Cancer, a pervasive global health concern, remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current cancer treatment modalities encompass surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy , and targeted therapy, all of which have significantly contributed to improving patient survival. However, these treatments are often accompanied by significant side effects, immunotherapy resistance, and limited efficacy in advanced stages.
In this context, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy for cancer, offering multitarget effects and minimal side effects. Huaier (Trametes robiniophila Murr), a traditional Chinese herbal extract with a history spanning over a thousand years, has garnered significant attention for its anticancer properties. Chemical composition and extraction methods Huaier's chemical composition primarily comprises polysaccharides, sterols, and alkaloids.
Polysaccharides, the primary active component, are long-chain polymers of monosaccharides and have shown profound pharmacological activities, including antitumor effects. The extraction of Huaier polysaccharides (HPs) can be achieved through various methods, including water extraction, acid extraction, alkali extraction, salt precipitation, enzyme extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Each method impacts the extraction efficiency and biological activity of HPs, with water extraction being the most commonly employed due to its simplicity .