Lycium Barbarum: A Traditional Chinese Herb and A Promising Anti-Aging Agent

Study on the active ingredients and mechanism of Huyang Yangkun Formula for treating premature ovarian insufficiency via chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and experimental validation

Huyang Yangkun Formula (HYF) is a Chinese herbal remedy used for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), though its active ingredients and mechanisms are not well understood.This study aims to identify HYF's chemical components and investigate its mechanism in treating POI. Using UHPLC-QE Focus HRMS, chemical profiling and quantification were conducted. The therapeutic effects and target validation of HYF were examined using a POI rat model, human ovarian granulosa cells (COV434), and network pharmacology. Molecular docking was used to predict the affinity of active compounds for the key target TP53. 125 compounds were identified in HYF, including flavonoids, organic acids, saponins and phenylethanoid glycosides. By using network pharmacological analysis, a total of 123 potential targets for the HYF treatment of POI were identified. PIK3R1, AKT1, EGFR, MMP2 and TP53 were deduced to be core targets of HYF for treating POI, and the main pathway included HIF-1, PI3K-Akt and P53 signaling pathway. HYF enhances follicle development and ovarian function by reducing apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells in VCD-POI rats. In vitro, HYF decreased VCD-induced COV434 cell death. qRT-PCR and WB experiments identified the P53-mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway as the main target, with molecular docking showing Hyperoside, Isochlorogenic acid B, and Baohuoside I having the highest binding affinity to TP53.The potential active components and mechanisms of HYF in relation to POI were investigated through chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and both in vitro and in vivo experimental validation.

Integrated meta-analysis, network pharmacology, computational biology, and in vitro experimental verification to reveal the anti-fatigue mechanism of Lycium barbarum

This study aims to elucidate Lycium barbarum (LB)'s anti-fatigue mechanisms. Meta-analysis confirmed LB's anti-fatigue capacity, while network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations identified key targets (SRC, HSP90AA1, EGFR, PRKACA, MAPK1). Furthermore, validation experiments in C2C12 cells demonstrated that LB mitigates H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and restores cell viability. qPCR analysis further revealed that LB downregulates the mRNA expression of CAT, IL-6 and TNF-α, while modulating the expression of these target genes. In summary, our data confirm the anti-fatigue effects of LB and elucidate that LB exerts multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms in combating fatigue.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide alleviates H2O2-induced premature senescence by downregulating miRNA-34a-5p in ARPE-19 cells

The premature senescence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a significant role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) against H2O2-induced premature senescence and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The ARPE-19 cell line was subjected to H2O2 exposure to create a model of premature senescence. The modulation of microRNA-34a-5p expression was accomplished using antagomir and agomir, as assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The senescence model was successfully established by treating cells with 200 μM H2O2 for 2 hours daily over a span of three consecutive days. This oxidative stress resulted in a notable increase in the proportion of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase-positive cells, reaching 33.5%, without significant alterations in cell viability or apoptosis. In the ARPE-19 cells undergoing premature senescence, there was a marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde levels, coupled with a significant decrease in the activity of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Additionally, microRNA-34a-5p was found to be overexpressed in these cells. Treatment with LBP alleviated H2O2-induced premature senescence, diminished the overexpression of microRNA-34a-5p, and suppressed ROS production. Moreover, the incubation with ago-34a reversed the protective effect of LBP in ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, the overexpression of microRNA-34a-5p contributes to the H2O2-induced premature senescence of ARPE-19 cells. LBP appears to mitigate this premature senescence, at least in part, by downregulating microRNA-34a-5p expression and reducing oxidative stress.

Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Glycosylation Involving 2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis in Lycium barbarum

L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) is widely present in plants, but humans lack the ability to synthesize it independently. As a potent reducing agent, AA is susceptible to oxidation, making the enhancement of its stability crucial. 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is a stable natural derivative of AA with glycosylation, initially discovered in the fruits of Lycium barbarum. Understanding the biosynthesis of AA-2βG is crucial for enhancing its production in L. barbarum. While the established biosynthesis pathway of AA constitutes the upstream of AA-2βG biosynthesis, the conclusive step of β-glycosylation remains unclear. We identified a L. barbarum cultivar by UPLC, ZN01, with a high content of AA-2βG, and compared its leaves, immature fruits, and mature fruits to a normal AA-2βG content L. barbarum cultivar for metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis. The RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes involved in the AA biosynthesis pathway did not consistently correlate with AA-2βG content, suggesting that the final glycosylation step may be a key determinant of AA-2βG accumulation. Subsequently, utilizing phylogenetic and co-expression analysis, we identified ten UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) and three β-glucosidases (BGLUs) which may be involved in the crucial step of the conversion from AA to AA-2βG, and the UGTs' activities were predicted through molecular docking. Lastly, we speculated that the presence of the glycosylation process of AA might have a crucial role in maintaining AA homeostasis in L. barbarum, and deliberated on potential correlations between AA, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Our integrated multi-omics analysis provides valuable insights into AA-2βG biosynthesis in L. barbarum, identifying thirteen candidate genes and highlighting the complex interplay between AA, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. These findings have implications for improving AA-2βG content in L. barbarum.

Enzyme Repertoires and Genomic Insights into Lycium barbarum Pectin Polysaccharide Biosynthesis

Lycium barbarum, a member of the Solanaceae family, is an important eudicot with applications in both food and medicine. L. barbarum pectin polysaccharides (LBPPs) are key bioactive compounds of L. barbarum, notable for being among the few polysaccharides with both biocompatibility and biomedical activity. Although studies have analyzed the functional properties of LBPPs, the mechanisms underlying their biosynthesis and transport by key enzymes remain poorly understood. In this study, we assembled a 2.18-Gb reference genome of L. barbarum, reconstructed the first complete biosynthesis pathway of LBPPs, and elucidated the sugar transport system. We also characterized the important genes responsible for backbone extension, sidechain synthesis, and modification of LBPPs. Furthermore, we characterized the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with polysaccharide metabolism. We identified a specific rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) rhamnosyltransferase, RRT3020, which enhances RG-I biosynthesis within LBPPs. These newly identified enzymes and pivotal genes endow L. barbarum with unique pectin biosynthesis capabilities, distinguishing it from other Solanaceae species. Our findings thus provide a foundation for evolutionary studies and molecular breeding to expand the diverse applications of L. barbarum.

Medicine and food homology substances: A review of bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effects and applications

In recent years, the idea of medicine and food homology (MFH), which highlights the intimate relationship between food and medicine, has gained international recognition. Specifically, MFH substances have the ability to serve as both food and medicine. Many foods have been reported to have good nutritional and medical values, not only for satiety but also for nourishing the body and treating diseases pharmacologically. As modern scientific research has progressed, the concept of MFH has been emphasized and developed in a way that has never been seen before. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the development history of MFH substances, summarized some typical bioactive ingredients, and recognized pharmacological effects. In addition, we further discussed the application of MFH substances in the food field, with the goal of providing ideas and references for the research and development of MFH in the food industry as well as the progress of related industries.

