Preparation, structural characterization, and biological activities of lotus polysaccharides: A review

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), belonging to the family of Nelumbonaceae, is a beautiful aquatic perennial plant. It has been used as an ancient horticulture plant and famous agricultural crop for thousands of years. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological experiments have proved that polysaccharide is one of the most pivotal bioactive constituents of lotus. Hence, the systematic review covering the fundamental research advances and developing prospects of N. nucifera polysaccharides (NNPs) is an urgent demand to provide theoretical basis for their further research and application. The present review summarizes current emerging research progresses on the polysaccharides isolated from lotus, and it focuses on advanced extraction and purification methods, unique structural features, engaging biological activities, potential molecular mechanisms, as well as the relationship of structure and activity of NNPs. This review sheds light on the potential values of NNPs in affording functionally bioactive agents in food industry or therapeutically effective medicines for health care. In addition, this review will provide valuable insights for further commercial product development and promising industrial application of NNPs in both of the fundamental research communities and food or pharmaceutical industries in future.