Panax notoginseng polysaccharides: a review focusing on the extraction, isolation, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications

Abstract

Panax notoginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine containing various constituents, including the saponins, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, amino acids, etc. It has beneficial functions, such as the anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and anti-aging effects. Among these, P. notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) have been exploited because of their extensive pharmacological effects, being ranked as one of the current research hotspots, especially for the functional foods and medical practice. In this review, the literature related to PNPs in the past 20 years was surveyed and analyzed using both the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The visualization diagram shows that current studies on PNPs mainly focus on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and structural characterization. In addition, the extraction, separation, purification, chemical analysis, structural characteristics, bioactivities, and applications of PNPs are outlined, in detail, aimed to provide valuable information for the further study, development, and utilization regarding PNPs.

Keywords

Biological activity / Extraction / Isolation / Panax notoginseng polysaccharides / Structural characterization

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC3501805), the Science and Technology Program of Tianjin in China (23ZYJDSS00030), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82374030), the Science & Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education (2021KJ127), and Tianjin Outstanding Youth Fund (23JCJQJC00030).

Author contributions

Jiaqi Huang, Yuheng Zhao, and Mengyao Wang conceived and designed this original draft. Xiaojin Tian and Dianxin Cui investigated and analyzed data curation. Qilong Wang, Xue Li, Honghua Wu, and Wenzhi Yang participated in writing, editing, and funding acquisition. All of the authors have read and approved the published version of the manuscript.

Ethical approval of studies and informed consent

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

None.

Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

References

[1] Zhang Zihao, Li Raorao, Chen Yu, et al. Integration of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine with modern biomedicine: the scientization, evidence, and challenges for integration of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupunct Herb Med. 2024; 4(1):68-78.

[2] Huang R, Zhu XH, Zhao JH, et al. Extraction process and research progress in antioxidation of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide. Anhui Chem Ind. 2023; 49(1):14-17.

[3] Liu SN, Yang Y, Qu Y, et al. Structural characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng residue and its immunomodulatory activity on bone marrow dendritic cells. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020; 161:797-809.

[4] Liu YZ, Jiang JY, La MCD, et al. Research progress on the hypolipidemic bioactive components and mechanism of action of Rheum. J Food Safety Qual. 2023; 14:273-282.

[5] Wang CX, Liu SN, Xu JW, et al. Dissolvable microneedles based on Panax notoginseng polysaccharide for transdermal drug delivery and skin dendritic cell activation. Carbohydr Polym. 2021; 268:118211.

[6] Guo JJ, Li LL, Zhu HC, et al. Main components of Panax notoginseng and its immune regulation. J Tianjin Univ Tradit Chin Med. 2014; 33(2):119-124.

[7] Xiong YH, Li J, Huang S, et al. Content determination of total polysaccharides in Panax notoginseng. Asia-Pacific Tradit Med. 2011; 7(7):7-9.

[8] Wu J, Chen RZ, Tan L, et al. Ultrasonic disruption effects on the extraction efficiency, characterization, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng flower. Carbohydr Polym. 2022; 291:119535.

[9] Zhang S, Ding CB, Liu XL, et al. Research progress on extraction, isolation, structural analysis and biological activity of polysaccharides from Panax Genus. Molecules. 2023; 28:3733.

[10] Hou Q. Physical characteristics and extracting effective ingredients of micron Panax notoginseng. Northeast Agric Univ. 2014; 11:1-53.

[11] Zhou XH. Optimization of fermented monkey head mushroom polysaccharide extraction process by response surface method. Chem Engineer. 2023 ;37(5):10-14+52.

[12] Feng SL. Structure elucidation of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides and the mechanism of lifespan-extension in Caenorhbditis elegans. Sichuan Agric Univ. 2018; 14:1-125.

[13] Chen M. Structural analysis and anti-aging activity of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng. Northeast Norm Univ. 2020; 16:1-181.

[14] Chen JE, Liu H, Zhao ZG, et al. Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of Panax notoginseng root polysaccharides using response surface methodology. J Agric Sci Technol. 2018; 20(4):138-146.

[15] Li JX, Hu YL, Qiao CL, et al. Microwave assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng. J Food Sci Technol. 2018; 36(2):63-68.

[16] Weng YY, Wei TY, Tong ZF. Study on extraction of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides by internal boiling method. Lishizhen Med Mater Med Res. 2011; 22(6):1435-1436.

[17] Liu PP, Yu D, Wang CT, et al. Optimization of microbial fermentation extraction process of Panax notoginseng and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory effect. Food Res Dev. 2019 ;40(18):71-78+83.

[18] Yang J, Yuan YZ, Yu GF, et al. Research progress of chemical composition and pharmacological actions of Panax notoginseng. Moder Tradit Chin Med Mater Med-World Sci Technol. 2017; 19(10):7.

[19] Peng CY, Liao LM. Study on extraction of mulberry leaf polysaccharides by internal boiling under reduced pressure. Feed Res. 2022; 45(12):77-80.

