The mechanism and research progress of the protective effects of plant polysaccharides on DNA damage

DNA damage can impair gene function, thereby affecting transcription, DNA replication, and cell division. If DNA damage is not repaired promptly, the integrity and stability of the genome may be compromised, leading to cell cycle arrest or even cell death, and potentially contributing to major diseases such as cancer. Preventing and effectively treating DNA damage that leads to cancer has become a major focus in the medical field. Plant polysaccharides have demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing cancer caused by DNA damage and have achieved notable outcomes. In this paper, by examining the relationship between DNA damage and human carcinogenesis, plant polysaccharides may demonstrate promising potential as effective anticancer agents. Additionally, we also explored the ability of plant polysaccharides not only to prevent DNA damage through their antioxidant effects and to prevent DNA damage-induced carcinogenesis by participating in the DNA damage repair process, but also explored the mechanism of action of plant polysaccharides on DNA damage repair through network pharmacology of potential targets of plant polysaccharides-mediated DNA damage. This review presents a novel framework for protecting natural plant polysaccharides against DNA damage and carcinogenesis, with the aim of contributing to the development of future cancer therapies.