Polysaccharides from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge, the extraction, purification, structure characterization, biological activities and application of a traditional herbal medicine.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge (commonly known as Zhi Mu in Chinese) is a herbaceous plant predominantly found in China and Korea, with a long history of medicinal use. It possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including blood sugar regulation, immune enhancement, and antioxidant properties. Due to these health benefits, A. asphodeloides is widely utilized as a functional food. Among its bioactive components, Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharides (AAP) stand out as particularly significant. This review systematically examines the extraction, isolation, and purification methods of AAP, their chemical structures, chemical modifications, and the biological activities associated with them. Additionally, the study explores the structure-activity relationships of AAP and its diverse applications across various fields. Furthermore, the article addresses the current limitations in AAP research and discusses future directions for its study and utilization. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive foundation for the further development and application of A. asphodeloides in the healthcare, wellness, and agriculture.