Structural Characterization, Pharmacological Activities, Applications, and Chemical Modification of Cassia Seed Polysaccharides: A Review

Cassia seed is an edible and medicinal plant, and cassia seed polysaccharides (CSP) are its important active components, which have attracted considerable attention due to their diverse pharmacological activities and extensive application prospects. It demonstrates notable pharmacological effects, including antitumor, ocular protective effects, and wound-healing properties. Owing to its dual status as both a medicine and food, CSP serves as a natural thickener and functional food ingredient. Structurally, CSP are predominantly galactomannans, which underpin their industrial utility. Furthermore, its excellent film-forming ability makes it a promising material for drug delivery systems and biodegradable food packaging. This review comprehensively summarizes the current research progress on CSP, with a focus on its structural characteristics, pharmacological mechanisms, and diverse applications. By critically analyzing the structure-activity relationships and future prospects, this work aims to provide valuable insights for further research and development of CSP in the food, pharmaceutical, and materials science industries.