Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of Asparagus polysaccharides

The genus Asparagus , comprising numerous species, holds significant value as a source of food, medicinal compounds and ornamental plants. Among the plants within this genus , Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. and Asparagus officinalis L., as classic species within the genus Asparagus , have been extensively studied for their nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. It is well known that these plants contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds, among which polysaccharides have emerged as high-value functional constituents due to their well-documented immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. The current state of research on Asparagus polysaccharides has led to the establishment of standardized extraction methods, including hot-water, ultrasound-assisted, and enzyme-assisted techniques. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary and comparison of the extraction methods for Asparagus polysaccharides . This deficiency likely hinders a deep understanding of their structure-activity relationships and further impedes the elucidation of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive survey of research progress in Asparagus polysaccharides, encompassing extraction and purification methods, structural feature analysis, biological activity evaluation, and application development. The integration of extant preparation techniques, structural data, and pharmacology datasets facilitates the systematic exploration of structure-activity relationships, thereby supporting their therapeutic applications. • First systematic review focusing on polysaccharides from genus Asparagus. • Summarizes advanced extraction, purification, and structural characterization research achievement. • Details their proven bioactivities: immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. • Discusses structure-activity relationships to guide future application development.