The research progress on extraction, purification and content determination of plant polysaccharides were reviewed. Extraction methods such as solvent extraction, enzyme extraction, microwave and ultrasound-assisted extractions were summarized. The separation and purification methods were discussed, including membrane separation, organic solvent extraction, column chromatography, etc. The principle and application of content determination methods covering phenol-sulphuric acid method, anthrone-sulphuric acid method, 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (...