtonemaFructans3.85 --------95.89 Antioxidant activity[161]
152Polygonatum kingianumFructans7.20 0.80 -------92.00 Antioxidant activity[162]
153Liriope spicataFructans3.33 --------96.57 Hypoglycaemic activity[163]
154Ophiopogon japonicasFructans---------100.00 Hypoglycaemic activity[164]
155Polygonatum kingianumFructans-11.20 -1.10 -----87.70 Hypoglycaemic activity[165]
156Codonopsis pilosulaFructans3.17 -2.40 ------94.21 Hepatoprotective activity[166]
157Ophiopogon japonicusFructans3.13 --------96.86 Hepatoprotective activity[167]
158Plantago asiaticaAraboxylans--32.20 --61.10 ----Regulation of intestinal flora[168]
159Plantago asiaticaAraboxylans--32.20 --61.10 ----Hypoglycaemic activity[169]
160Prunella vulgarisAraboxylans8.30 9.70 24.20 1.90 -55.90 ----Immunomodulatory activity[170]
161Panax ginsengPectins18.20 19.40 7.90 -5.20 ---49.30 -Immunomodulatory activity[171]
162Panax ginsengPectins1.9041.20 7.300.80----45.80-Immunomodulatory activity[172]
163Panax ginsengPectins2.00 5.90 ------92.10 -Immunomodulatory activity[173]
164Panax ginsengPectins3.00 19.50 9.20 0.40 21.80 --2.20 33.80 -Immunomodulatory activity[174]
165Panax ginsengPectins12.28 14.58 15.53 -9.86 ---47.74 -Immunomodulatory activity[175]
166Panax ginsengPectins3.00 19.50 9.20 -21.80 ---33.80 -Immunomodulatory activity[176]
167Codonopsis pilosulaPectins--3.50 -5.70 ---90.80 -Immunomodulatory activity[177]
168Codonopsis pilosulaPectins-4.92 2.92 -7.59 ---84.55 -Immunomodulatory activity[178]
169Angelica sinensisPectins4.30 21.60 22.40 7.50 3.50 ---39.00 -Immunomodulatory activity[179]
170Panax notoginsengPectins4.50 33.30 25.20 -15.50 ---17.10 -Immunomodulatory activity[180]
171Plantago asiaticaPectins5.67 24.00 15.89 3.79 17.89 7.12 1.11 1.86 22.68 -Immunomodulatory activity[181]
172Panax quinquefoliusPectins11.50 15.20 19.20 12.00 2.10 9.60 -4.10 26.30 -Immunomodulatory activity[182]
173Pueraria lobataPectins4.05 16.60 16.52 0.48 6.14 4.75 2.54 1.47 47.44 -Immunomodulatory activity[183]
174Atractylodis MacrocephalaePectins-4.20 6.80 -11.00 ---77.90 -Immunomodulatory activity[184]
175Gardenia jasminoidesPectins6.03 18.52 20.30 -5.02 ---50.14 -Immunomodulatory activity[185]
176Ginkgo bilobaPectins1.97 6.00 7.86 0.44 6.95 0.57 0.61 2.43 73.18 -Immunomodulatory activity[186]
177Saposhnikovia divaricataPectins-5.80 7.60 -1.60 ---85.60 -Immunomodulatory activity[187]
178Saposhnikovia divaricataPectins-43.00 35.00 -2.00 ---20.00 -Immunomodulatory activity[188]
179Lycium barbarumPectins6.1517.15 4.16 -18.503.36 --46.91-Antioxidant activity[189]
180Lycium barbarumPectins7.37 9.95 8.93 2.47 7.00 1.16 --60.55 -Antioxidant activity[190]
181Codonopsis pilosulaPectins-11.00 8.90 -9.30 ---70.10 -Antioxidant activity[191]
182Bupleurum chinensePectins2.50 16.70 12.90 -14.20 1.60 --49.20 -Antioxidant activity[192]
183Salvia miltiorrhizaPectins4.00 5.60 5.60 -5.20 ---78.80 -Antioxidant activity[193]
184Ziziphus jujubaPectins5.9121.69 25.89 -10.69 ---33.49 -Antioxidant activity[194]
185Polygonatum odoratumPectins-10.90 6.10 -4.40 1.10 -1.00 76.50 -Antioxidant activity[195]
186Morus albaPectins-12.70 8.90 -15.70 --2.00 61.00 -Antioxidant activity[196]
187Sophorae TonkinensisPectins1.20 9.70 7.30 2.00 18.40 0.90 --60.40 -Antioxidant activity[197]
188Codonopsis pilosulaPectins-4.16 4.16 -8.32 ---83.20 -Antitumor activity[198]
189Bupieurum chinensePectins-4.42 11.51 -7.18 ---76.89 -Antitumor activity[199]
190Lycium barbarumPectins15.47 14.67 27.95 4.10 3.19 ---34.62 -Antitumor activity[200]
191Lycium ruthenicumPectins-26.60 24.90 -14.40 16.40 --17.70 -Antitumor activity[201]
