Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 178-187 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 184 neutrophils. Mechanically, ASPs further weakens inflammatory signaling by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway (Zou et al., 2023). ASPs also improve intestinal barrier function through up-regulating tight junction proteins (e.g., zona occludens 1, occludin, claudin-1), and reducing epithelial cell apoptosis (Cheng et al., 2020; Zou et al., 2023). Its nanoparticle formulation can enhance colon-targeted delivery, improve mucosal healing, prolong colon length, and restore intestinal microbiota homeostasis and short-chain fatty acid levels (Xu et al., 2023). 7 Clinical Implications of A. sinensis Polysaccharides 7.1 Progress in preclinical research Existing preclinical studies have shown that, ASPs have multiple activities, such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, liver-protective, anti-fibrotic, anti-tumor and antioxidant (Bi et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021). These effects are closely related to the regulation of inflammatory response, oxidative stress and fibrosis-related signaling pathways, and have been verified in cell and animal models of various diseases, like colitis, arthritis, liver fibrosis and metabolic syndrome etc. (Luo et al., 2023; Xu et al., 2023; Zou et al., 2023). ASPs are a type of natural water-soluble polysaccharides, that have long been applied in traditional medicine and diet. Research generally holds that its toxicity is extremely low, and its safety is relatively high. Due to its stable source and good tolerance, it not only has the potential to be used as a therapeutic drug, but is also highly regarded as a drug carrier. But, there is still a lack of large-scale, standardized clinical trials and systematic safety evaluations at present (Nai et al., 2021; Shen et al., 2024; Tian et al., 2024; Ren et al., 2025). 7.2 Clinical application potential ASPs show promising application prospects, in a variety of chronic inflammation-related diseases, including ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some hematopoietic system diseases (Wang et al., 2020a; Hu et al., 2022; Luo et al., 2023). Studies found that ASPs often function through multiple pathways and multiple links, such as regulating the gut microbiota, restoring immune balance and maintaining tissue integrity (Bi et al., 2021; Zou et al., 2023; Ren et al., 2025). This multi-target mechanism precisely aligns with the complex, and multi-factorial characteristics of chronic diseases. Its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, make ASPs a very promising adjuvant treatment option. It can be used in combination with traditional medicines, or with the help of a nanoparticle delivery system to enhance therapeutic effects and reduce side effects. Existing experimental results have shown that, ASPs can improve the targeting of drugs, promote the recovery of hematopoietic function after chemotherapy, and also produce synergistic effects with other active substances (Zhang et al., 2019; Nai et al., 2021; Xiao et al., 2023; Sun et al., 2024). 7.3 Development of functional foods and health products In recent years, the progress made in the extraction, purification and structural characterization of ASPs has laid a foundation, for their application in the fields of drugs and functional foods. The design of nanoparticles and dual-responsive delivery systems has improved their bioavailability, targeting and therapeutic effects, especially showing application potential in gastrointestinal and liver diseases (Nai et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2023; Sun et al., 2024). ASPs is increasingly being applied in health products and dietary supplements, like immune support, blood replenishment and metabolic regulation (Luo et al., 2023; Tian et al., 2024; Ren et al., 2025). Its safety has been verified. Its natural origin and multi-functional biological activities, make it have broad application prospects in the health industry. 8 Concluding Remarks ASPs have shown obvious potential in anti-inflammation and immune regulation. It can function through multiple molecular mechanisms, including regulating inflammatory mediators, reducing oxidative stress and regulating the
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