A comprehensive review on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of the genus Lycium in China

Potential protective role of Lycium ruthenicum Murray polysaccharides against lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury via mitochondrial biogenesis

Acute liver injury (ALI), which manifests as abnormal liver function and hepatocyte damage, lacks effective treatment modalities and is associated with a high mortality rate. Recent studies have revealed that hepatoprotection is related to polysaccharide components. In this study, we examined the effect and mechanism of Lycium ruthenicum Murray polysaccharides (LRMP) on liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Male ICR mice were pre-administered LRMP (100 and 400 mg/kg BW) once daily for 21 days. A single injection of LPS (10 mg/kg BW) was administered on day 21 to induce ALI. The difference between the groups indicated that LRMP supplementation had no adverse effect on body weight. LRMP administration considerably alleviated liver injury, as evidenced by the decreased levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase, increased levels of albumin, and preservation of liver structural integrity. Moreover, LRMP reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the liver, maintained mitochondrial structure, regulated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and upregulated Sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α signalling pathway involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. This study suggests the potential therapeutic application of LRMP in liver-related diseases, which will provide a basis for innovative strategies.

Polyphenolic Spectrum of Goji Berries and Their Health-Promoting Activity

A significant increase in interest in new, naturally occurring sources of antioxidants is evident not only in the food industry but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Plant sources such as fruits, both traditional and less common, are often investigated. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, and Lycium ruthenicum) represent fruits rich in polyphenols, especially phenolic acids (38.91 to 455.57 mg/kg FW) and flavonoids, with black goji berries (L. ruthenicum) containing a predominance of anthocyanins (119.60 to 1112.25 mg/kg FW). In this review, a comparison of polyphenol occurrence and content in the orange-red and black berries of L. barbarum, L. chinense, and L. ruthenicum is described. Goji berries represent a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that manifest a wide range of health-promoting effects. These benefits represent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective impacts, with effects on the metabolic control of glucose and lipids. This review is focused on an overview of the polyphenolic compounds occurring in these fruits, as well as their antioxidant activity and health benefits.

Xifeng Jiannao pill mitigates MPTP-induced neuronal apoptosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress via MAPK signaling

Xifeng Jiannao Pill (XFJNP), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has been shown to alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study employs network pharmacology and molecular biology to investigate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of XFJNP. Firstly, network pharmacology is utilized to screen the major active ingredients and potential targets of XFJNP in the treatment of PD. Following this, pathway enrichment analysis is conducted to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms. Secondly, an MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cell model and an MPTP-induced PD mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of XFJNP on PD. By assessing apoptosis, oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, activation of the MAPK pathway, and conducting behavioral tests in mice, we aimed to elucidate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of XFJNP in treating PD. Network pharmacology analysis indicates that the MAPK signaling pathway holds a key position in mediating the therapeutic effects of XFJNP for PD. In basic experimental studies, XFJNP significantly enhanced the survival rate of MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells in vitro, reduced OS and inflammation levels, and increased the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein. In the MPTP-induced PD mouse model, XFJNP effectively improved motor function and reduced the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mechanistic studies suggest that XFJNP may mitigate OS and inflammatory responses in the substantia nigra by inhibiting the excessive activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 in the MAPK signaling pathway. Based on the results of network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation, XFJNP displays profound neuroprotective efficacy by modulating the MAPK signaling cascade, markedly diminishing neuroinflammation and mitigating OS-triggered apoptosis of DA neurons in PD models.

Lycium barbarum L.: a potential botanical drug for preventing and treating retinal cell apoptosis

Retinal cell apoptosis is the primary pathological process in many retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, which can cause severe visual impairment and blindness. Lycium barbarum L., a traditional Chinese medicinal botanical drug, has a long history and extensive application in ophthalmic disease prevention and treatment. This study systematically reviewed the key active metabolites in L. barbarum L., including L. barbarum polysaccharides, carotenoids, and flavonoids, that exert retinal protective effects. A comprehensive analysis of the pharmacological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of L. barbarum L. and its active metabolites in the prevention and treatment of retinal cell apoptosis, including essential aspects such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, autophagy regulation, and mitochondrial function preservation, is essential to establish a comprehensive and solid theoretical basis for further investigation of the medicinal value of L. barbarum L. in ophthalmology and provide a reference for future research directions.

