Antitumor properties of nonstarch polysaccharides: fucoidans and chitosans
This review is devoted to the pharmacological properties of nonstarch polysaccharides, particularly marine-derived fucoidans and chitosans, and summarizes results from studies of the antitumor activity of natural polysaccharides and their modified derivates. Brief information on the structure and physicochemical properties of these polysaccharides and a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms of their antitumor and antimetastatic effects are given.