Recent progress in research on Momordica charantia polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities

Abstract Momordica charantia ( M. charantia ), as a common edible vegetable and herb, is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. M. charantia polysaccharides (MCPs), as the main pharmacologically active component in M. charantia , are water-soluble polysaccharides with an average molecular weight of 4–900 kDa. The extraction methods of MCPs mainly include hot water extraction, acid extraction, alkali extraction, ultrasonic extraction, enzyme extraction and three-phase partitioning extraction, and different extraction methods will affect the yield of MCPs. MCPs possess a variety of bioactivities, including antidiabetic, antiaging, antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this review is to systematically summarize the latest research progress of MCPs in extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activity. In addition, the structure–activity relationship will be further discussed. We believe that this review will provide a useful reference for the investigation, production, and application of MCPs in functional foods and therapeutic agents. Graphical Abstract