Anti-aging activities of an ethanolic extract of Lycium ruthenicum in Caenorhabditis elegans based on metabonomic analysis

The fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (Solanaceae) are employed in ethnomedicine and used as a functional food. Their antioxidant, anti-aging, and hypolipidemic activities have been investigated in modern research. This study indicated that the ethanolic extract of the fruits of L. ruthenicum Murr. (LRM) improved oxidative and heat stress tolerance, reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin, and retarded the aging process in Caenorhabditis elegans (Rhabditidae). Furthermore, the pharyngeal pumping rate and body length decreased under LRM treatment. Moreover, metabolomic analysis and the DPClusO algorithm revealed that LRM regulated a series of lifespan-related pathways centered on glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. These results suggest that LRM prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via dietary restriction. Moreover, feruloyl putrescine, a kind of polyamine, was found in differential metabolites, which may be the metabolite of caffeoyl-spermidine in LRM. These findings from this exploratory study offer a new insight into the roles of L. ruthenicum in anti-aging activity as a functional food.

Optimization of the extraction process of goji berry pectin using response surface methodology and its suitability as thickener for yogurt

Although goji berry with many main biological activity components is a nutritional medicinal and edible plan and widespread in the northeast of China, its current development also faces a new challenge of overcapacity. So this study was largely focused to investigate the optimal extraction process conditions (extraction water proportion, acidic pH regulating reagent, adjusted pH, extraction temperature, extraction time) for goji berry with increased yield. Box Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to model the mathematical model of the relationship between the three main influence of pivotal extraction parameters (extraction pH, extraction time and extraction temperature) selected by the single factor experiments on the responses of goji berry pectin yield (%). Morover the predicted models were adequately fitted to the real experimental data (18.507 % ± 0.275 %, P < 0.001) for all the response variables within a short time. The maximum yield of pectin was sufficiently obtained with optimal conditions of the best water-goji ratio of 20:1, extraction pH of 2.2 adjusted by hydrochloric acid, extraction time of 80 min at 76 °C. Interesting, as thickener, goji berry pectin does not only improve the health benefits of yogurt in some studies have reported, but it also improves its sensory properties and viscosity of the yogurt in this paper. It will effectively improve the efficiency of obtaining goji berry pectin, which will provide strong experimental evidence for the widespread application of goji berry pectin. Although goji berry pectin does not have significant advantages in sensory evaluation and yogurt viscosity, it has been proven in some studies to have good functionality in terms of nutrition. This provides a good idea for the development of functional foods urgently needed in the current aging society. Goji berry will be an effective alternative source of pectin on health food industry on large scale. In addition, this paper also provides a feasible approach to effectively solve the problem of goji berry overcapacity.

Hypoglycaemic activity of the anthocyanin enriched fraction of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Fruits and its ingredient identification via UPLC-triple-TOF-MS/MS

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is mainly distributed in the northwest region of China and its berries are rich in anthocyanin. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic activity of the anthocyanin-enriched fraction (AEF) of L. ruthenicum Murr. on α-glucosidase in vivo and in vitro. Overall, 10 anthocyanins were identified via UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS. The AEF exhibited strong inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with an IC50 value of 4.468 mg/mL. It behaved as a reversible, mixed-type inhibitor. Molecular docking and dynamic results indicated that the compounds in AEF interacted with enzymes primarily through van der Waals and hydrogen bond and the complex system was stable. The postprandial blood glucose and area under the curve of diabetic mice was significantly decreased by AEF in the carbohydrate tolerance experiments. The results indicate that the AEF from L. ruthenicum Murr. berries could be as a promising food supplement for managing blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Recent advances in wolfberry polysaccharides and whey protein-based biopolymers for regulating the diversity of gut microbiota and its mechanism: A review

Imbalances in gut microbiota diversity are associated with various health issues, including obesity and related disorders. There is a growing interest in developing synergistic biopolymers based on wolfberry polysaccharides and whey protein to address these problems due to their potential health benefits. This review explores recent advances in understanding how functional foods based on Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and whey protein (WP) influence gut microbiota diversity and their underlying mechanisms. We examine the impact of these biopolymers on microbial composition and functionality, focusing on their roles in improving health by regulating gut microbiota. The combined effects of WP and LBP significantly enhance gut microbiome metabolic activities and taxonomic diversity, offering promising avenues for treating obesity and related disorders.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the rapid and high throughput analysis of betaine and trigonelline in Lycium chinense Mill. and trigonelline in coffee

A rapid, simple, effective, and green method for the determination of betaine and trigonelline from Lycium chinense Mill. (LCM) and the quantification of the trigonelline in coffee was proposed and validated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOF MS) detection. Due to without chromatographic separation, the method greatly shortened the detection time. The detection of betaine and trigonelline concentration showed good linearity in the range of 1-100 μg/mL and 0.01-100 μg/mL, with correlation coefficients r2 = 0.9962 and 0.9946, respectively. The good reproducibility and reliability of the method were demonstrated by excellent intraday and interday precisions with RSD <8.3%, and the recovery of betaine and trigonelline ranged from 92.2% to 116.0%. Analysis of LCM and coffee extracts (raw, light-roasted, and dark-roasted coffee beans) gave results in agreement with the literature. The method appeared as a fast and reliable alternative method for routine Lycium chinense and coffee analysis.

