The Influence of Monosaccharide Composition on the Bioactivity of Medicinal Plant Polysaccharides: A Review

This review examines the influence of monosaccharide composition on the bioactivity of medicinal plant polysaccharides, analyzing 210 polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants. It highlights that the structural characteristics, particularly monosaccharide composition, significantly affect biological activities such as immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and more. The review categorizes polysaccharides into types like glucans, galactans, mannans, and pectins, and suggests a correlation between their monosaccharide composition and biological functions. This understanding can guide the development of more effective polysaccharide-based therapeutics by optimizing their monosaccharide profiles, emphasizing the potential of these natural compounds in developing therapeutic agents for various diseases.