Contribution of Phenolamides to the Quality Evaluation in Lycium spp

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Goji berry is a general term for various plant species in the genus Lycium. Goji has long been historically used in traditional Chinese medicines. Goji is a representative tonic medicine that has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney and benefiting the essence and eyesight. It has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases, including tinnitus, impotence, spermatorrhea and blood deficiency, since ancient times.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study aims to comprehensively summarize the quality evaluation methods of the main compounds in goji, as well as the current research status of the phenolamides in goji and their pharmacological effects, to explore the feasibility of using phenolamides as quality control markers and thus improve the quality and efficacy in goji.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant literature from PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, CNKI and other databases was comprehensively collected, screened and summarized.

RESULTS

According to the collected literature, the quality evaluation markers of goji in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China are Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and betaine. As a result of its structure complexity, only the total level of LBP can be determined, while betaine is not prominent in the pharmacological action of goji and lacks species distinctiveness. Neither of them can well explain the quality of goji. KuA and KuB are commonly used as quality evaluation markers of the Lycii cortex because of their high levels and suitable pharmacological activity. Goji is rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and alkaloids. Many studies have used the above compounds to establish quality evaluation methods but the results have not been satisfactory. Phenolamides have often been neglected in previous studies because of their low single compound levels and high separation difficulty. However, in recent years, the favourable pharmacological activities of phenolamides have been gradually recognized, and studies on goji phenolamides are greatly increasing. In addition, phenolamides have higher species distinctiveness than other compounds and can be combined with other compounds to better evaluate the quality of goji to improve its average quality.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenolamides in the goji are rich and play a key role in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection and immunomodulation. As a result of their characteristics, it is suitable to evaluate the quality by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker and fingerprint. This method can be combined with other techniques to improve the quality evaluation system of goji, which lays a foundation for their effectiveness and provides a reference for new quality evaluation methods of similar herbal medicines.

Internal multiple interactions-adsorption and external zwitterionic polymer-exclusion of restricted access materials as adsorbent for offline and online extraction of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples

A method based on novel restricted access materials (RAMs) for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples using offline and online solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (LC). RAMs were synthesized using poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene) (PVBC/DVB) microspheres as substrate, styrene (St) and n-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were first copolymerized on the interior to construct adsorption sites, and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) was then polymerized on the exterior to form exclusion sites via two-step surface initiated-atom transfer polymerization. The prepared PVBC/DVB@poly(St-co-NVP)@poly(SBMA) RAMs could efficiently extract neonicotinoid pesticides and automatically exclude proteins. Under the optimized conditions, the developed methods of offline (magnetic SPE and SPE column) and online extraction coupled with LC both using PVBC/DVB@poly(St-co-NVP)@poly(SBMA) RAMs as the extractant, exhibit a wide linearity, low limits of detection and limit of quantification and good inter-day and intra-day precision with satisfactory recoveries. Among these methods, online extraction coupled with LC based on novel RAMs exhibits clear advantages for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples has clear advantages, such as simple operation by direct injection, short extraction times, and high accuracy with less human error.

Goji Ferment Ameliorated Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of lyophilized powder of goji ferment (LPGF) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic damage in Hep3B cells and in mice. Eleven strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were selected and their hepatoprotection against APAP-induced cellular damage in Hep3B cell line was evaluated. Four strains of LAB, including BCRC11652 (Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides), BCRC14619 (Lactobacillus gasseri), KODA-1 (Pediococcus acidilactici), and KODA-2 (Limosilactobacillus fermentum), have hepatoprotective potential against APAP in vitro. Goji significantly stimulated the growth of individual and combined strains of LAB and the optimal fermented condition was the treatment of goji at 10% (w/w) for 24 h. The prepared lyophilized powder of goji ferment (LPGF) containing fifteen combinations of LAB strains was used to explore their hepatoprotection in vitro. LPGF containing all combinations of LAB strains, except for KODA-2, significantly restored APAP-reduced cell viability and improved APAP-increased cellular levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In mice model, LPGF containing BCRC11652, BCRC14619, and KODA-2 was chosen to evaluate its hepatoprotection against APAP-induced liver injury. LPGF at diverse doses have a tendency but no significant improvement on APAP-reduced body weight gain and liver weight. LPGF significantly decreased APAP-increased serum ALT and AST levels in a dose-dependent manner. At the end of experiment, LPGF significantly and dose-dependently reversed APAP-reduced activities of GSH and antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in hepatic tissue. Overall, LPGF was demonstrated to exhibit hepatoprotection against APAP-induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo.

