Advanced insights into mushroom polysaccharides: Extraction methods, structure-activity, prebiotic properties, and health-promoting effects.

Mushroom-derived polysaccharides, especially β-glucans, have attracted considerable attention because of their various biological regulatory functions. Advanced extraction technologies, including ultrasonic-assisted, microwave-assisted, enzyme-assisted, ultrasonic-microwave synergistic, subcritical water, and aqueous two-phase extractions, are extensively utilized to optimize the efficient recovery of biologically active compounds from mushrooms, progressively supplanting conventional methods. In addition, mushroom polysaccharides are acknowledged as "important biological response modifiers." Beyond their diverse bioactivities, including anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemia, anti-lipidemic, and antioxidant effects, increasing interest has been directed towards their prebiotic potential, especially regarding their ability to influence gut microbiota. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the extraction and purification methods, biological properties, structure-function relationships, and mechanisms of mushroom polysaccharides, highlighting the latest advancements in the field from 2019 to 2024. Additionally, this review discusses the key findings and limitations associated with the structure-function correlation. While most studies focus on β-glucans or their extracts, α-glucans and chitin have gained increasing attention. The prebiotic potential is associated with α-glucans and chitin, with chitin recognized for its substantial antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. This review systematically identifies current research gaps and proposes avenues for future investigation into the therapeutic potential of mushroom polysaccharides. However, further research is required to comprehensively understand their full therapeutic potential.