International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 89-97 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 94 method, and the obtained components can effectively enhance immunity (Luo et al., 2017). In addition, the treatment of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides by chromatographic column separation not only has a better purification effect, but also enhances the role of regulating immunity (Zheng et al., 2022). These methods can control the molecular size and composition of polysaccharides, which is very important for maintaining their biological activity. 6.2 Effects of structural adjustment and optimization Altering the structure of polysaccharides can enhance their immune-regulating effect. Studies have found that the unique molecular connection mode of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides (such as the arrangement of specific sugar molecules) can more effectively promote the proliferation of immune cells and the activity of macrophages (Bi et al., 2018). Adjusting the branch shape and connection mode of polysaccharides will change its effect of activating immune cells and regulating inflammatory factors (He et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2021). These adjustments are generally accomplished by optimizing the extraction and purification steps, which can both protect the core structure and enhance specific functions. 6.3 Development of composite functional products Combining the immunomodulatory function of Cordyceps polysaccharides with other health effects is a current research hotspot. Experiments show that Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides have the dual effects of enhancing immunity and antioxidation, and can be used to make functional foods (Liu et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2020). When used in combination with other active ingredients, it can enhance the overall effect and expand its application in nutritional products and drugs (Wan et al., 2023). This comprehensive development plan can utilize the multiple health values of polysaccharides to help address more health issues. 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1 Difficulties in the structural research of Cordyceps polysaccharides The complex structure of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides brings great difficulties to scientific research work. These sugar molecules are composed of different monosaccharides, with diverse connection methods and many structural branches, making them very difficult to study. For example, the polysaccharide SDQCP-1 has complex branches and multiple monosaccharide components, and detailed detection can only be carried out using equipment such as nuclear magnetic resonance and GC-MS (Zhang et al., 2020). The two polysaccharides, CMPB90-1 and CMP-III, also increase the difficulty of analysis due to their multiple branches and complex connection methods (Bi et al., 2018; He et al., 2019). Polysaccharides like CMP-W1 and CMP-S1 also have differences in molecular size and composition, making purification and detection more troublesome (Luo et al., 2017). These circumstances indicate that to truly understand Cordyceps polysaccharides, it is necessary to develop more precise analytical methods. 7.2 Immune mechanism of action Studying howCordyceps polysaccharides affect the immune system is of great significance for medical use (Zhou et al., 2024). Previous studies have shown that these sugar molecules can make immune cells more active through signaling channels such as TLR2 and MAPK (Bi et al., 2018). Experiments have proved that two polysaccharides, HCMP and CMP-III, can stimulate macrophages and increase the production of inflammatory factors (He et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2024). But it is not yet fully understood how they bind to cell receptors. Next, molecular experiments and animal experiments need to be used to carefully study the detailed processes by which they affect the immune system. 7.3 Future research recommendations In future research, more precise detection equipment needs to be developed, such as upgrading mass spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, to better solve the problems of structural analysis (Luo et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2020). By using gene sequencing and data analysis methods, the interaction patterns between polysaccharides and immune receptors were comprehensively explored (Bi et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2024; Wang, 2024). Strengthen practical applications and confirm the immunomodulatory effect of polysaccharides by manufacturing health foods or nutrients and conducting human trials (He et al., 2019; Zheng et al., 2022). In-depth research in these directions can better realize the medical effects of Cordycepspolysaccharides.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==