Structural diversity and bioactivity of polysaccharides from medicinal mushroom Phellinus spp.: A review.

• This review comprehensively presented naturally occurring polysaccharides from rare medicinal mushroom Phellinus spp. (PPs). • Preparation methods, physicochemical properties, and structural features of PPs were summarized. • Biological activities, underlying molecular mechanisms, and potential application of PPs were outlined. • Future perspectives and challenges of PPs were proposed. Phellinus spp., an important medicinal fungus mushroom extensively cultivated and consumed in East Asia for over 2000 years, is traditionally considered a precious food supplement and medicinal ingredient. Published studies showed that the polysaccharides are major bioactive macromolecules from Phellinus spp. (PPs) with multiple health-promoting effects, including immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and other bioactivities. Although the polysaccharides extracted from the fruiting body, mycelium, and fermentation broth of Phellinus spp. have been extensively studied for the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, and pharmacological activities, the knowledge for their structures and bioactivity relationship, toxicologic effects, and pharmacokinetic profile is limited. This review systematically summarizes the recent progress in the isolation and purification, chemical structures, bioactivities, and the underlying mechanisms of PPs. Information from this review provides insights into the further development of polysaccharides from PPs as therapeutic agents and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]