Unlocking the anti-aging potential of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Structure-activity insights, mechanisms, and future therapeutics.

Abstract

Aging is a time-dependent biological process characterized by degenerative changes in the body, influenced by genetics, environment, and dietary habits. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) have emerged as promising candidates for promoting health, with evidence supporting their role in enhancing immunity, maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis, and mitigating systemic inflammation induced by oxidative stress. However, influenced by multiple factors such as regional differences, diverse extraction methods, and structural complexity, LBPs have limitations in basic research and industrial applications, which impeded the in-depth development of LBPs in anti-aging and aging-related diseases mechanisms research, and industrial utilization. This review comprehensively summarizes the source, extraction, purification, structural characterizations of LBPs, and bioactivities on aging and aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders. We reviewed the mechanisms through which LBPs exert their benefits, including immune regulation, modulation of gut microbiota, anti-oxidation properties, and overall host health. Additionally, we also discussed the applications of LBPs in functional foods, medicines, animal feed, and skincare products. The findings from ongoing and future clinical trials highlight the potential of LBPs to delay aging and alleviate aging-related diseases, offering valuable insights for their use in clinical settings and as functional food ingredients.