Lycium barbarum berry extract improves female fertility against aging-related oxidative stress in the ovary

Reproductive aging in female mammals is characterized by ovarian senescence, leading to a significant fertility decline. Lycium barbarum berry, or goji berry, is a food and medicine that appears in various formulas for treating infertility in traditional Chinese medicine. We investigated the function of an aqueous extract of Lycium barbarum berry (LB extract) to improve health status, fertility, and offspring development during female aging. Aged female mice were supplemented with LB extract, and its effects on fertility, locomotor activity, and offspring development were assessed. The results demonstrated that LB extract significantly increased pregnancy and live birth rates in naturally aged female mice. It also effectively improved aged animals' locomotor activity. Moreover, LB extract promoted the growth and development of offspring delivered from the aged animals and reduced the offspring's anxiety. During aging, fertility-related hormones gradually decline. However, the decline of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) in the serum of aged mice was restored by LB extract supplementation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the levels of oxidation and the inflammatory IL-6 in intra-ovarian cells were reduced by LB extract, while the antioxidant-associated proteins peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) were increased. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a decline in egg PRDX4 expression with age across various species. This suggests that the antioxidant function protected by LB extract through PRDX4 may consistently promote fertility enhancement by improving ovarian function across different species. Importantly, LB extract did not induce significant adverse effects on aged female mice and their offspring. These findings highlight the potential of LB as a protective agent against ovarian oxidative stress, which preserves ovarian function and improves fertility rates in naturally senescent females.

The Medicinal Species of the Lycium Genus (Goji Berries) in East Asia: A Review of Its Effect on Cell Signal Transduction Pathways

Natural plants contain numerous chemical compounds that are beneficial to human health. The berries from the Lycium genus are widely consumed and are highly nutritious. Moreover, their chemical constituents have attracted attention for their health-promoting properties. In East Asia, there are three varieties of the Lycium genus (Lycium barbarum L., Lycium chinense Miller, and L. ruthenicum Murray) that possess medicinal value and are commonly used for treating chronic diseases and improving metabolic disorders. These varieties are locally referred to as "red Goji berries" or "black Goji berries" due to their distinct colors, and they differ in their chemical compositions, primarily in terms of carotenoid and anthocyanin content. The pharmacological functions of these berries include anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-exercise fatigue effects. This review aims to analyze previous and recent studies on the active ingredients and pharmacological activities of these Lycium varieties, elucidating their signaling pathways and assessing their impact on the gut microbiota. Furthermore, the potential prospects for using these active ingredients in the treatment of COVID-19 are evaluated. This review explores the potential targets of these Lycium varieties in the treatment of relevant diseases, highlighting their potential value in drug development.

Real-world effects of Yishen Tongbi decoction for rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study with validation against double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a globally challenging and refractory autoimmune disease, constituting a serious menace to human health. RA is characterized by recurrent pain and is difficult to resolve, necessitating prolonged medication for control. Yishen Tongbi decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal compound prescribed for treating RA. We have completed a 3-year RCT study that confirmed the clinical efficacy of Yishen Tongbi decoction for RA. Notably, we observed a faster clinical remission rate compared to MTX by week 4 of treatment. In our forthcoming study, we intend to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of Yishen Tongbi decoction in the real-world treatment of RA through a prospective study. Methods and analysis: This prospective, multicenter, real-world observational study will be conducted at two designated centers in China from October 2023 to August 2025. The study will include 324 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. One group will receive Yishen Tongbi decoction combined with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). The other group will receive standard treatment. Standard treatment can be further divided into subgroups: csDMARDs, targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs), and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). In each group, the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, pain score, patient global assessment, physician global assessment, disease activity index (DAS28-ESR or DAS28-CRP), clinical disease activity index (cDAI), simplified disease activity index (sDAI) and relevant laboratory data will be compared. Clinical indicators and disease activity of the patients will be assessed at baseline, week 4 and week 12 after the initiation of treatment. The primary outcome will be the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) attainment rate among patients at week 12 after treatment. Every adverse event will be reported. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the first affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of traditional Chinese Medicine (NO.K-2023-009). The results of the study will be published in national and international peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. The researchers will inform participants and other RA patients of the results through health education. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, identifier ChiCTR2300076073.

