Research progress on the oligosaccharide components and pharmacological activities of Morinda officinalis

Morinda officinalis, a traditional Chinese medicine, is an authentic medicinal herb from Deqing, Guangdong, and is also one of China’s famous “Four Great Southern Medicinals”. It is widely used as a dietary supplement in the southern regions and is known for its effects on kidney yang, as well as strengthening bones and muscles. The main active components of Morinda officinalis include sugars, anthraquinones, and iridoids. Among these, sugars-including monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides-are considered the primary bioactive constituents. In recent years, pharmacological studies have indicated that the oligosaccharide components of Morinda officinalis possess significant pharmacological activities, such as antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer’s, and anti-osteoporosis effects, highlighting their potential for further development and utilization. Therefore, this paper reviews the separation processes and pharmacological activities of oligosaccharide components in Morinda officinalis , and summarizes the research and application hotspots of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for further research.