A mini-review of isolation, chemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from buckwheat (Fagopyrum Mill).

Recently, there has an increased focus on the isolation, chemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from buckwheat (Fagopyrum Mill), which is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have shown that polysaccharides are important biologically-active components of buckwheat, with numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic effects. The purpose of this mini-review is to appraise available literature describing the extraction, separation, purification, structural characterization and biological activities of polysaccharides isolated from buckwheat. This mini-review also provides a foundation for the further investigation, production and application of buckwheat polysaccharides as functional foods and therapeutic agents.