Structural analysis, pharmacological mechanism, pharmaceutics, and comparison of differences between raw and processed product of polysaccharide from Rehmannia glutinosa: A review.

Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) is a widely used medicinal plant, which was included in China's Medicine Food Homology list in 2024. Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) is one of the primary and most representative pharmacologically active macromolecules of RG, which has been shown in numerous in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities, including immunological regulation, intestinal protection, anti-osteoporosis, anti-anemia, liver and kidney protection, anti-hyperthyroidism, reproductive protection, treatment of cataract, anti-anxiety, anti-aging, and anti-mutagenic properties. To support their therapeutic potential and health functions, this review aims to thoroughly and methodically sort the information on the structural characteristics, biological activities and potential mechanisms of action, pharmaceutics research, and differences between raw and processed RGP. At the same time, it offers fresh, insightful information for further RGP research in the areas of medicinal agents and functional foods.