Effects of Different Levels of Lycium barbarum Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Immunity, Intestinal Barrier and Antioxidant Capacity of Meat Ducks

Background: In vitro findings on the biological functions of Lycium barbarum flavonoids (LBFs) as feed additives are limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of different concentrations of LBFs on the growth performance, immune function, intestinal barrier, and antioxidant capacity of meat ducks. A total of 240 one-day-old male meat ducks were randomly allocated to four groups, each receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of LBFs for 42 d. Results: The results showed that dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg of LBFs resulted in a significant increase in average daily feed intake, body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Dietary supplementation with 500 or 1000 mg/kg of LBFs resulted in significant decreases in serum levels of D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide. Dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg LBFs significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity and enhanced the activities of catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase in the jejunal mucosa, as well as the activity of total superoxide dismutase and the content of glutathione in the ileal mucosa, while significantly lowering the content of malondialdehyde in the ileal mucosa. Dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg LBFs significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of genes associated with intestinal barrier function and antioxidant capacity in the jejunal and ileal mucosa, as well as the protein expression of these antioxidant genes, and led to a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic and inflammatory-related genes. Conclusions: The addition of LBFs to the diet improved the growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of the ducks, which may be closely associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The optimal dietary inclusion level of LBFs in ducks was 500 mg/kg.

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) glycopeptide attenuates dopaminergic neurons loss by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by motor dysfunction due to gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system. Currently, medications such as levodopa preparations, offer only temporary symptomatic relief without preventing neuronal loss or halting disease progression. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a particular type of wolfberry or goji berry, the fruit of Lycium barbarum L., has been historically regarded for its neuroprotective properties, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for PD. However, scientific validation of these effects remains limited.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of wolfberry glycopeptide (WGP) on PD progression in various animal models, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for its therapeutic action.

STUDY DESIGN

Diverse canonical animal models, including 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated rats, and α-synuclein overexpressed hSNCAA53T mice, were used to evaluate WGP's anti-PD efficacy. Behavioral deficits and pathological damage to dopaminergic neurons were assessed to determine WGP's neuroprotective potential.

METHODS

After establishing the animal models and administering WGP treatment, PD-like behaviors were assessed using pole test, rotarod test and gait analysis. Dopaminergic neurons loss in the midbrain and striatum was detected by means of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Inflammatory markers in these brain regions were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

WGP treatment significantly alleviated motor deficits as well as progressive dopaminergic neurons loss. Mechanistically, WGP exerted its neuroprotective effects by regulating iron homeostasis, specifically through the modulation of key proteins such as TFRC, FTH1, and FPN. This function contributed to reducing the accumulation of lipid peroxidation in nigrostriatal system, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the innovative potential of WGP as a neuroprotective agent in PD, with a unique mechanism of action targeting iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation-driven neurodegeneration. This study advances the understanding of TCM's therapeutic contributions to neurodegeneration and positions WGP as a strong candidate for further clinical development in PD treatment.

Young Goji Fruit Volatiles Regulate the Oviposition Behavior and Chemosensory Gene Expression of Gravid Female Neoceratitis asiatica

The goji fruit fly, Neoceratitis asiatica, is a major pest on the well-known medicinal plant Lycium barbarum. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms of the oviposition selection of N. asiatica regarding the host plant will help to identify new strategies for pest fly control. However, the molecular mechanism of chemical communication between the goji fruit fly and the host goji remains unclear. Hence, our study found that young goji fruit volatiles induced the oviposition response of gravid female N. asiatica. After N. asiatica was exposed to young goji fruit volatiles, the expression of six chemosensory genes (NasiOBP56h3 and OBP99a1 in the antennae; OBP99a2, OBP99a3 and CSP2 in the legs; and OBP56a in the ovipositor) was significantly upregulated in different organs of female N. asiatica compared with the group without odor treatment according to transcriptome data. Further results of qPCR verification show that the expression levels of the six selected upregulated genes after the flies were exposed to host plant volatiles were mostly consistent with the results of transcriptome data. We concluded that six upregulated genes may be involved in the recognition of young goji fruit volatiles by gravid female N. asiatica. Our study preliminarily identifies young goji fruit volatiles as a key factor in the oviposition behavior of N. asiatica, which will facilitate further studies on the mechanisms of host oviposition selection in N. asiatica.

Influence of Microbial Treatments on Vine Growth and Must Quality: Preliminary Results

Microorganisms play a crucial role in addressing the challenges related to the increasing detrimental effects of intensive agriculture in vineyards by contributing to various aspects, from maintaining soil health and vine vitality to influencing fermentation and the overall wine features. Among microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi are widely distributed in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and their mutually beneficial relationship with most terrestrial plants provides valuable ecological benefits. Nowadays, the wine industry is increasingly moving toward the production of organic wines, highlighting the need for novel and healthier strategies that prioritize both the consumer well-being and the quality of the final wine product. Following our previous study in collaboration with the Bioma SA Company (Quartino, Switzerland), the investigation was continued by extending the organic practice to the cultivation. The present work, indeed, aimed to evaluate the influence of the treatment with mycorrhizal fungi on the metabolism of "Sangiovese" grapevines. In particular, the chemical parameters, including alcohol content, pH, acidity, phenolic composition, and sulfur dioxide, were assessed on the must, while the analysis of the volatile emission was conducted both on whole and pressed grapes, on must, as well as on the grape skins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the mycorrhizal fungi association effect on the quality of "Sangiovese" grapes and, further, its effect on the VOCs emission.

Lycium barbarum oligosaccharide-derived carbon quantum dots inhibit glial scar formation while promoting neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells

Overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in activated astrocytes following spinal cord injury is closely associated with glial scar formation, which harms axonal regrowth. In this study, we prepared ultrasmall cationic carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via one-step hydrothermal carbonization. Lycium barbarum oligosaccharides were used as the carbon source for the first time, and polyetherimide (PEI) and ethylenediamine (ED) were used as cationic reagents. Interestingly, the resultant CQDs show the bioactivity of specifically inhibiting GFAP protein expression, while promoting neuronal marker expression in neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, CQDs together with NSCs can remarkably improve the motor activity of animals after implantation into the transection lesion of the rat spinal cord. Histological analysis confirmed that CQDs can enhance neuronal differentiation of NSCs while inhibiting glial scar formation in vivo. Altogether, this study represents the first report of producing CQDs from oligosaccharides and investigating their impact on NSCs differentiation, thus providing a paradigm for exploring the bioactivity of quantum dots.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide alleviates ferroptosis in Sertoli cells through NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and ameliorates DEHP-induced male reproductive damage in mice

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer that has been shown to significantly negatively affect male reproductive health. On the other hand, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been shown to improve reproductive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that LBP may ameliorate DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. Herein, we found that LBP could alleviate DEHP-induced testicular damage and sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, histomorphological analysis of mice testis revealed that LBP primarily ameliorated the DEHP-induced male reproductive damage by targeting Sertoli cells. Moreover, the detection of the function-related genes of Sertoli cells confirmed this finding. The serum of mice in the Control, DEHP, and DEHP+LBP groups was analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics to further elucidate the mechanism of action of LBP in improving DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. According to the results, the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the glutamate metabolism pathway, implying that LBP may alleviate the ferroptosis-related DEHP-induced testicular injury. Related ferroptosis markers were also found in mice testis. These findings collectively suggest that LBP may ameliorate DEHP-induced testicular injury via alleviating ferroptosis in Sertoli cells. To clarify the specific mechanism, we constructed a cell model in vitro by treating TM4 cells (the Sertoli cell line) with LBP and MEHP (the in vivo DEHP metabolite). Our findings revealed that LBP can improve the function of DEHP-affected Sertoli cells. Furthermore, the analysis of lipid peroxidation, Fe2+ content, and ferroptosis-related protein expressions demonstrated that LBP could ameliorate MEHP-induced ferroptosis in TM4 cells. To clarify the specific mechanism, glutamate metabolism-related proteins involved in the ferroptosis pathway were detected. According to the results, there were significant changes in the expression of NRF2, SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins, which are involved in the ferroptosis glutamate metabolism pathway. Furthermore, supplementation of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 inhibitors (ML385, Erastin, and RSL3, respectively) blocked the therapeutic effect of LBP in alleviating MEHP-induced ferroptosis in TM4 cells, implying that LBP could also ameliorate MEHP-induced ferroptosis via the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway. In summary, these findings show that LBP can alleviate DEHP/MEHP-induced ferroptosis through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, ameliorating Sertoli cell dysfunction and improving the DEHP-induced male reproductive damage. Therefore, the clinical administration of LBP could be an effective strategy for preventing DEHP-induced male reproductive injury.

