Research progress on polysaccharides from medicine and food homology materials in functional foods

Polysaccharides, a class of complex macromolecules, are renowned for their diverse biological functions and integral role in functional foods. The unique biological activities of polysaccharides from medicine and food homology materials (MFPs), such as immunomodulation, carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and lipid metabolism regulation properties, have garnered significant interest. The interaction between polysaccharides and the gut microbiota is pivotal to human health, as polysaccharides can improve various diseases—ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to obesity and diabetes—by influencing the composition and diversity of the intestinal flora. Despite the promising research and applications of polysaccharides, challenges remain, including the need for more efficient extraction and purification methods, as well as a comprehensive understanding of their biological mechanisms. Future research should focus on elucidating the relationship between polysaccharide structure and function, developing large-scale production and application technologies, and fostering innovative interdisciplinary collaborations. MFPs are poised to make substantial contributions to sustainable development and human health, building on the progress of ongoing research. This paper reviews the global advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications of MFPs, highlighting the potential for further scientific and technological breakthroughs in this field of foods creation for special dietary uses.