192Polygonum multiflorumPectins-29.60 24.60 -26.40 ---20.00 -Antitumor activity[202]
193Polygala tenuifoliaPectins-18.90 65.60 -7.30 ---8.20 -Antitumor activity[203]
194Panax ginsengPectins18.50 18.0015.50 -2.50 ---44.20 -Hypoglycaemic activity[204]
195Lycium barbarumPectins5.29 19.53 23.10 3.49 2.77 3.46 --42.33 -Hypoglycaemic activity[205]
196Lycium barbarumPectins-3.09 37.29 14.30 4.75 1.76 --38.76 -Hypoglycaemic activity[206]
197Ziziphus jujubaPectins4.05 9.48 3.29 -9.13 ---68.71 -Hypoglycaemic activity[207]
198Schisandra chinensisPectins1.10 1.29 0.89 0.71 0.88 --2.56 90.06 -Hypoglycaemic activity[208]
199Pseudostellaria heterophyllaPectins-7.00 20.50 -5.10 ---63.20 -Hypoglycaemic activity[209]
200Lycium barbarumPectins-8.7815.41 -----75.81 -Regulation of intestinal flora[210]
201Gardenia jasminoidesPectins3.18 4.16 4.72 -5.91 ---82.03 -Regulation of intestinal flora[211]
202Lycium barbarumPectins3.90 20.42 43.84 0.97 6.20 ---24.67 -Regulation of intestinal flora[212]
203Morus albaPectins5.74 17.28 24.13 -23.00 1.12 -4.12 24.60 -Regulation of intestinal flora[213]
204Dendrobium nobilePectins0.43 3.55 4.47 -2.38 17.84 0.26 1.26 69.80 -Hepatoprotective activity[214]
205Panax notoginsengPectins1.60 3.00 4.50 0.20 3.80 ---86.80 -Hepatoprotective activity[215]
206Crataegus pinnatifidaPectins--------100.00-Hepatoprotective activity[216]
207Gardenia jasminoidesPectins-3.22 4.14 -5.77 ---86.87 -Hepatoprotective activity[217]
208scrophularia ningpoensisPectins-24.00 13.50 5.40 1.20 0.50 -4.40 51.10 -Neuroprotective activity[218]
209Polygala tenuifoliaPectins-19.80 63.50 -8.30 ---8.40 -Neuroprotective activity[219]
210Eucommia ulmoidesPectins1.54 9.43 34.22 0.97 18.32 -0.14 1.27 34.11 -Anti-osteoporosis activity[220]
Note: No. indicates the serial number. Source indicates the plant’s Latin name.
Table 2. Summary of the Effects of Different Polysaccharide Types on Biological Activity.
Table 2. Summary of the Effects of Different Polysaccharide Types on Biological Activity.
Types of PolysaccharidesImmunomodulatory ActivityAntioxidant ActivityRegulation of Intestinal FloraHepatoprotective ActivityNeuroprotective ActivityAntitumor ActivityHypoglycaemic ActivityAnti-Inflammatory ActivityAnti-Ageing ActivityGastroprotective ActivityRenal Protective ActivityAnti-Osteoporosis Activity
Glucans2198876440000
Galactans9117044004000
Mannans511123000211
Fructans5414200300000
Pectins21104426600001
Note: The numbers in the table represent the number of literature references collected in this paper for biological activities of different polysaccharides.
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Fan, X.; Li, K.; Yang, M.; Qin, X.; Li, Z.; Du, Y. The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27, 3075. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073075

AMA Style

Fan X, Li K, Yang M, Qin X, Li Z, Du Y. The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2026; 27(7):3075. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073075

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fan, Xinhui, Ke Li, Maohui Yang, Xuemei Qin, Zhenyu Li, and Yuguang Du. 2026. "The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27, no. 7: 3075. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073075

APA Style

Fan, X., Li, K., Yang, M., Qin, X., Li, Z., & Du, Y. (2026). The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(7), 3075. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073075

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