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Spirulina has been widely used worldwide as a food and medicinal ingredient for centuries. Polysaccharides are major bioactive constituents of Spirulina and are of interest because of their functional properties and unlimited application potential. However, the clinical translation and market industrialization of the polysaccharides from genus Spirulina (PGS) are retarded due to the lack of a further understanding of their isolation, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships (SARs), toxicity, and, most importantly, versatile applications. Herein, we provide an overview of the extraction, purification, and structural features of PGS; meanwhile, the advances in bioactivities, SARs, mechanisms of effects, and toxicity are discussed and summarized. Furthermore, the applications, potential developments, and future research directions are scrutinized and highlighted. This review may help fill the knowledge gap between theoretical insights and practical applications and guide future research and industrial application of PGS. • Extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from the genus Spirulina (PGS) were introduced. • Structural features, bioactivities, and structure-activity relationships are summarized and discussed. • The findings on safety concerns and applications were scrutinized and highlighted. • The potential developments and future research directions were envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi is an important resource with dual functions in medicine and food since ancient times. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive component of P. lobata and have various bioactivities, such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunological activities, etc. Due to the distinctive bioactivity of P. lobata polysaccharides (PLPs), the research on PLPs is booming. Although a series of PLPs have been isolated and characterized, the chemical structure and mechanism are unclear and need further study. Here, we reviewed recent progress in isolation, identification, pharmacological properties, and possible therapeutic mechanisms of PLPs to update awareness of these value-added natural polysaccharides. Besides, the structure-activity relationships, application status, and toxic effects of PLPs are highlighted and discussed to afford a deeper understanding of PLPs. This article may provide theoretical insights and technical guidance for developing PLPs as novel functional foods. • Extraction and purification methods of Pueraria lobata polysaccharides (PLPs) were introduced. • Structural characteristics of different PLPs were summarized and compared. • Structure-activity relationships, bioactivities, and molecular mechanisms of PLPs were outlined. • Recent advances in industrial applications and safety assessment of PLPs were envisioned. • The problem faced and future challenges of PLPs were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]