Therapeutic Prospects of <i>Undaria pinnatifida</i> Polysaccharides: Extraction, Purification, and Functional Activity

<i>Undaria pinnatifida</i>, an edible brown seaweed that is widely consumed in East Asia, has gained increasing recognition for its health benefits. Among its bioactive compounds, polysaccharides have attracted significant attention due to their diverse biological activity. This review p...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kit-Leong Cheong, Wenjie Chen, Min Wang, Saiyi Zhong, Suresh Veeraperumal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Marine Drugs
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/4/163
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:<i>Undaria pinnatifida</i>, an edible brown seaweed that is widely consumed in East Asia, has gained increasing recognition for its health benefits. Among its bioactive compounds, polysaccharides have attracted significant attention due to their diverse biological activity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivity of <i>U. pinnatifida</i> polysaccharides. We discuss state-of-the-art extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extraction, as well as purification strategies such as membrane separation and chromatographic methods. Furthermore, we highlight their potential biological activity, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, gut health-promoting, and anti-hyperglycemic effects, along with their underlying mechanisms of action. By summarizing the latest research, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the development and application of <i>U. pinnatifida</i> polysaccharides in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
ISSN:1660-3397