Antitumor Activity of Polysaccharides: An Overview

BACKGROUND: Polysaccharides are widely found in animals, plants and micro- organisms, and are closely related to various physiological functions. It is one of the four basic substances that constitute life activities. Polysaccharide has antitumor, antivirus, antioxidant, immune regulation and other biological activities. OBJECTIVE: Because the polysaccharide has significant antitumor effect and small side-effects, it has become the focus of the current antitumor drug research. RESULTS: Herein, the polysaccharide species with antitumor effect were summarized in recent years, and the antitumor activity mechanisms of polysaccharides were analyzed and discussed. CONCLUSION: Many polysaccharides have good antitumor activity, and they have broad application prospects.