Recent progress in the research of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structure and bioactivities

Abstract

The root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, has been used historically as hematopoietic and anti-inflammatory agents for thousands of years. Recent phytochemistry and pharmacological studies have proved that polysaccharides are one of the major active ingredients in A. sinensis. It has been demonstrated that ASPs (A. sinensis polysaccharides) had various important biological activities, such as hematopoietic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. The purpose of this present review is to appraise previous and current literatures on the extraction, purification, structural characterization and biological activities of ASPs. In addition, the structure–activity relationship will be further explored and discussed. We believe that this review will provide a useful bibliography for the investigation, production, and application of ASPs in functional foods and therapeutic agents. Moreover, this review also highlights the challenges of investigation and future considerations for holistic utilization. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].