Integrated extraction, structural elucidation and hypoglycemic mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: a mini review

The species Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU) is gaining increasing attention from nutrition experts and health-conscious consumers due to its nutrient-providing properties. EU has been selected for inclusion in China’s Medicinal Food Directory because of its high safety profile. Polysaccharides are considered the main functional component and active ingredients of this plant. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrate that these polysaccharides, as primary bio-active components of EU, exhibit multiple bio-activities including effectiveness in relieving insulin resistance in diabetes models, lowering blood sugar, and improving diabetes complication. Diabetes represents an increasingly severe global metabolic epidemic that affects millions of people’s quality of life. Additionally, variations in extraction, isolation, and purification methods significantly impact the content, purity, and structural characterization of EU polysaccharides (EUP), thereby influencing its biological activity. Therefore, the present study reviewed the latest progress in the extraction, isolation, and purification methods, structural characteristics, and potential mechanisms of EUP based on a comprehensive literature search and compilation, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research and product development.