A review of advances in the extraction, structural characterization, gel properties, and biological activity mechanisms of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides.

Dendrobium, a well-known medicinal and edible plant, has been extensively studied and proven to possess various bioactivities and significant market value. Therefore, it has garnered considerable attention in the fields of medicine, food, and cosmetics. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs), primarily composed of glucose, mannose, xylose, and galactose, are among the main active components of Dendrobium officinale and are widely used worldwide. Polysaccharides and their derivatives exhibit a variety of biological properties, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and gastrointestinal protective effects. In addition, polysaccharide gels, as drug carriers, have potential application prospects. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, gel properties and biological activity mechanisms of DOP, in order to provide basic reference for the development and application of DOP in the fields of food, medicine and health care. At the same time, the shortcomings of DOP research are discussed in depth, and the potential development prospect and future research direction are prospected.