The concept of food and medicine homology (FMH), which emphasizes the dual role of natural compounds in both medicinal and nutritional contexts, has seen significant development and presents promising application prospects in various fields. Polysaccharides, as the representative bioactive macromolecules in FMH resources, have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo, encompassing antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. However, their inherent structural complexity and functional heterogeneity pose significant challenges to their rapid and accurate detection. Traditional analytical methods often lack the requisite sensitivity, specificity, or real-time capability essential for the integrated analysis of functional components. Emerging biosensing technologies, renowned for their high sensitivity and specificity, are revolutionizing the detection of FMH plant polysaccharides (FMHPPs) by correlating structural characteristics with their functional properties. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the extraction, structural characterization, and bioactivities of FMHPPs, with a particular focus on the application and future perspectives of novel biosensing technologies for their detection and functional assessment, aiming to foster their development in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and related industries.

The demand for healthcare products is growing worldwide beyond the safety and convenience. This study examined the anti-aging effects of a nutritional supplement (lycopene/grape extract = 1.5:1), which is a healthcare product. The mean lifespan, athletic and reproductive abilities were examined in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Additionally, the levels of lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and several critical genes related to lifespan regulation in C. elegans were determined. According to the results, the nutritional supplement effectively extended the mean lifespan and improved the abilities of athletic and reproductive of C. elegans dose-dependently. Meanwhile, the levels of lipofuscin and ROS decreased significantly in the three dosage groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the nutritional supplement upregulated the mRNA expression of SOD3, GST4 (P < 0.01), and HSP16.2 (P < 0.05) genes. Our findings showed the nutritional supplement could prolong the lifespan of C. elegans through reducing the levels of lipofuscin and ROS, and enhance the resistance against oxidative stress.