Optimizing the extraction and valorization of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. polysaccharides for high-value applications are critical for its application in bio-based industries. To address the limitations of conventional processing, this study developed and optimized a novel integrated strategy combining enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimal extraction parameters by investigating the interactive effects of cellulase and pectinase dosages, along with phase composition. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of the purified Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharides (LRPs) were characterized, and their anti-aging mechanisms were evaluated in a D -galactose-induced aging mouse model through histopathological analysis, biochemical assays, and 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota. Under the optimized extraction conditions, LRPs were efficiently obtained with a high yield of 35.25% and a total sugar content of 93.58%. Structural analysis identified LRPs as acidic heteropolysaccharides (molecular weight ∼55 kDa) rich in uronic acids (11.13%), composed primarily of glucose, galactose, and arabinose. In vivo experiments demonstrated that LRPs significantly attenuated systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, restoring hepatic and retinal architecture. This protective effect was linked to increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ).Moreover, LRPs beneficially restructured the gut microbiota by enriching Akkermansia and suppressing Romboutsia. In conclusion, the integrated green extraction strategy efficiently yields bioactive LRPs that mitigate hepatic and retinal aging, potentially via the regulation of the gut-liver-retina axis. • Integrated EAE-UAE-ATPS yields high-purity LRPs efficiently. • LRPs are characterized as acidic heteropolysaccharides rich in uronic acids. • LRPs attenuate hepatic and retinal aging by reducing oxidative stress. • LRPs restructure gut microbiota by enriching beneficial Akkermansia .
Zhao et al. (Sat,) studied this question.