Auricularia auricula polysaccharides (AAP) have been widely studied in the field of medicine and healthcare because of their unique structure and physiological activity. Many species of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides have been extracted, isolated, and purified by different methods, and their structures have been analyzed. Auricularia auricula polysaccharides have been proven to have beneficial effects on the human body, including slowing the aging process, controlling the intestinal system, and treating cardiovascular disorders. In this paper, the extraction, isolation, and purification of AAP from Auricularia auricula, as well as research in the field of medicine and healthcare, have pointed to the shortcomings and limitations of these methods. We also suggest future research directions for Auricularia auricula polysaccharides; standardized processing methods must be confirmed, and officially approved AAPs are needed for commercial applications. Finally, an optimistic outlook on the development of AAPs is given.

High molecular mass and poor solubility of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides (AAP) limit their physiological activity. This study employed ultrasonic degradation to address these challenges. Ultrasonic treatment reduced the molecular mass of AAP from 1 × 10⁵ Da to 3.8 × 10³–8 × 10⁴ Da, enhanced hydroxyl group exposure, and significantly improved solubility, with dissolution time reduced to one-ninth of the pre-degradation level at 20 °C. The antioxidant activities of AAP were enhanced after ultrasonic degradation, with DPPH scavenging IC₅₀ reduced from 3.58 mg/mL to 2.07 mg/mL and hydroxyl radical IC₅₀ from 2.28 mg/mL to 1.77 mg/mL. Hypoglycemic effects were improved, with α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition rates increasing by 5.06 % and 5.81 %, respectively. Bile acid binding for MBS improved by 28.6 %, indicating ultrasonic degradation enhanced hypolipidemic activity. This study demonstrates ultrasonic degradation is a green, efficient method to improve AAP's functional properties, which broadens its applications in functional foods and health supplements.

• Analysis of the monosaccharide composition of Tiger Nuts polysaccharides. • Molecular mass determination and physical structure of Tiger Nuts polysaccharides. • Studied Tiger Nuts polysaccharide‘s application in protein drinks.