Lycium barbarum Extract Enhanced Neuroplasticity and Functional Recovery in 5xFAD Mice via Modulating Microglial Status of the Central Nervous System

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum extract (LBE), a Chinese herb, on the central nervous system (CNS)-including the retina, brain, and spinal cord-in 5xFAD transgenic mice after the onset of AD.

METHODS

Starting at 6 months of age, 5xFAD mice received daily intragastric gavage of LBE (2 g/kg) for 2 months. At 8 months, behavioral tests were conducted to assess cognition, motor function, and visual function. These included the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and Y-maze tests for cognition; the beam walking balance and clasping tests for motor function; and electroretinogram (ERG) for visual function. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to evaluate Aβ deposition, microglial morphology, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotective signaling pathways. Primary microglia and the IMG cell line were used to study LBE's effects on Aβ uptake and degradation in vitro.

RESULTS

After 2 months of LBE treatment, the decline in cognition, motor, and visual functions in 5xFAD mice was significantly slowed. Microglia in the brain, spinal cord, and retina exhibited a neuroprotective state, with reduced Aβ deposition, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), increased Arg-1/iNOS ratio, and enhanced phagocytic capacity. LBE also promoted Aβ uptake and degradation in primary microglia and the IMG cell line. Neuroprotective signals such as p-Akt, p-Erk1/2, and p-CREB were elevated. Additionally, LBE treatment restored synaptic protein expression and enhanced neuroplasticity.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that LBE treatment can enhance neuroplasticity, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve phagocyte clearance of Aβ deposition via inducing a neuroprotective microglial phenotype throughout CNS. As an upper-class Chinese medicine, appropriate intake of LBE may serve as a beneficial antiaging strategy for AD.

A review of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structural-property relationships, and bioactive molecular mechanisms

Lycium barbarum L. is of great significance medicinal and edible plant, which is native to N. & Central China. The extensive health benefits of L. barbarum have earned it great respect in traditional medicine for centuries. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) being recognized as one of the most crucial bioactive compounds found within this plant, with it exhibit a diverse range of pharmacological activities and nutritional functions, thereby generating substantial market demand and broad application prospects. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of LBPs, the review discussed the extraction, purification and structural-property relationships of these compounds. In addition, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the potential mechanisms underlying various biological activities attributed to LBPs, including immune modulation, antioxidant effects, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, and antitumor properties. The application status and the future research directions of LBPs were subsequently presented. This review will establish a robust foundation and serve as an invaluable resource for future research and advancements in the field of LBPs.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the disease resistance of Lycium barbarum to root rot by activating phenylpropane metabolism

Root rot is one of the common diseases of Lycium barbarum. Pathogens can cause devastating disasters to plants after infecting host plants. This study investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus intraradices inoculation on phenylpropane metabolism in L. barbarum and evaluated its resistance to root rot. The experiment was set up with AMF inoculation treatments (inoculated or not) and root rot pathogen-Fusarium solani inoculation treatments (inoculated or not). The results showed that AMF was able to form a symbiosis with the root system of L. barbarum, thereby promoting plant growth significantly and increasing plants' resistance to disease stress. The plant height of AMF-colonized L. barbarum increased by 24.83% compared to non-inoculated diseased plants. After inoculation with AMF, the plant defense response induced by pathogen infection was stronger. When the enzyme activity of the leaves reached the maximum after the onset of mycorrhizal L. barbarum, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumaric acid-CoA ligase increased by 3.67%, 31.47%, and 13.61%, respectively, compared with the non-inoculated diseased plants. The products related to the lignin pathway and flavonoid pathway downstream of phenylpropane metabolism such as lignin and flavonoids were also significantly increased by 141.65% and 44.61% compared to nonmycorrhizal diseased plants. The activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase increased by 36.00% and 57.96%, respectively. The contents of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were also 17.7% and 31.63% higher than those of nonmycorrhizal plants in the early stage of plant growth, respectively. The results indicated that AMF significantly promoted plant growth and enhanced disease resistance by increasing enzyme activities and the production of lignin and flavonoids.

Development of a pre-column derivatization ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method for polysaccharide and monosaccharide quantification in Lycium barbarum

Given the limited specificity and accuracy observed in the current official colorimetric quantification of polysaccharide in Lycium barbarum, our study aims to establish a novel, specific, accurate, and economic pre-column derivatization ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method for determining the monosaccharide and polysaccharide content in L. barbarum. The optimization of extraction, hydrolysis, and derivatization (using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone) processes for polysaccharide from L. barbarum was conducted initially, followed by separation of nine monosaccharides within 20 min using UHPLC with a C18 column. Subsequently, a novel method known as quantitative analysis of multiple components by single marker was developed, utilizing either additive 2-deoxy-D-ribose or any monosaccharide present in the sample as a single reference standard to simultaneously detect the contents of polysaccharide and nine monosaccharides in L. barbarum. To validate the accuracy of the established method, the quantitative results of our approach were compared to both external and internal standard method methods. The minimal relative errors in the quantitative determination of monosaccharides among the three methods confirmed the dependability of the method. By analyzing 20 batches of L. barbarum samples, D-galacturonic acid exhibited the highest content and the polysaccharide levels ranged from 3.02 to 13.04 mg/g. All data implied the specificity and accuracy of the method.

Metabolite-based genome-wide association studies enable the dissection of the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine in wolfberry (Lycium)

Wolfberry is a plant with medicinal and food values. However, its bioactive ingredients and the corresponding genetic bases have not been determined. Here, we de novo generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for wolfberry, yielding a genome sequence of ~1.77 Gb with contig N50 of 50.55 Mb and 39 224 predicted gene models. A variation map, using 307 re-sequenced accessions, was called based on this genome assembly. Furthermore, the fruit metabolome of these accessions was profiled using 563 annotated metabolites, which separated Lycium barbarum L. and non-L. barbarum L. The flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and nicotinic acid contents were higher in the former than in the latter. A metabolite-based genome-wide association study mapped 156 164 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms corresponding to 340 metabolites. This included 19 219 unique lead single nucleotide polymorphisms in 1517 significant association loci, of which three metabolites, flavonoids, betaine and spermidine, were highlighted. Two candidate genes, LbUGT (evm.TU.chr07.2692) and LbCHS (evm.TU.chr07.2738), with non-synonymous mutations, were associated with the flavonoids content. LbCHS is a structural gene that interacts with a nearby MYB transcription factor (evm.TU.chr07.2726) both in L. barbarum and L. ruthenicum. Thus, these three genes might be involved in the biosynthesis/metabolism of flavonoids. LbSSADH (evm.TU.chr09.627) was identified as possibly participating in betaine biosynthesis/metabolism. Four lycibarbarspermidines (E-G and O) were identified, and only the lycibarbarspermidines O content was higher in L. barbarum varieties than in non-L. barbarum varieties. The evm.TU.chr07.2680 gene associated with lycibarbarspermidines O was annotated as an acetyl-CoA-benzylalcohol acetyltransferase, suggesting that it is a candidate gene for spermidine biosynthesis. These results provide novel insights into the specific metabolite profile of non-L. barbarum L. and the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine biosynthesis/metabolism.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide remodels colon inflammatory microenvironment and improves gut health

Aim

Disturbed intestinal microbiota has been implicated in the inflammatory microenvironment of the colon, which usually results in ulcerative colitis (UC). Given the limitations of these drugs, it is important to explore alternative means of protecting the gut health from UC. This study aimed to investigate the potential of polysaccharides as beneficial nutrients in the regulation of the gut microbiota, which determines the inflammatory microenvironment of the colon.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in remodeling the inflammatory microenvironment and improving gut health. Body weight and disease activity indices were monitored daily. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to analyze colon dynamics. The levels of inflammatory indicators and expression of MUC-2, claudin-1, ZO-1, and G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) were determined using assay kits and immunohistochemistry, respectively. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of the intestinal microbiota and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for related bile acids were used.