Genomic Analysis of Romanian Lycium Genotypes: Exploring BODYGUARD Genes for Stress Resistance Breeding

Goji berries, long valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Asian cuisine for their wide range of medicinal benefits, are now considered a 'superfruit' and functional food worldwide. Because of growing demand, Europe and North America are increasing their goji berry production, using goji berry varieties that are not originally from these regions. European breeding programs are focusing on producing Lycium varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands. By 2023, seven varieties of goji berries were successfully registered in Romania, developed using germplasm that originated from sources outside the country. A broader project focused on goji berry breeding was initiated in 2014 at USAMV Bucharest. In the present research, five cultivated and three wild L. barbarum genotypes were compared to analyse genetic variation at the whole genome level. In addition, a case study presents the differences in the genomic coding sequences of BODYGUARD (BDG) 3 and 4 genes from chromosomes 4, 8, and 9, which are involved in cuticle-related resistance. All three BDG genes show distinctive differences between the cultivated and wild-type genotypes at the SNP level. In the BDG 4 gene located on chromosome 8, 69% of SNPs differentiate the wild from the cultivated genotypes, while in BDG 3 on chromosome 4, 64% of SNPs could tell the difference between the wild and cultivated goji berry. The research also uncovered significant SNP and InDel differences between cultivated and wild genotypes, in the entire genome, providing crucial insights for goji berry breeders to support the development of goji berry cultivation in Romania.

Insights into How Plant-Derived Extracts and Compounds Can Help in the Prevention and Treatment of Keloid Disease: Established and Emerging Therapeutic Targets

Keloid is a disease in which fibroblasts abnormally proliferate and synthesize excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, including collagen and fibronectin, during the healing process of skin wounds, causing larger scars that exceed the boundaries of the original wound. Currently, surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiation, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, pressure therapy, silicone gel sheeting, and pharmacotherapy are used alone or in combinations to treat this disease, but the outcomes are usually unsatisfactory. The purpose of this review is to examine whether natural products can help treat keloid disease. I introduce well-established therapeutic targets for this disease and various other emerging therapeutic targets that have been proposed based on the phenotypic difference between keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs) and normal epidermal fibroblasts (NFs). We then present recent studies on the biological effects of various plant-derived extracts and compounds on KFs and NFs. Associated ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies are also presented. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms of action of the plant-derived extracts and compounds, the pros and cons, and the future tasks for natural product-based therapy for keloid disease, as compared with existing other therapies. Extracts of Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Aneilema keisak, Galla Chinensis, Lycium chinense, Physalis angulate, Allium sepa, and Camellia sinensis appear to modulate cell proliferation, migration, and/or extracellular matrix (ECM) production in KFs, supporting their therapeutic potential. Various phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, and other plant-derived compounds could modulate different cell signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of keloids. For now, many studies are limited to in vitro experiments; additional research and development are needed to proceed to clinical trials. Many emerging therapeutic targets could accelerate the discovery of plant-derived substances for the prevention and treatment of keloid disease. I hope that this review will bridge past, present, and future research on this subject and provide insight into new therapeutic targets and pharmaceuticals, aiming for effective keloid treatment.

Structurally Diverse Phenolic Amides from the Fruits of Lycium barbarum with Potent α-Glucosidase, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitory, and PPAR-γ Agonistic Activities

A total of nine new phenolic amides (1-9), including four pairs of enantiomeric mixtures (3-5 and 8), along with ten known analogues (10-19) were identified from the fruits of Lycium barbarum using bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses, chiral HPLC analyses, and quantum NMR, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 5-7 are the first example of feruloyl tyramine dimers fused through a cyclobutane ring. The activity results indicated that compounds 1, 11, and 13-17 exhibited remarkable inhibition against α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ of 1.11-33.53 μM, 5-150 times stronger than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 169.78 μM). Meanwhile, compounds 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 13, and 14 exerted moderate agonistic activities for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ), with EC₅₀ values of 10.09-44.26 μM. Especially,compound 14 also presented inhibitory activity on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV), with an IC₅₀ value of 47.13 μM. Furthermore, the banding manner of compounds 14 and 17 with the active site of α-glucosidase, DPPIV, and PPAR-γ was explored by employing molecular docking analysis.