Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships

doi:10.1007/s13659-026-00609-z

Natural Products and Bioprospecting ›› 2026, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (5): 74-74.DOI: 10.1007/s13659-026-00609-z

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Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships

Xue-Fang Zhao^1,2, Zhou-Wei Wu², Xiao-Qiu Liu¹, Ming-Hua Qiu^1,2,3

1. School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China;
2. State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China;
3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China

Received:2025-12-03 Accepted:2026-02-10 Online:2026-10-08
Supported by:
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82373762), the Major Special Program of Science and Technology of Yunnan (202402AA310032, 202305AH340005), as well as the Cooperation Project with China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF, 2025).

Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships

Xue-Fang Zhao^1,2, Zhou-Wei Wu², Xiao-Qiu Liu¹, Ming-Hua Qiu^1,2,3

1. School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, People's Republic of China;
2. State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China;
3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China

通讯作者: Xiao-Qiu Liu,E-mail:liuxiaoqiu3388@126.com;Ming-Hua Qiu,E-mail:mhchiu@mail.kib.ac.cn
基金资助:
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82373762), the Major Special Program of Science and Technology of Yunnan (202402AA310032, 202305AH340005), as well as the Cooperation Project with China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF, 2025).

Abstract

Abstract: Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a high-altitude cruciferous crop native to the Peruvian Andes. Its edible hypocotyl accumulates structurally diverse polysaccharides that exhibit a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and hepatoprotective effects. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the extraction, purification, and structural characterization of maca polysaccharides. Five major structural types have been identified: α-glucans, arabinogalactans (types I and II), homogalacturonans, rhamnogalacturonans, and mannose-containing heteropolysaccharides, with molecular weights spanning three orders of magnitude (3.0-1951.0 kDa). We critically analyze structure-activity relationships, demonstrating that biological functions are governed by the interplay of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage patterns, and spatial conformation. Key findings reveal that medium-molecular-weight fractions (200.0-400.0 kDa) exhibit optimal immunomodulatory activity, specific monosaccharide motifs confer receptor selectivity, and triple-helix conformations enhance immune recognition. Current limitations—including structural heterogeneity, incomplete mechanistic understanding, and lack of clinical validation—are discussed, alongside future research priorities. This work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding maca polysaccharide structure-function relationships and guiding their future development as functional food ingredients.

Key words: Maca polysaccharides, Structural characterization, Biological activity, Structure–activity relationship

摘要： Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a high-altitude cruciferous crop native to the Peruvian Andes. Its edible hypocotyl accumulates structurally diverse polysaccharides that exhibit a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and hepatoprotective effects. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the extraction, purification, and structural characterization of maca polysaccharides. Five major structural types have been identified: α-glucans, arabinogalactans (types I and II), homogalacturonans, rhamnogalacturonans, and mannose-containing heteropolysaccharides, with molecular weights spanning three orders of magnitude (3.0-1951.0 kDa). We critically analyze structure-activity relationships, demonstrating that biological functions are governed by the interplay of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage patterns, and spatial conformation. Key findings reveal that medium-molecular-weight fractions (200.0-400.0 kDa) exhibit optimal immunomodulatory activity, specific monosaccharide motifs confer receptor selectivity, and triple-helix conformations enhance immune recognition. Current limitations—including structural heterogeneity, incomplete mechanistic understanding, and lack of clinical validation—are discussed, alongside future research priorities. This work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding maca polysaccharide structure-function relationships and guiding their future development as functional food ingredients.

关键词: Maca polysaccharides, Structural characterization, Biological activity, Structure–activity relationship

Xue-Fang Zhao, Zhou-Wei Wu, Xiao-Qiu Liu, Ming-Hua Qiu. Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships[J]. Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 2026, 16(5): 74-74.

Xue-Fang Zhao, Zhou-Wei Wu, Xiao-Qiu Liu, Ming-Hua Qiu. Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships[J]. 应用天然产物, 2026, 16(5): 74-74.

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Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships

Maca polysaccharides: structural diversity, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships

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