Results

LBP significantly improved the colonic tissue structure by upregulating MUC-2, claudin-1, and ZO-1 protein expression. The bacterial genus Dubosiella was dominant in healthy mice, but significantly decreased in mice treated with DSS. LBP rehabilitated Dubosiella in the sick guts of DSS mice to a level close to that of healthy mice. The levels of other beneficial bacterial genera Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium were also increased, whereas those of the harmful bacterial genera Turicibacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Escherichia-Shigella, and Faecalibaculum decreased. The activity of beneficial bacteria promoted the bile acids lithocholic and deoxycholic acids in mice with UC, which improved the gut barrier function through the upregulation of TGR5.

Conclusion

The inflammatory microenvironment in the gut is determined by the balance of the gut microbiota. LBP showed great potential as a beneficial nutrient for rehabilitating Dubosiella which is dominant in the gut of healthy mice. Nutrient-related LBP may play an important role in gut health management.

Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) Branches and Leaves Enhance the Growth Performance and Improve the Rumen Microbiota in Hu Sheep

The Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to examine how LBL impacts the growth and slaughter performance as well as rumen fermentation and microbiota in Hu sheep. A total of 50 male Hu sheep of indigenous origin, aged 3 months, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 sheep each. The groups were given different levels of LBL supplementation (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) to evaluate growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of the fermentation parameters and rumen chyme was examined to study the rumen microbiota. The slaughter performance, meat quality, and organ index were evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain of the LBL1 group were significantly higher than those of the CON group, LBL3 group, and LBL4 group (p < 0.05). The average dry matter intake of the LBL4 group was significantly lower than that of other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP in the LBL1 and LBL2 groups was higher than that in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). At the same time, the eye muscle area and grade-rule (GR) value of Hu sheep in the LBL1 group significantly increased and the quality of Hu sheep meat improved (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in organ weight and organ index between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The pH of the rumen fluid in the LBL1 group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NH3-N content between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The propionate and valerate in the rumen fluid of Hu sheep in the LBL2 group were significantly higher than those in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). In addition, this had no significant effect on the structure and abundance of the rumen microbiota (p > 0.05). LBL is a promising functional feed. Adding an appropriate amount of LBL to the diet can improve the feed efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality of Hu sheep but has no adverse effects on the rumen. In this experiment, the appropriate supplemental level of LBL in the diet was 3%.

Fructus lycii oligosaccharide alleviates acute liver injury via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Regulating the immune-environment is essential for treating acute liver injury (ALI). However, the deficiency of an effective immune balancer restricted progress. Herein, we reported an oligosaccharide from Fructus lycii oligosaccharide (FLO). To investigate the effects of FLO, we adopted primary macrophages and LO2 for experiments in vitro. In vivo, we assessed the influence of FLO in ALI with histochemical staining and enzyme indicators detection. Following that, we clarified the underlying mechanisms using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Our results indicated that FLO (100 μg/mL) showed apparent inflammatory reversal effects by shifting the phenotype of macrophages from M1 to M2 without causing any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CCl4-induced mice were significantly improved by FLO intragastric administration. Meanwhile, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was confirmed for the up-regulation of IL-10 via M2 polarization of macrophages. Collectively, our findings highlight the beneficial effects of FLO on ALI therapy via M1 to M2 macrophage conversion.

Supercharging metabolic health with Lycium barbarum L.: A review of the therapeutic potential of this functional food for managing metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common disorder involving a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and atherogenic profile. MetS is characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and a chronic proinflammatory state, which are directly related to the development and progression of this pathology. It has been seen how a healthy lifestyle and good dietary practices are key to improving the different metabolic parameters and, therefore, play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of developing diabetes. The present review focuses on the research evidence related to the therapeutic properties of Lycium barbarum L. in MetS gathered in the last years. Several preclinical studies suggest that L. barbarum extracts are a good dietary supplement for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in people with MetS. This compound has been used for years in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of atrophic gastritis, problems related to the lungs, kidneys, and liver, and as a supplement for eye health. In addition, different in vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out that support the properties attributed to metabolites derived from L. barbarum, such as polysaccharides that have been shown diverse biological activities. In conclusion, L. barbarum extracts have multiple benefits to increase general well‐being and immune function. However, there are a limited number of studies related to effect of L. barbarum in MetS, but they demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, and prevention of diabetes mellitus type 2 complication.

Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the discrepancy in the accumulation of active ingredients between Lycium barbarum cultivars

MAIN CONCLUSION

The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolome provided molecular insight into the dynamics of multiple active ingredients biosynthesis and accumulation across different cultivars of Lycium barbarum. Lycium barbarum L. has a high concentration of active ingredients and is well known in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, there are many Lycium barbarum cultivars, and the content of active components varies, resulting in inconsistent quality between Lycium barbarum cultivars. At present, few research has been conducted to reveal the difference in active ingredient content among different cultivars of Lycium barbarum at the molecular level. Therefore, the transcriptome of 'Ningqi No.1' and 'Qixin No.1' during the three development stages (G, T, and M) was constructed in this study. A total of 797,570,278 clean reads were obtained. Between the two types of wolfberries, a total of 469, 2394, and 1531 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the 'G1 vs. G10,' 'T1 vs. T10,' and 'M1 vs. M10,' respectively, and were annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology identifiers. Using these transcriptome data, most DEGs related to the metabolism of the active ingredients in 'Ningqi No.1' and 'Qixin No.1' were identified. Moreover, a widely targeted metabolome analysis of the metabolites of 'Ningqi 1' and 'Qixin 1' fruits at the maturity stage revealed 1,135 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in 'M1 vs. M10,' and many DEMs were associated with active ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and so on. We further quantified the flavonoid, lignin, and carotenoid contents of the two Lycium barbarum cultivars during the three developmental stages. The present outcome provided molecular insight into the dynamics of multiple active ingredients biosynthesis and accumulation across different cultivars of Lycium barbarum, which would provide the basic data for the formation of Lycium barbarum fruit quality and the breeding of outstanding strains.

Establishment of high performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint and determination of 4 kinds of phenolic acid bioactive substances of fruitless Lycium barbarum leaves from Ningxia at different harvesting periods

"Fruitless Lycium barbarum leaf (FLBL) are the leaves of a new variety of Lycium barbarum in Ningxia, which exhibit higher content of various nutrients, trace elements, and bioactive substances compared to Lycium barbarum fruits and leaves. However, the health and medicinal value as well as the by-products derived from FLBL have not received sufficient attention, and the contents of main components vary at different harvesting periods. Therefore, for the first time this study aimed to establish high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints and determine the contents of four phenolic acid bioactive substances during different harvesting periods in order to provide an experimental basis for cultivation, collection, and research on FLBL. The results revealed 17 common peaks among 10 batches samples with a similarity ranging from 0.71 to 0.976. The linear relationships R2 for catechin, epicatechin-catechin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin were determined as 0.9999 each; meanwhile, the average recovery rate ranged from 93.92 % to 120.11 %, with an RSD between 0.91 % and 2.82 %. The precision, repeatability stability (24 h), and recovery rate met the requirements outlined in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia". Catechin, epicatechin, and rutin exhibited higher levels from June to August, while chlorogenic acid showed increased levels from July to September. The findings serve as a foundation for quality control measures such as identifying optimal harvest periods or facilitating development and production processes related to Ningxia FLBL."

