Structural characteristics, biological activities, and wound healing potential of polysaccharides present in Cassia obtusifolia L. seeds: A review

Abstract

Polysaccharides present in Cassia obtusifolia (C. obtusifolia) seeds have emerged as a research hotspot in natural active compounds due to their remarkable bioactivities, including anti-angiogenesis, anti-fatigue, anti-diabetic retinopathy (DR), and immunomodulatory effects. However, key challenges such as low extraction efficiency, unclear structure-activity relationships, and insufficient mechanistic understanding have hindered their large-scale development and application. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in polysaccharides present in C. obtusifolia seeds research. It elucidates the intrinsic correlation between polysaccharide structural characteristics and biological activities, providing a theoretical foundation for functional optimization. Mechanistic studies reveal that polysaccharides present in C. obtusifolia seeds exert protective effects on retinal endothelial cells under hyperglycemic conditions by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway, thereby regulating oxidative stress (OS) and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation-offering novel insights for DR treatment. Furthermore, leveraging their multifaceted bioactivities, we explore polysaccharides present in C. obtusifolia seeds' potential applications in wound healing and related fields. In conclusion, polysaccharides present in C. obtusifolia seeds demonstrate promising prospects for functional food and pharmaceutical development. This review not only provides in-depth understanding of their mechanisms but also establishes a theoretical framework for future research and industrial utilization.

Keywords: Biological activities; Cassia obtusifolia L.; Polysaccharide; Structure-activity relationships; Wound healing.