International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 342-354 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 351 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1 Standardization of LBP extracts One of the primary challenges in the study of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) is the lack of standardized extraction methods. The bioactivity and composition of LBPs can vary significantly depending on the extraction and purification techniques used. Variability in the yield, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition has been noted across studies, complicating comparisons and conclusions regarding their therapeutic potential. For example, some studies have shown that different extraction methods such as microwave-assisted extraction or classical hot water extraction can result in LBPs with varying immunomodulatory and antioxidant capacities (Gong et al., 2018). Therefore, there is a critical need to establish standardized extraction and characterization protocols to ensure consistency in the bioactive profiles of LBPs across studies (Hao et al., 2020). 7.2 Mechanistic gaps in LBP research Although there is a growing body of research on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of LBPs, many molecular mechanisms remain unclear. For instance, while studies have suggested the involvement of pathways such as Nrf2 in antioxidative stress responses, further exploration is needed to understand the full range of signaling pathways modulated by LBPs. Moreover, the interaction of LBPs with the gut microbiota and how these interactions contribute to immune and metabolic health are areas that require deeper investigation (Ding et al., 2019). Identifying the specific molecular targets and pathways influenced by LBPs is crucial for their development as therapeutic agents. 7.3 Clinical trials and human studies While preclinical studies have demonstrated promising effects of LBPs in various animal models, large-scale human clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings. Most of the current research is limited to in vitro or animal models, and there is a paucity of robust clinical data supporting the efficacy of LBPs in human populations, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer (Tian et al., 2019). Conducting well-designed, large-scale clinical trials would help confirm the safety and therapeutic benefits of LBPs and pave the way for their potential use in clinical settings. 8 Concluding Remarks Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) have been extensively studied for their wide range of health benefits, primarily due to their potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. LBPs have been shown to mitigate oxidative stress, enhance immune responses, and protect against inflammation-induced damage, making them valuable for treating chronic conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Additionally, LBPs show promising potential in improving metabolic health and preventing conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Given their multifaceted effects, LBPs are emerging as potent therapeutic agents with applications in several domains of medicine. Their ability to synergize with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and antidiabetic therapies, underscores their potential in enhancing the efficacy of existing interventions while reducing adverse side effects. Furthermore, LBPs' unique ability to modulate the gut microbiota and immune response presents opportunities for their use in immunotherapy and the prevention of immune-related diseases. Despite the promising findings, there remain several gaps in the current understanding of LBPs, particularly regarding their molecular mechanisms and effects in human populations. Standardized extraction and purification methods are required to ensure consistent quality and bioactivity of LBPs across studies. Moreover, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of LBPs in treating chronic diseases. Future research should also focus on identifying specific molecular pathways modulated by LBPs to fully harness their therapeutic potential. Acknowledgments Thanks to Dr. Wang in this project team for collecting and combing the literature during the study.\
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