Isolation, structural features, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng: A review

Panax notoginseng a member of the Araliaceous family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal and functional food with a long history. This herb contains various compounds, including saponins, alkaloids, flavones, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the primary bioactive substances in P. notoginseng and have garnered significant attention from researchers globally. Numerous studies have confirmed that Panax notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) exhibit a wide range of remarkable bioactivities. These include anti-renal fibrosis, anti-tumor, antioxidation, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, liver protection, hypoglycemia, and anti-cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury effects. They also promote bone growth, defect repair, and improve hematopoietic function. As a natural polysaccharide, PNPs show potential as a drug and functional material with good safety. This review systematically summarizes recent studies on the extraction and purification methods of PNPs, characterizing their chemical structure, biological activity, and application in various fields, aiming to provide theoretical insights and technical guidance for the development of PNPs as a novel functional food.