Isolation, structural and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl.: A review

Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii), a valuable herbal medicine in China, has great medicinal and edible value. Polysaccharides, as one of the main active components of A. roxburghii, comprise glucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, rhamnose, and mannose in different molar ratios and glycosidic bond types. By varying the sources and extraction methods of A. roxburghii polysaccharides (ARPS), different structural char-acteristics and pharmacological activities can be elucidated. ARPS has been reported to exhibit antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immune regulation activities. This review summarizes the available literature on the extraction and purification methods, structural features, biological activities, and applications of ARPS. The shortcomings of the current research and potential focus in future studies are also highlighted. This review provides systematic and current information on ARPS to promote their further exploitation and application.

Automated summary

This article summarizes an important herbal medicine in China, Anoectochilus roxburghii, which has great medicinal and edible value. Polysaccharides, one of the main active components of A. roxburghii, have different structural characteristics and pharmacological activities depending on the sources and extraction methods. The review provides information on the extraction and purification methods, structural features, biological activities, and applications of A. roxburghii polysaccharides, as well as highlighting current research shortcomings and potential focus for future studies.