Advances in extraction, structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationship, quality control and applications of polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis: A review.

Metadata-grounded summary

Citation abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tremella fuciformis is an edible fungus with a cultivation and consumption history of over a thousand years in China. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has the effects of moistening the lungs, soothing the intestines, nourishing the skin, and prolonging life, and is often used as a tonic food or added to soups. Its core bioactive component is Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides, which are widely concerned for their potential in health maintenance and disease adjuvant treatment.

AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress in the extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, structure-activity relationships, quality control, and applications of TFPS. It deeply analyzes the controversies and limitations of existing studies, clarifies the correlation between structure and function, and provides a theoretical basis for the standardized production and high-value application of TFPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases like ScienceDirect, PubMed, CNKI, and field journals were searched for extraction, structural characterization, pharmacology, and applications of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides, including recent English/Chinese literature.

RESULTS: Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides have diverse extraction methods (hot water, ultrasonic/microwave-assisted, etc.), with composite tech boosting yield over 50%. Structurally, they have α-1,3-D-mannan backbone, varied monosaccharides, and conformations (random coil, triple-helical). Pharmacologically, they modulate immunity, reduce inflammation/tumors, resist oxidation/aging, protect nerves, regulate metabolism, and maintain intestinal homeostasis. Quality control uses HPLC/GC-MS fingerprints and HPSEC-MALLS for quantification. Applications span pharma (immunoadjuvants), food (additives), cosmetics (moisturizers), and new materials (drug carriers).

CONCLUSION: Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides have great prospects but lack clarity on some mechanisms, higher-order structure research, and standardized quality criteria. With deeper study, they may bring new breakthroughs in industries of health maintenance, disease treatment, and cosmetics and skincare.