This review summarizes the extraction, purification, structure, physicochemical properties, and applications of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP), a bioactive substance with various health benefits. GLP is a major component of Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal fungus, and exhibits anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The review discusses the methods for extracting and purifying GLP, the relationship between its structure and biological activity, and the qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. It highlights new methods for GLP extraction, purification, and analysis, as well as the relationship between advanced structures and biological activity. GLP, as a bioactive macromolecule, has unique functional properties and is widely used in food, medicine, and health products. The review emphasizes the importance of GLP research and the need for further studies on its structure-activity relationships and applications. It also discusses challenges in GLP research, such as the complexity of its structure, variability in content, and limited applications. The review proposes solutions to these challenges, including the development of new extraction and purification techniques, and the use of advanced analytical methods to better understand GLP's structure and activity. The review also highlights the potential of GLP in various applications, including drug delivery systems and health products. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of GLP research and suggests future directions for further study.This review summarizes the extraction, purification, structure, physicochemical properties, and applications of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP), a bioactive substance with various health benefits. GLP is a major component of Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal fungus, and exhibits anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The review discusses the methods for extracting and purifying GLP, the relationship between its structure and biological activity, and the qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. It highlights new methods for GLP extraction, purification, and analysis, as well as the relationship between advanced structures and biological activity. GLP, as a bioactive macromolecule, has unique functional properties and is widely used in food, medicine, and health products. The review emphasizes the importance of GLP research and the need for further studies on its structure-activity relationships and applications. It also discusses challenges in GLP research, such as the complexity of its structure, variability in content, and limited applications. The review proposes solutions to these challenges, including the development of new extraction and purification techniques, and the use of advanced analytical methods to better understand GLP's structure and activity. The review also highlights the potential of GLP in various applications, including drug delivery systems and health products. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of GLP research and suggests future directions for further study.