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis of differences in quality of ripe Lycium barbarum L. fruits harvested at different periods

BACKGROUND

Wolfberry is well-known for its high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Due to the continuous ripening nature of Goji berries and the fact that they can be commercially harvested within a few weeks, their phytochemical composition may change during the harvesting process at different periods.

RESULT

The involved molecular mechanisms of difference in fruit quality of ripe Lycium barbarum L. harvested at four different periods were investigated by transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses for the first time. According to the results we obtained, it was found that the appearance quality of L. barbarum fruits picked at the beginning of the harvesting season was superior, while the accumulation of sugar substances in L. barbarum fruits picked at the end of the harvesting season was better. At the same time the vitamin C and carotenoids content of wolfberry fruits picked during the summer harvesting season were richer. Ascorbic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, and phenolic acids have significant changes in transcription and metabolism levels. Through the network metabolic map, we found that ascorbic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine and related enzyme genes were differentially accumulated and expressed in wolfberry fruits at different harvesting periods. Nevertheless, these metabolites played important roles in the ascorbate-glutathione recycling system. Ascorbic acid, phenolic substances and the ascorbate-glutathione recycling system have antioxidant effects, which makes the L. barbarum fruits harvested in the summer more in line with market demand and health care concepts.

CONCLUSION

This study laid the foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of quality differences of ripe wolfberry fruits harvested at different periods, and provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the quality of L. barbarum fruits.

A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and potential uses of Portulaca oleracea L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), popularly known as purslane, has been documented in ethnopharmacology in various countries and regions. Traditional application records indicated that PO might be used extensively to treat the common cold, dysentery, urinary tract infections, coughing, eye infections, skin problems, gynecological diseases, and pediatric illnesses.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper includes a systematic review of the traditional usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, and potential uses of PO to provide an overview of the research for further exploitation of PO resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article uses "Portulaca oleracea L." and "purslane" as the keywords and collects relevant information on PO from different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, ACS, Wiley, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and ancient meteria medica.

RESULTS

PO is a member of the Portulacaceae family and is grown worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that purslane has the effect of improving eyesight, eliminating evil qi, quenching thirst, purgation, diuresis, hemostasis, regulating qi, promoting hair growth, detoxifying, and avoiding epidemic qi. Recent phytochemical investigations have shown that PO is a rich source of flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, esters, lignans, terpenoids, catecholamines, sterols, and cerebrosides. The purslane extracts or compounds have exhibited numerous biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, metabolic, muscle relaxant, anti-asthmatic and anti-osteoporosis properties. The significant omega-3 fatty acids, vital amino acids, minerals, and vitamins found in purslane also provide nutritional benefits. Purslane as a food/feed additive in the food industry and animal husbandry has caused concern. Its global wide distribution and tolerance to abiotic stress characteristics make it in the future sustainable development of agriculture a certain position.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on traditional usage, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activity, PO is a potential medicinal and edible plant with diverse pharmacological effects. Due to purslane's various advantages, it may have vast application potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries and animal husbandry.

A Network Pharmacology-based Study on the Anti-aging Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine Sisheng Bulao Elixir

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history of use in preventing senescence for millennia in China. Nonetheless, a systematic method to study the antiaging properties and the underlying molecular mechanism of TCM remains absent.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to decipher the anti-aging targets and mechanisms of Sisheng Bulao Elixir (SBE) using a systematic approach based on a novel aging database and network pharmacology.

METHODS

Bioactive compounds and target proteins in SBE were identified via the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Aging-related proteins were uncovered through alignment with the Ageing Alta database. A compound-target (CT) protein network analysis highlighted key flavonoids targeting aging. Core aging-related proteins were extracted through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Molecular docking validated binding activities between core compounds and aging-related proteins. The antioxidant activity of SBE was confirmed using an in vitro senescent cells model.

RESULTS

A total of 39 active compounds were extracted from a pool of 639 compounds in SBE. Through a matching process with the Aging Alta, 88 target proteins associated with the aging process were identified. Impressively, 80 out of these 88 proteins were found to be targeted by flavonoids. Subsequently, an analysis using CT methodology highlighted 11 top bioactive flavonoids. Notably, core aging-related proteins, including AKT1, MAPK3, TP53, VEGFA, IL6, and HSP90AA1, emerged through the PPI network analysis. Moreover, three flavonoids, namely quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin, exhibited interactions with over 100 aging-related proteins. Molecular docking studies were conducted on these flavonoids with their shared three target proteins, namely AKT1, HSP90AA1, and IL6, to assess their binding activities. Finally, the antioxidant properties of SBE were validated using an in vitro model of senescent cells.

CONCLUSION

This study offers novel insights into SBE's anti-aging attributes, providing evidence of its molecular mechanisms. It enhances our understanding of traditional remedies in anti-aging research.

Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effect of Selenium Fertilization on Lycium barbarum Fruit

As a beneficial nutrient and essential trace element, selenium plays a significant role in plant growth functions and human protein biosynthesis. Plant selenium enrichment is mainly obtained from both natural soil and exogenous selenium supplementation, while human beings consume selenium-enriched foods for the purposes of selenium supplementation. In this study, different types of selenium fertilizers were sprayed onto Lycium barbarum in Ningxia, and transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques were used to explore the effects of selenium on the fruit differentials and differential genes in Lycium barbarum. Taking the "Ning Qiyi No.1" wolfberry as the research object, sodium selenite, nano-selenium, and organic selenium were sprayed at a concentration of 100 mg·L-1 three times from the first fruiting period to the harvesting period, with a control treatment comprising the spraying of clear water. We determined the major metabolites and differential genes of the amino acids and derivatives, flavonoids, and alkaloids in ripe wolfberries. We found that spraying selenium significantly enhanced the Lycium barbarum metabolic differentiators; the most effective spray was the organic selenium, with 129 major metabolic differentiators and 10 common metabolic pathways screened after spraying. Nano-selenium was the next best fertilizer we screened, with 111 major metabolic differentiators, the same number as organic selenium in terms of differential genes and common metabolite pathways. Sodium selenite was the least effective of the three, with only 59 of its major metabolic differentials screened, but its differential genes and metabolites were enriched for five common pathways.

