Polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicines: Extraction, Purification, Modification, and Biological Activity

The document from December 13, 2016, reviews the extraction, purification, modification, and biological activity of polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs). It emphasizes the importance of these polysaccharides due to their wide range of biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-tumor effects. Various extraction methods are discussed, including hot water, enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, each with its own pros and cons. The review also covers the necessity of purification due to the low purity of extracted polysaccharides and the significance of structural determination. Chemical modifications like sulfation and phosphorylation are shown to enhance the biological activities of these polysaccharides, with the degree of substitution being a critical factor. The document also reports that modifications can lead to increased antioxidant, antitumor, and antiherpetic activities, and highlights the immunomodulatory effects of TCM polysaccharides, such as their ability to boost immune cells and influence cytokine secretion. Furthermore, TCM polysaccharides have potential as anti-tumor agents due to their low toxicity and high efficiency. The document concludes that the choice of extraction, purification, and modification methods can significantly affect the activities of TCM polysaccharides and that further investigation into their action mechanisms is needed.