Recent advances in Grifola frondosa polysaccharides: production, properties, and bioactivities

Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa), a valuable, edible, and medicinal fungus, has many biological activities, including antioxidant activity, immune regulation, and hypoglycemic effects. Polysaccharides are the main active components in G. frondosa, and their biological activities are closely related to its structure. This review summarizes the production, properties, and bioactivities of G. frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs) reported in recent years. Herein, the biosynthetic pathway of GFPs was speculated, providing ideas for tailoring the structure through gene editing. The structural characterization of GFPs has involved molecular weight determination, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond characterization, branching ratio, chemical structure, and chain conformation. However, the analysis of the specific structures of GFPs is still unclear. The possible action or mechanisms of bioactivities are summarized and classified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, new perspectives for future studies on GFPs in health foods and pharmaceuticals are also proposed.