The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides
March 2026
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
Studysummary This review found that different monosaccharide compositions in polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants are linked to varying biological activities, with glucans, galactans, mannans, fructans, and pectins showing significant roles in immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, and other health benefits.
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This review examines the relationship between the monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants and their biological activities, categorizing 210 polysaccharides into 10 types. It finds that specific monosaccharides contribute to various bioactivities: glucans and galactans are linked to immunomodulation and antioxidant effects; mannans are associated with antitumor activity and neuroprotection; fructans are important for gut microbiota regulation; and pectins show notable hypoglycaemic properties. The review highlights the potential of developing polysaccharides with high biological activity based on their monosaccharide composition, emphasizing the need for further research into the structure-activity relationship to enhance their bioactivity.