[20] Tan L. Research on extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from notoginseng and ginseng in different Parts. Changchun Norm Univ. 2018; 10:1-136.

[21] Wei XM, Yang WM, Nie XF, et al. Optimization and comparative analysis of the extraction technic for polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen ex C. H. and Lonicera japonica Thunb. Chin Wild Plant Resour. 2020; 39(4):19-22.

[22] Cheong KL, Wu DT, Deng Y, et al. Qualitation and quantification of specific polysaccharides from Panax species using GC-MS, saccharide mapping and HPSEC-RID-MALLS. Carbohydr Polym. 2016; 153:47-54.

[23] Wang LG, Sun XM, Li BH. A study of foam separation of notoginseng saponin and saccharide. J Anal Sci. 2003; 19(3):267-269.

[24] Chen W, Zhou MM, Li XN, et al. The application of extracting Panax notoginseng polysaccharides by orthogonal method. J Jilin Med Coll. 2009; 30(1):15-17.

[25] Yang HR, Li X, Liu H, et al. Novel polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng with immunoregulation and prebiotic effects. Food Biosci. 2023; 51:102310.

[26] Cao Y, Liu J. Extraction, separation and monosaccharide composition analysis of polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng. Food Ind. 2019; 40(6):128-131.

[27] Xia D. Study on water extraction and decolorization process of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide and its quality standard evaluation. Kunming Med Univ. 2023; 19:1-95.

[28] Wu XP. Study on moisture absorption and moisture retention, antioxidant properties of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides and its application in transparent toothpaste. Kunming Med Univ. 2022; 18:1-74.

[29] Li HY, Hu JW. Purification and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Gynura Procumbens leaves by column chromatography. Biol Chem Eng. 2020; 6(1):7-11.

[30] Li HY, Zhong YY, Li S, et al. Isolation and purification of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide and its effect on proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells and mice osteoblasts in vitro. West Chin J Pharm Sci. 2019; 34(5):433-439.

[31] Zhu XX, Luo XG. Progress in extraction and purification of polysaccharides. Food Res Dev. 2007; 28(3):186-189.

[32] Liu YH. Purification, structural analysis of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides and their protective effect on hematopoietic function in mice with bone marrow suppression. Kunming Med Univ. 2020; 16:1-1465.

[33] Li P, Zhao CW, Zhu HW. Study of the optimal dosage of panax polysaccharide extract on mices immunity. Gansu Anim Husb Vet Med. 2014; 44(6):24-27.

[34] Gao JW, Zhu XJ, Yao SX, et al. Orthogonal experiment was used to optimize the determination method of total polysaccharide in Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide capsules. Chin J Ethnomed Ethnopharm. 2023; 32(16):33-35.

[35] Liu QS, Liu CB, Wang Z, et al. The influence of drying methods on apple pectin content and quality characteristics. Sci Technol Food Ind. 2023; 45(8):88-96.

[36] Wang XY, Yang H, Liu L. Comparison for the research of polysaccharide in raw and prepared Panax notoginseng. J Henan Univ (Med Sci). 2010; 29(4):235-236.

[37] Li JH, Zhu L, He YL, et al. Optimization of extraction process of cooked Panax notoginseng polysaccharide. Chin Tradit Patent Med. 2018; 40(3):745-748.

[38] Sheng YH, Wang J, Guo JJ, et al. Study on purification and physicochemical properties of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides. Chin Tradit Herb Drugs. 2007; 38(7):987-989.

[39] Liu Y, Fan K, Li LJ, et al. Studies on content determination of the polysaccharides in Panax notoginseng and change of polysaccharides in Panax notoginseng collected at different Parts. Chin J Exp Tradit Med Formulae. 2012; 18(19):118-120.

[40] Zhong SE, Huang GQ, Chen JX, et al. Extraction, separation and structural characterization of polysaccharide from leaves of Panax notoginseng. Chin J Exp Tradit Med Formulae. 2016; 22(21):50-54.

[41] Huang CF, Jing XQ, Wu QH, et al. Novel pectin-like polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng attenuates renal tubular cells fibrogenesis induced by TGF-β. Carbohydr Polym. 2022; 276:118772.

[42] Hu JW, Wu J, Wu L, et al. Physicochemical characteristics and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from Gynura procumbens leaves. Mod Food Sci Technol. 2019 ;35(9):74-80+257.

[43] Mi KC, Yang Y, Saideaihemaiti W, et al. Structural analysis of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from Panax notoginseng. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020; 155:376-385.

[44] Xue LJ, Gai FM, Bin BZ. Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a novel polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng. Front Pharmacol. 2023; 14:1190233.

[45] Gong DY, Huang J, Wang H, et al. Isolation, purification and structure analysis of flowers of Panax notoginseng. Nat Prod Res Dev. 2013; 25:1676-1679.

[46] Feng SL, Cheng HR, Zhou X, et al. Antioxidant and anti-aging activities and structural elucidation of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng root. Process Biochem. 2019; 78:189-199.

