Table 2.

Comparison of determination methods of monosaccharide composition.

Method	Characteristics	Application	References
GC/MS	High sensitivity and accuracy, tedious derivatization process, lead to sample loss, cannot deal with acidic polysaccharides containing uronic acid, generate isomers	Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP1) mannose: glucose: galactose: xylose: arabinose=6.52:78.12:8.85:1.81:4.69.	(83)
HPLC-PMP derivatization	Easy to operate, no isomers peaks, high specificity and accuracy, less sensitive than GC, low specificity of UVD, long analysis time, not suitable for ketose	Dendrobium nobile Lindl polysaccharide (DOP) D-glcp: D-manp=1.00:4.41.	(84)
Detecting directly by HPLC	Non-derivative, simplicity of operation, low sensitivity Sugar analysis columns: suitable for separating monosaccharides, separation conditions, convenient sample preparation, and a wide pH range of 1–14; Amino column: suitable for separating samples oligosaccharides, cheap, lifespan is short, with many precautions for use.
HPCE	High sensitivity, unique effect in separating charged sugars, high requirements for instruments, complicated to operate, low reproducibility	Acanthopanax senticosus leaves polysaccharide (ASLP) Rhamnose: xylose: glucose: mannose: arabinose: galactose: glucuronic acid= 7.45:18.63:25.15:0.93:8.35:2.79:5.69	(85)
HPAEC-PAD	Not necessary for derivatization, high sensitivity, columns bearable for NaOH are needed.	The fibrous roots and tuber of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (pFSP) D-glucose: D-galactose: D-mannose=1:2.03: 3.45	(4)