Polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula: Preparation, structural features and biological activities

Abstract Auricularia auricula is a well-known traditional edible fungus with high nutritional and pharmacological values. Polysaccharides are identified as one of the pivotal bioactive constituents of natural extracts of A. auricula. Accumulating evidence has revealed that polysaccharides from A. auricula (AAPs) exhibit diverse biological functions. Hence, a systematic review of research advances and future prospects of AAPs is very necessary for facilitating their better understanding. In this review, we have summarized current knowledge about extraction and purification methods, structural features, biological activities and potential molecular mechanisms of AAPs. Besides, the proposed structure-activity relationships of AAPs have also been highlighted and discussed. This review may provide some valuable insights for further researches regarding AAPs.