Therapeutic potential of polysaccharides in inflammation: current insights and future directions

Polysaccharides from plants, microorganisms, algae, and animals exhibit significant anti-inflammatory potential, offering safe and effective therapeutic options for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. This review synthesizes their sources, structural modifications, and mechanisms, including modulation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In vitro models (e.g., RAW264.7 macrophages, THP-1 cells) demonstrate reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-1β by 30–40 % at doses of 50–200 μg/mL), while in vivo models (e.g., DSS-induced colitis, collagen-induced arthritis) show decreased Disease Activity Index and improved histopathological outcomes at doses of 50–200 mg/kg. Chemical modifications, such as sulfation, enhance bioactivity, though challenges like bioavailability, inconsistent methodologies, and variable dosing persist. A comprehensive Table 3 summarizes sources, compounds, models, doses, and effects, while critical evaluations highlight methodological limitations and propose standardized assays (e.g., ELISA, qPCR). Future directions include nanotechnology for improved delivery, bioinformatics for structural optimization, and randomized clinical trials to validate preclinical findings, paving the way for novel polysaccharide-based therapies.