Endophytic fungi of Lycium barbarum: isolation, determination, bioactivity and separation of compounds

Lycium barbarum is widely distributed in China and used as a traditional Chinese medicine herb to treat dizziness, abdominal pain, dry cough, headache and fatigue. Several studies have examined the endophytes of L. barbarum from northwest China; however, few have focused on that from eastern China. The objective of this study was to isolate and determine the endophytic fungi of L. barbarum from Shandong province, as well as to obtain and identify active secondary metabolites from the endophytes. In this study, 17 endophytic fungi were isolated from L. barbarum and denoted as GQ-1 to GQ-17, respectively. These fungi were further classified into ten genera based on the morphological and ITS identification. The crude extracts of these fungi were obtained by using liquid fermentation and EtOAc extraction, and their antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities were evaluated. The results showed that GQ-6 and GQ-16 exhibited high inhibitory activity; GQ-6 and GQ-9 showed high cytotoxic activity and GQ-5 exhibited high scavenging capability for DPPH free radicals. Additionally, Cladosporium sp. GQ-6 was used to investigate the secondary metabolites. The crude extracts were purified by using column chromatography, reverse column, and liquid chromatography, and four monomeric compounds were identified, including two known compounds (α-acetylorcinol (1) and cladosporester B (2)) and two new compounds (cladosporacid F (3) and cladosporester D (4)). The anti-fungal and antibacterial activities of these compounds were confirmed, but no cytotoxic activity was observed. In conclusion, endophytic fungi of L. barbarum from eastern China can serve as a potential source of active natural products with antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Nectandrin B significantly increases the lifespan of Drosophila - Nectandrin B for longevity

Phytochemicals are increasingly recognized in the field of healthy aging as potential therapeutics against various aging-related diseases. Nutmeg, derived from the Myristica fragrans tree, is an example. Nutmeg has been extensively studied and proven to possess antioxidant properties that protect against aging and alleviate serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. However, the specific active ingredient in nutmeg responsible for these health benefits has not been identified thus far. In this study, we present evidence that Nectandrin B (NecB), a bioactive lignan compound isolated from nutmeg, significantly extended the lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6% compared to the control group. NecB also improved age-related symptoms including locomotive deterioration, body weight gain, eye degeneration, and neurodegeneration in aging D. melanogaster. This result represents the most substantial improvement in lifespan observed in animal experiments to date, suggesting that NecB may hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for promoting longevity and addressing age-related degeneration.

Transcriptional deciphering of the metabolic pathways associated with the bioactive ingredients of wolfberry species with different quality characteristics

BACKGROUND

Wolfberry is rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, betaines and other bioactive ingredients. For over 2,000 years, wolfberry has been used in China as a medicinal and edible plant resource. Nevertheless, the content of bioactive ingredients varies by cultivars, resulting in uneven quality across wolfberry cultivars and species. To date, research has revealed little about the underlying molecular mechanism of the metabolism of flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive ingredients in wolfberry.

RESULTS

In this context, the transcriptomes of the Lycium barbarum L. cultivar 'Ningqi No. 1' and Lycium chinense Miller were compared during the fruit maturity stage using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform, and subsequently, the changes of the gene expression profiles in two types of wolfberries were analysed. In total, 256,228,924 clean reads were obtained, and 8817 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, then assembled by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) similarity searches and annotated using Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (KOG), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). By combining these transcriptome data with data from the PubMed database, 36 DEGs related to the metabolism of bioactive ingredients and implicated in the metabolic pathway of carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, vitamins, etc., were identified. In addition, among the 9 differentially expressed transcription factors, LbAPL, LbPHL11 and LbKAN4 have raised concerns. The protein physicochemical properties, structure prediction and phylogenetic analysis indicated that LbAPL and LbPHL11 may be good candidate genes involved in regulating the flavonoid metabolism pathway in wolfberry.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence for the differences in bioactive ingredient content at the transcription level among different wolfberry species, as well as a research and theoretical basis for the screening, cloning and functional analysis of key genes involved in the metabolism of bioactive ingredients in wolfberry.

Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract

Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality (p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido (p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits (p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress.

Optimization of the Fermentation Conditions of Metarhizium robertsii and Its Biological Control of Wolfberry Root Rot Disease

Fusarium solani is the main pathogenic fungus causing the root rot of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). The endophytic fungus Metarhizium robertsii has been widely used for the biocontrol of plant pathogenic fungi, but the biocontrol effects of this fungus on wolfberry root rot and its antifungal mechanism against F. solani have not been reported. In this study, the antagonism of endophytic fungus M. robertsii against F. solani was verified. Further, we optimized the fermentation conditions of M. robertsii fermentation broth based on the inhibition rate of F. solani. In addition, the effects of M. robertsii fermentation broth on the root rot of wolfberry and its partial inhibition mechanism were investigated. The results showed that M. robertsii exhibited good antagonism against F. solani. Glucose and beef extracts were the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for the fermentation of M. robertsii. Under the conditions of 29 °C, 190 rpm, and pH 7.0, the fermentation broth of M. robertsii had the best inhibition effect on F. solani. Furthermore, the fermentation broth treatment decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase of F. solani; promoted the accumulation of malondialdehyde; and accelerated the leakage of soluble protein and the decrease in soluble sugar. In addition, inoculation with M. robertsii significantly reduced the decay incidence and disease index of wolfberry root rot caused by F. solani. These results indicate that M. robertsii could be used as a biological control agent in wolfberry root rot disease management.

The mechanism of Qijing Mingmu decoction on cellular senescence of conjunctivochalasis

BACKGROUND

Qijing Mingmu decoction (QJMM), a compound Chinese medicine preparation, which consists of Lycium barbarum, Polygonatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Poria cocos, Glycyrrhiza, Eclipta prostrata and Ligusticum striatum, has been confirmed to be effective for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis (CCH) in clinic and reduce cellular senescence. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our previous study revealed that p38-mediated cellular senescence contributed to the pathogenesis of CCH.

METHODS

To explore whether p38 might be the potential therapeutic target of QJMM for CCH, CCH fibroblasts were treated with QJMM granule and then the effect of QJMM granule on the expression and promoter activity of p38α was determined by western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Meanwhile, the influence of QJMM granule on cell proliferation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and the expression of the cellular senescence-associated genes were measured by corresponding methods.

RESULTS

QJMM granule significantly decreased the protein expression of p38α and p-p38α in CCH fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited p38α promoter activity. QJMM granule as well as the p38 inhibitor SB203580 reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in CCH fibroblasts. QJMM granule and SB203580 promoted cell proliferation and reduced the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells. The mRNA and protein expression of p53 and p21 was remarkably down-regulated by QJMM granule as well as SB203580 and that of SMP30 was up-regulated in CCH fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that QJMM granule was effective for alleviating cellular senescence of CCH fibroblasts by p38 MAPK signaling and the followed p53/p21 signaling.

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.

Total Synthesis of Neuroprotective Agents, (+)-Lycibarbarine A and (-)-Lycibarbarine B

We describe the convergent total syntheses of lycibarbarines A and B which are potent neuroprotective agents recently isolated from the fruits of Lycium barbarum. The synthesis highlights the construction of a unique spiro oxazine heterocyclic motif imbedded in these natural products. The synthesis is accomplished from the commercially available 8-hydroxyquinaline and 2-deoxy-d-ribose as key starting materials. The synthesis features a Reimer-Tiemann reaction, selective amine alkylation with a keto tosylate derivative, and spiroketalization to form an oxazine core.

Regulatory mechanisms of natural compounds from traditional Chinese herbal medicines on the microglial response in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Development of clinically effective neuroprotective agents for stroke therapy is still a challenging task. Microglia play a critical role in brain injury and recovery after ischemic stroke. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) are based on a unique therapeutic principle, have various formulas, and have long been widely used to treat stroke. Therefore, the active compounds in TCHMs and their underlying mechanisms of action are attracting increasing attention in the field of stroke drug development.

PURPOSE

To summarize the regulatory mechanisms of TCHM-derived natural compounds on the microglial response in animal models of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We searched studies published until 10 April 2023 in the Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: natural compounds, natural products or phytochemicals, traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese herbal medicine, microglia, and ischemic stroke. This review was prepared according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines.

