Research progress in the extraction and purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, structure-activity relationships, and applications from Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. polysaccharides.

Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. (A. oxyphylla) is a plant with both edible and medicinal value, and it has drawn significant attention due to its abundant nutritional components and remarkable pharmacological activities. Studies have shown that A. oxyphylla is rich in various chemical components that may play potential roles in improving human health. Among these, A. oxyphylla polysaccharides, as natural active macromolecules, exhibit multiple pharmacological activities both in vivo and in vitro, including anti-hyperuricemia, antiviral, anti-urinary incontinence, anti-inflammatory, anti-renal injury, and antioxidant effects. Despite the potential value of A. oxyphylla polysaccharides, significant gaps remain in areas such as extraction methodologies, complex higher-order structure characterization, and comprehensive evaluation of their structure-activity relationships. Aiming to promote the further development and application of A. oxyphylla polysaccharides, while also offering insights for the research of other natural polysaccharides.