Abstract

This review provides an overview of polysaccharides as a multifaceted group of biologically active compounds; they are discussed in the framework of modern pharmacognostic analysis. Data on chemical classification, component composition, physicochemical properties, and the content of polysaccharides in crude herbal drugs in the Russian Federation are consistently presented and analyzed. Some general groups and major compounds are characterized taking into account the use in pharmaceutical practice. Polysaccharides are the products of secondary metabolism; some of them can be used in pharmacy as excipients, while others have pronounced pharmacological effects and are active pharmaceutical ingredients. Improvement and development of procedures for the pharmacopoeial.analysis of crude herbal drugs containing polysaccharides and preparations based on are important tasks of modern pharmacognosy

Key words: polysaccharides, crude herbal drugs, pharmacopoeial analysis, pharmacognosy.