RESULTS

Natural compounds derived from TCHMs can attenuate the M1 phenotype of microglia, which is involved in the detrimental inflammatory response, via inhibition of NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK/STAT, Notch, TLR4, P2X7R, CX3CR1, IL-17RA, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-oxidant enzymes. Additionally, the neuroprotective response of microglia with the M2 phenotype can be enhanced by activating Nrf2/HO-1, PI3K/AKT, AMPK, PPARγ, SIRT1, CB2R, TREM2, nAChR, and IL-33/ST2. Several clinical trials showed that TCHM-derived natural compounds that regulate microglial responses have significant and safe therapeutic effects, but further well-designed clinical studies are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research regarding the direct targets and potential pleiotropic or synergistic effects of natural compounds would provide a more reasonable approach for regulation of the microglial response with the possibility of successful stroke drug development.

Microbial Diversity and Bioactive Compounds in Dried Lycium barbarum Fruits (Goji): A Comparative Study

This study compares the microbial diversity and content of bioactive compounds in dried goji berries available on the Polish market to those of the most highly valued goji berries from the Ningxia region in China. The content of phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids were determined, as well as the antioxidant capacities of the fruits. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiota inhabiting the fruits was assessed using metagenomics by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform. The highest quality was demonstrated by naturally dried fruits from the Ningxia region. These berries were characterized by a high content of polyphenols and high antioxidant activity, as well as high microbial quality. The lowest antioxidant capacity was shown by goji berries cultivated in Poland. However, they contained a high amount of carotenoids. The highest microbial contamination was found in the goji berries available in Poland (>10⁶ CFU/g), which is important in terms of consumer safety. Despite the widely accepted benefits of consuming goji berries, both the country of cultivation and the preservation method may influence their composition, bioactivity, and microbial quality.

Pharmacological importance of Kunxian Capsule in clinical applications and its adverse effects: A review

Kunxian Capsule (KX) is a popular Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and eczema. However, there is scarcity of comprehensive information on the significance of KX in the clinical application and its side effects. Hence, it is aimed to provide a review of the significance of KX, with a focus on the pharmacological effects, clinical applications, and its adverse reactions. This review was based on the published literatures in PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang database. The articles were collected by two independent authors with no time limits applied until November 30, 2022. The search term includes Kunxian Capsule and/or clinical effect, pharmacology, disease, therapy, adverse effects and quality control. KX has been shown to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory responses and inducing apoptosis. Many studies suggest that KX has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that aid in the improvement of joint functions. KX dispels wind, removes dampness, invigorates the kidneys, and promotes blood circulation, thereby curing various diseases. However, studies also suggest KX-related adverse reactions in multiple systems. Overall, this review highlights the scientific basis of KX in curing or preventing various diseases and provides novel insights for further research and clinical applications.

Dietary supplementation with Lycium barbarum polysaccharides conducive to maintaining the health of Luciobarbus capito via the enhancement of enzyme activities and the modulation of gut microbiota

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main active component of Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), which has important medicinal and nutritional value. However, the effect of LBP treatment on Luciobarbus capito (L. capito) still remains unknown. Given this, the current work aims to probe the underlying effect of different levels of LBP treatment (i.e. 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00 g/L) on L. capito in the context of enzymatic activity analysis, histological observations and gut microbiota analysis. Compared with control group, the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, intestinal digestive enzymes and hepatic immune enzyme were found to be significantly increased after 0.10 g/L LBP and 0.50 g/L LBP treatment (P < 0.05). This result indicated that moderate levels of LBP treatment could dramatically enhance the immunity and antioxidant capacity of L. capito. Furthermore, the compositional structures of the gut microbiota in L. capito were found to be greatly shaped after LBP treatment, whereas the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota were only found to be slightly changed (P > 0.05). No significant changes were screened in the morphologic structures of gut constructions. This work would provide theoretical and experimental basis for future application of LBP as supplement in the culture process of the farmed fish.

A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies of the Efficacy of Herbal Medicines for Anti-Aging in the Last Five Years

BACKGROUND

The world's population is rapidly aging, and attention to and research on the increase in life expectancy and age-related diseases are needed. This study aimed to review the in vivo studies on the anti-aging effects of herbal medicines.

METHODS

In vivo studies of single or complex herbal medicines for anti-aging that were published in the last five years were included in this review. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and EMBASE.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies were considered eligible for the review. The articles were classified into body organs and functions, experimental country, herbal medicine, extraction method, administration route, dosage, duration, animal model, aging-induced method, sex, number of animals per group, and outcomes and mechanisms A single herbal extract was used in a total of 21 studies including Alpinia oxyphylla Miq., Acanthopanax senticosus and Lyceum barbarum, and a multi-compound herbal prescription was used in a total of 20 studies, including Modified Qiongyu paste, Wuzi Yanzong recipe, etc. Each herbal medicine had anti-aging effects on learning and memory, cognition, emotion, internal organs, gastrointestinal tracts, sexual functions, musculoskeletal function and so on. The common mechanisms of action were antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and various effects and mechanisms for each organ and function were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Herbal medicine exhibited beneficial effects on anti-aging in various parts of the body and its function. Further investigation of the appropriate herbal medicine prescriptions and their components is recommended.

The Protective Effect of Lycium barbarum Betaine and Effervescent Tablet Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats

The liver is essential for animals and humans. Because of their low side effects and high safety, natural products have recently become a research hotspot for human health-related issues that can damage the liver. In this study, we investigated the protective effects in rats of Lycium barbarum betaine (LBB) and Lycium barbarum betaine Effervescent Tablet (LBBET) against liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The results showed that LBB and LBBET pretreatment significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde. Meanwhile, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly increased in liver tissues. In addition, LBB and LBBET may effectively alleviate CCl4-induced liver injury by a mechanism related to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, LBB and LBBET may serve as potential mitigators of CCl4-induced liver injury. Effervescent Tablet can be used as either a new formulation or practical product for patients who have difficulty swallowing regular tablets or capsules. This study provides a basis and new ideas for the development of functional foods or drugs related to the field of liver protection.

Potential role of plant polysaccharides as immunostimulants in aquaculture: a review

Aquaculture is one of the primary food-producing sectors in the world that ensures human nourishment. However, aqua farmers are facing serious problems due to disease out breaks and development of antimicrobial resistance. Until now, chemical or antibiotic based strategies has been applied to control disease related concern in aquaculture. Frequent usage of antibiotics in feed or usage of disinfectant to overcome the disease may end up with negative impacts to the environment and human. Utilization of plant derived polysaccharides has been drastically increased due to their effective roles and could serve as a best replacement for chemical agents and antibiotics. In addition, plant derived compounds and plant extracts was utilized to improve the immunity, intestinal health and growth performance of aquaculturable organisms. In addition, large number of plant-based polysaccharides was utilized as immunostimulants in aquaculture. Hence, this review aims to highlight the multifunctional properties of plant-based polysaccharides in aquaculture. Moreover, advantages and different concentration of plant polysaccharides as a feed additives in aquaculture sector has been discussed herein.

Fruits and their phytochemicals in mitigating the ill effects of ionizing radiation: review on the existing scientific evidence and way forward

Although helpful in treating cancer, exposure to ionizing radiation can sometimes cause severe side effects, negating its benefit. In addition to its use in clinics, a nontoxic radioprotective agent can also be beneficial in occupational settings where humans are occupationally exposed for prolonged periods to low doses of radiation. Scientific studies using laboratory animals have shown that the fruits Aegle marmelos, Capsicum annuum, Citrus aurantium, Citrullus lanatus, Crataegus microphylla, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Garcinia kola, Grewia asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus baccata, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia emarginata, Mangifera indica, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus armeniaca, Psoralea corylifolia, Punica granatum, Solanum lycopersicum, Terminalia chebula, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vitis vinifera and Xylopia aethiopica, and the phytochemicals gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, geraniin, corilagin, ascorbic acid, hesperetin, ursolic acid, lycopene, naringin, hesperidin, rutin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, diosmin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol are effective in preventing radiation-induced ill effects. Clinical studies with Emblica officinalis and Punica granatum have also shown that fruits help mitigate radiation-induced mucositis, dermatitis, and cystitis. For the first time, the current review summarizes the beneficial effects of fruits and phytochemicals in mitigating radiation-induced damage, the underlying mechanisms and the existing lacunae for future studies to be undertaken for the benefit of humans and the nutraceutical and agri-based industries.