[47] Wang CZ, McEntee E, Wicks S, et al. Phytochemical and analytical studies of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen J Nat Med. 2006; 60:97-106.

[48] Yao HYY, Wang JQ, Yin JY, et al. A review of NMR analysis in polysaccharide structure and conformation: progress, challenge and perspective. Food Res Int. 2021; 143:110290.

[49] Chen XH. New uses of Panax notoginseng. New Rural Technol. 2001; 8(1):1-49.

[50] Ma P, Sun C, Li W, et al. Extraction and structural analysis of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide with low molecular weight and its lipid-lowering effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Food Sci Nutr. 2020; 8(7):3212-3224.

[51] Cai W, Xu H, Xie L, et al. Purification, characterization and in vitro anticoagulant activity of polysaccharides from Gentiana scabra Bunge roots. Carbohydr Polym. 2016; 140:308-313.

[52] Yang J. Study on extraction, isolation and biological activity of polysaccharide from sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida. Guangxi Minzu Univ. 2022; 18:1-104.

[53] Li X, Liu H, Yang HR, et al. Hypoglycemic effects of novel Panax notoginseng polysaccharide in mice with diet-induced obesity. Foods. 2022; 11:3101.

[54] Shen SW, Zhou C, Zeng YB, et al. Structures, physicochemical and bioactive properties of polysaccharides extracted from Panax notoginseng using ultrasonic/microwave-assisted extraction. LWT. 2022; 154:112446.

[55] Wu P. Isolation, purification, structural characterization and antitumor activity of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide. Tianjin Univ Sci Tech. 2021; 18:1-63.

[56] Ni J, Wang X, Stojanovic A, et al. Single-cell RNA sequencing of tumor-infiltrating NK cells reveals that inhibition of transcription factor HIF-1α unleashes NK cell activity. Immunity. 2020;52(6):1075-1087.

[57] Wang YH. Protective effect of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury and its mechanism in rats. Univ South Chin. 2019; 15:1-56.

[58] Li HY, Gu LL, Zhong YY, et al. Administration of polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng prolonged the survival of H22 tumor-bearing mice. Onco Targets Ther. 2016; 9:3433-3441.

[59] Ma MY, Liu XB, Ma CQ, et al. Enhancing the antitumor immunosurveillance of PD-L1-targeted gene therapy for metastatic melanoma using cationized Panax notoginseng polysaccharide. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022; 226:1309-1318.

[60] Cai Y, Yang L, Si YY, et al. Effect of enteral nutrition add Panax notoginseng polysaccharides on cellular immune function of rats traumatized. J Kunming Med Univ. 2011; 32(6):27-28+52.

[61] Zhong YY, Yang XH, Zhang YW, et al. Effect of Panax notoginseng polysaccharide on immune function of mice. J West Chin Pharm. 2016; 31(6):573-576.

[62] Wu XP, Dai YL, Zhang L, et al. Studies on moisture-absorption-retention and antioxidant activity of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides in vitro. J Kunming Med Univ. 2022; 43(5):1-6.

[63] Tian L, Wang G, Luo PC, et al. Regulation of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides on PKC-η and PKC-ζ expression of type 2 diabetic rats to improve renal function. J Xinxiang Med Univ. 2015;32(6):501-505.

[64] Yang J, Ma YH, Cui XC, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides in diabetic model rats and its therapeutic effect on diabetic retinopathy and their mechanisms. J Jilin Univ (Med Ed). 2017 ;43(4):734-738+860.

[65] Luo B, Yang F, Chen P, et al. A novel polysaccharide separated Panax notoginseng residue ameliorates restraint stress- and lipopolysaccharide-induced enteritis in mice. Chem Biodivers. 2023; 20:e202300648.

[66] Wang CX, Zheng LY, Liu SN, et al. A novel acidic polysaccharide from the residue of Panax notoginseng and its hepatoprotective effect on alcoholic liver damage in mice. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020; 149:1084-1097.

[67] Liu YH, Li S, Pu MD, et al. Structural characterization of polysaccharides isolated from Panax notoginseng medicinal residue and its protective effect on myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide. Chem Biodivers. 2022; 19:e202100681.

[68] Chen T, Wei PP, Li M, et al. The polysaccharide extract of Panax notoginseng and its application in the preparation of anti-fatigue products. CN116138455A 2023-05-23:1-16.

[69] Bi RL, Guo W, Zhao FN, et al. A Panax notoginseng polysaccharide beverage and its preparation method. CN108157699B 2021-09-17:1-8.

[70] Li CC, Wu YN, Yin HR, et al. Preparation method of natural Panax notoginseng polysaccharide and Pickering lotion. CN116375903B 2024-01-26: 1-16.

[71] Ding R, Liu SM, Xiao YC, et al. Method of preparing essence and perfume from waste residue of Panax notoginseng. CN115024480A 2022-09-09: 1-13.