Advancements in research on the anti-atherosclerotic effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review is to explore the recent advances in the anti-atherosclerotic effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) polysaccharides. METHODS: This review summarizes the extraction, separation, and molecular modification strategies of TCM polysaccharides, and evaluates how different methods affect their structural properties and bioactivities. It also categorizes TCM polysaccharides and elaborates on their respective anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms, while briefly addressing their application prospects in functional foods, biomedicine, and environmental protection. KEY FINDINGS: TCM polysaccharides exhibit broad pharmacological activities, including antiinflammatory, lipid-lowering, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gut microbiota-regulating effects, which contribute to their multitarget therapeutic potential against atherosclerosis. Their low toxicity and diverse bioactivities make them promising candidates for prevention and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should focus on standardization of polysaccharide preparations and clinical trial validation. This review supports the further development of TCM polysaccharides as antiatherosclerotic agents.