The potential of Lycium barbarum miR166a in kidney cancer treatment

Predator species of animal can absorb plant microRNA that can regulate target gene expression and physiological function across species. The herb Lycium barbarum, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a wide range of antitumor effects. However, there are no reports on the effects of microRNA derived from it on the cross-border regulation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the role and mechanism of the L. barbarum-derived microRNA miR166a (Lb-miR166a) in cross-border regulation of RCC. Our mRNA sequencing analysis showed that Lb-miR166a regulates the expression of various genes in tumor cells, including 1232 upregulated genes and 581 downregulated genes, which were enriched to 1094 Gene Ontology entries and 43 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that Lb-miR166a can inhibit the proliferation of RCC cells, promote the apoptosis of tumor cells, and inhibit the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells by regulating the expression of related genes. Furthermore, our in vivo tumor-bearing experiment showed that subcutaneous tumor formation volume decreased in Lb-miR166a mice, along with the number of liver metastases. This study elucidates the role and mechanism of Lb-miR166a in RCC treatment (Fig. 1). Our results further mechanistically confirm the antitumor properties of L. barbarum. Our study may contribute to the clinical development of a targeted drug for RCC treatment.

Distinct Role of Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharides in Oxidative Stress-Related Ocular Diseases

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the increased production of reactive species and reduced antioxidant activity, which can cause a variety of disturbances including ocular diseases. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are complex polysaccharides isolated from the fruit of L. barbarum, showing distinct roles in antioxidants. Moreover, it is relatively safe and non-toxic. In recent years, the antioxidant activities of LBPs have attracted remarkable attention. In order to illustrate its significance and underlying therapeutic value for vision, we comprehensively review the recent progress on the antioxidant mechanisms of LBP and its potential applications in ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive neuroretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and diabetic cataract.

Eucommia ulmoides male flower as a remarkable edible floral resource exerts lifespan/healthspan-promoting effects on Caenorhabditis elegans

Natural products, especially phytochemicals, can effectively improve the health of various model organisms and ultimately prolong their lifespan. As an emerging resource of plant-based food, edible flowers have potential anti-aging effects. Here, we showed that twelve out of 30 drug-food homologous flowers' extracts significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans, and the Eucommia ulmoides male flower was screened out by comparing centrally. The lifespan of C. elegans increased by 18.61% under the treatment of 100 μg mL^-1 floral extract (EUFE). Interestingly, this effect was attenuated when EUFE was administered late or at higher concentrations. Significantly, EUFE improved health indicators that decline with aging including pharyngeal pumping, mobility, muscle morphology, and lipofuscin accumulation. EUFE also enhanced the resistance of C. elegans to oxidative/heat stress. The longevity-extending effect of EUFE was dependent on transcription factor DAF-16 and mitochondrial function. Moreover, EUFE triggered the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and promoted downstream LGG-1 and SOD3 protein expression. In body-wall muscles, EUFE stimulated mitochondrial fission and mitophagy to mitigate age-related mitochondrial impairments. The transcriptional checkpoints of daf-16, drp-1, eat-3, lgg-1, and dct-1 further showed that EUFE regulated DAF-16 signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis. Finally, the interpretation of the EUFE components by correlation analysis, UHPLC-QE-MS, and verification experiments showed that aucubin, geniposide, and asperuloside are the main active compounds. We revealed the excellent lifespan/healthspan-promoting efficacy of EUFE and highlighted that edible flowers are worthy of further investigation as anti-aging dietary resources. Meanwhile, related mechanisms enriched the hypothesis that mitochondria might be involved in the healthspan modulation of longevity pathways.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum L. berry extracts against oxidative stress-induced damage of the retina of aging mouse and ARPE-19 cells

In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of Lycium barbarum L. berry extract on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the main components responsible for its antioxidant activity. An AMD mouse model was developed by feeding 18-month-old mice with a 1% hydroquinone diet. Meanwhile, the model mice were treated with water extract (LBW) and alcohol extract (LBE) of L. barbarum berries respectively for 3 months. It was found that the retinal structural abnormalities were improved and the oxidation stress and inflammatory imbalance were both attenuated in model mice treated with the extracts of L. barbarum berries. According to the metabolomics analysis of the serum of model mice, LBW regulated the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and sphingolipids, while LBE extracts tended to regulate taurine metabolism. On sodium iodate induced oxidative injury of ARPE-19 cells, water extracts of L. barbarum berries eluted with 95% ethanol (LBW-95E) on AB-8 macroporous resin significantly improved the cell viability and attenuated oxidative stress by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content, decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, promoting the entry of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus and up-regulating the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Scopoletin, N-trans-feruloyltyramine and perlolyrine were identified as the main components of LBW-95E. These results demonstrated that L. barbarum berry extracts protected the retina of aging AMD model mice from degeneration and LBW-95E was the vital antioxidant activity fraction of LBW. These findings suggest that L. barbarum berry extracts might be an excellent natural source for the development of retinal protection-related drugs or dietary supplements.

Natural Foods for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. The etiology of NAFLD is highly heterogeneous, which occurs and develops under the joint action of metabolism, inflammation, genetics, environment, and gut microbiota. At present, the principal therapeutic modalities targeting NAFLD are lifestyle interventions such as weight loss through diet and exercise. At present, there is no established therapy for the treatment of NAFLD, and many therapies are associated with a variety of side effects. A great number of in vitro and in vivo experiments have indicated that there are many natural foods that have therapeutic potential for NAFLD. This review summarizes the natural foods and their mechanisms that were found in recent years, furthermore, provides further information relevant to the treatment of NAFLD.

Transcriptome-Based Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Gene Expression in Goji Fruit Fly (Neoceratitis asiatica Becker) under Developmental Stages and Five Abiotic Stresses

Goji fruit fly, Neoceratitis asiatica, is a major pest on the well-known medicinal plant Lycium barbarum. Dissecting molecular mechanisms of infestation and host selection of N. asiatica will contribute to the determination of best management practices for pest fly control. Gene expression normalization by Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) requires the selection and validation of appropriate reference genes (RGs). Hence, 15 candidate RGs were selected from transcriptome data of N. asiatica. Their expression stability was evaluated with five algorithms (∆Ct, Normfinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) for sample types differing in the developmental stage, sex, tissue type, and in response to five different abiotic stresses. Our results indicated that the RGs β-Actin + GST for sex, RPL32 + EF1α for tissue type, RPS13+ EF1α for developmental stages along with odor stimulation, color induction, and starvation-refeeding stresses, EF1α + GAPDH under insecticide stress, RPS13 + RPS18 under temperature stress, respectively, were selected as the most suitable RGs for qPCR normalization. Overall, RPS18 and EF1α were the two most stable RGs in all conditions, while RPS15 and EF1β were the least stable RGs. The corresponding suitable RGs and one unstable RG were used to normalize a target odorant-binding protein OBP56a gene in male and female antennae, different tissues, and under odor stimulation. The results of OBP56a expression were consistent with transcriptome data. Our study is the first research on the most stable RGs selection in N. asiatica, which will facilitate further studies on the mechanisms of host selection and insecticide resistance in N. asiatica.