Polysaccharides; Classification, Chemical Properties, and Future Perspective Applications in Fields of Pharmacology and Biological Medicine (A Review of Current Applications and Upcoming Potentialities)

Abstract

Polysaccharides are essential macromolecules which almost exist in all living forms, and have important biological functions, they are getting more attention because they exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumour, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antiviral, and hypoglycemia activities, making them one of the most promising candidates in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Polysaccharides can be obtained from many different sources, such as plants, microorganisms, algae, and animals. Due to their physicochemical properties, they are susceptible to physical and chemical modifications leading to enhanced properties, which is the basic concept for their diverse applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. In this review, we will give insight into the most recent updated applications of polysaccharides and their potentialities as alternatives for traditional and conventional therapies. Challenges and limitations for polysaccharides in pharmaceutical utilities are discussed as well.

Keywords: Biological activities; Carbohydrates; Future prospects; Pharmacological applications; Polysaccharides.

Fig. 1

Examples of polysaccharides from different sources

Fig. 2

Major macromolecules founded in the body with its precursors

Fig. 3

Branched and unbranched homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides, different monosaccharides represented by different colors

Fig. 4

Classification of polysaccharides according to the type of monosaccharides building blocks and their physiological properties

Fig. 5

Chitosan-based drug delivery systems

Fig. 6

Possible immune mechanism cytokines a fungus polysaccharides increased the production of IL-2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, and IL-1β generated from T cells. Cytokines b mushroom polysaccharides increased the production of IL-1, 2, 3, 12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ of NK cells. Cytokines c fungus polysaccharides could improve the release of IL-6 and 8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ from macrophages. ConA was used as a specific T cell activator, and LPS was used as a general activator of B cells, macrophages, and DCs [82]