Overview of oyster polysaccharide extraction process and pharmacological activity studies

Abstract

Ethnopharmacologic relevance

Oysters, also known as oysters or sea oysters, are a type of marine creatures with a long history of medicinal use and rich nutritional value. Oyster shells and oyster meat contain a variety of active substances that can be used as medicinal herbs. Among them, oyster polysaccharides (OPSs) is one of the main active substances, which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and intestinal protective effects. OPSs have received increasing attention for their significant health and medicinal benefits and are considered a valuable resource in the field of ethnopharmacology.

Aim of the study

This overview aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed examination of the techniques for extraction, isolation, and purification, alongside an analysis of the functional properties of OPSs. Furthermore, it discusses the prospects and challenges in harnessing OPSs for industrial use in food and biomedical sectors.

Materials and methods

By inputting the search term “Oyster polysaccharides”, relevant research information was obtained from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Master Theses Database, and China Doctoral Dissertations Database.

Results

The main extraction methods of OPSs include hot water extraction, enzyme extraction, alkali extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Each extraction technique has its unique advantages and limitations. For the crude polysaccharides obtained from extraction, OPSs can be purified using enzymatic and Sevag methods for protein removal, anion-exchange chromatography, and Sephacryl S-400 gel filtration chromatography. OPSs possess a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, intestinal protection, and antidiabetic activities. With a deepening understanding of the nutritional value and functional activity of OPSs, an increasing number of OPSs products have been introduced into the market.

Conclusion

Oysters are marine creatures with a long history of consumption and can be used as a dietary supplement for health and wellness. Polysaccharides are important active substances in oysters with a variety of functional activities. Research on polysaccharides in oysters has been receiving increasing attention, making it one of the most promising options for the development and application of deep-processed oyster products. However, there are some challenges in the research and development of OPSs. Oyster mainly focuses on the study of active peptides. The research foundation on the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of OPSs is weak, and the conformational relationship of polysaccharides and the mechanism of the active effects are not yet fully understood. In this regard, it is necessary to develop efficient separation, purification, and preparation techniques to obtain OPSs. It is also crucial to conduct in-depth studies on their functional activities, further characterize the active mechanisms, and accelerate the widespread application of OPSs in food, pharmaceuticals, and other fields.