Taurine Treatment Alleviates Intestinal Mucositis Induced by 5-Fluorouracil in Mice

Taurine (Tau), a β-amino acid, exists in red goji fruit (Lycium barbarum L.). It exerts many cellular physiological functions such as anti-inflammation and oxidation resistance. The chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5FU) can cause intestinal mucositis. However, current therapeutic approaches for mucositis have limited efficacy and are associated with various side effects. It is still unknown whether Tau can alleviate intestinal mucositis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the Tau in a mucositis mouse model and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The intestinal mucositis symptoms were alleviated by the Tau administration as evidenced by decreased body weight loss, histopathological score, oxidative stress, and improved glutathione (GSH). The Tau supplementation strengthened intestinal epithelial tight junction and reduced serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in intestinal mucositis mice. Moreover, the 5FU-induced inflammatory responses were alleviated by Tau treatment via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) and nuclear factor kappa-B/inducible nitric oxide synthase (NF-κB/iNOS) signaling pathway. Tau administration modulated short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon of mice. The results indicated that the Tau might be a new dietary strategy for intestinal mucositis caused by 5FU.

chinense Mill.?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For over one millennium, goji berries have been used traditionally as food and medicine in eastern Asia. In recent decades, it has become increasingly popular globally. However, the biocultural development of goji is poorly known. The botanical origin of goji is controversial: in many but not all modern regional or international quality standards, L. barbarum is accepted exclusively as the botanical origin of goji.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Focusing on historical, biogeographical, botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological data, the overarching aim is to understand the biological origin of goji's historical uses, as well as whether the two species can be used interchangeably.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The taxonomic literature on L. barbarum and L. chinense were analysed, followed by a study of botanical specimens and fieldwork. Historical herbals and gazetteers were employed to define the historical producing areas and medical properties of goji. An identification of the species used in history was carried out. In a final step the phytochemical and pharmacological literature on the species was compared.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Due to their morphological similarity and different accessibility, fruits of both L. barbarum and L. chinense have been used interchangeably as food and medicine at least since 682 CE. While the fruit of L. barbarum was recognized to be superior in quality, the fruit of L. chinense was commonly used as an equivalent because of its easier accessibility. Cultivation of L. barbarum in China since 1960s improved its availability, which likely lead to its exclusive use as source of goji in China. The long-term safe use with no reported major safety concerns supports that these two species both are useful sources for medicinal Lycium.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicinal plants had been used traditionally long before they were named in scientific nomenclature system. Therefore, the understanding of traditional herbal knowledge and the adequate use of those traditional medicines require a reliable identification based on archival records. This study developed an approach for the identification of species used historically, with an integrated analysis of specimens, historical herbals, and national gazetteers. Additionally, their different chemical profiles and pharmacological activities indicate that they should not be used interchangeably. Further scientific evidence is required for their safe and effective use.

Effects of postharvest cysteine treatment on sensory quality and contents of bioactive compounds in goji fruit

Effects of cysteine (Cys) treatments (0, 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.10%) on sensory quality and bioactive compounds in goji fruit stored at 4 °C and 90% RH for 10 d were investigated. Results indicated that 0.05% Cys treatment significantly reduced decay ratio and weight loss, and maintained total soluble solid content in goji fruit. Furthermore, 0.05% Cys treatment increased the contents of total phenolic, ascorbic acid and total glutathione, and the ratio of glutathione/oxidized glutathione, resulting in the higher antioxidant capacity. Determination of five free amino acids showed that 0.05% Cys treatment increased the Pro and Tau contents, while had no significant effect on the Cys, Glu and GABA contents. The increase in Tau content might be due to the up-regulation of two key genes involved in the Tau synthesis including CDO and CSAD. These findings suggested that Cys treatment could improve the storage quality in goji fruit.

Zeaxanthin-Rich Extract from Superfood Lycium barbarum Selectively Modulates the Cellular Adhesion and MAPK Signaling in Melanoma versus Normal Skin Cells In Vitro

The concern for implementing bioactive nutraceuticals in antioxidant-related therapies is of great importance for skin homeostasis in benign or malignant diseases. In order to elucidate some novel insights of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) activity on skin cells, the present study focused on its active compound zeaxanthin. By targeting the stemness markers CD44 and CD105, with deep implications in skin oxidative stress mechanisms, we revealed, for the first time, selectivity in zeaxanthin activity. When applied in vitro on BJ human fibroblast cell line versus the A375 malignant melanoma cells, despite the moderate cytotoxicity, the zeaxanthin-rich extracts 1 and 2 were able to downregulate significantly the CD44 and CD105 membrane expression and extracellular secretion in A375, and to upregulate them in BJ cells. At mechanistic level, the present study is the first to demonstrate that the zeaxanthin-rich Goji extracts are able to influence selectively the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK): ERK, JNK and p38 in normal BJ versus tumor-derived A375 skin cells. These results point out towards the applications of zeaxanthin from L. barbarum as a cytoprotective agent in normal skin and raises questions about its use as an antitumor prodrug alone or in combination with standard therapy.

Identification of fruit size associated quantitative trait loci featuring SLAF based high-density linkage map of goji berry (Lycium spp.)

BACKGROUND

Goji (Lycium spp., 2n = 24) is a fruit bearing woody plant popular as a superfood for extensive medicinal and nutritional advantages. Fruit size associated attributes are important for evaluating small-fruited goji berry and plant architecture. The domestication traits are regulated quantitatively in crop plants but few studies have attempted on genomic regions corresponding to fruit traits.

RESULTS

In this study, we established high-resolution map using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing for de novo SNPs detection based on 305 F₁ individuals derived from L. chinense and L. barbarum and performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of fruit size related traits in goji berry. The genetic map contained 3495 SLAF markers on 12 LGs, spanning 1649.03 cM with 0.47 cM average interval. Female and male parents and F₁ individuals` sequencing depth was 111.85-fold and 168.72-fold and 35.80-fold, respectively. The phenotype data were collected for 2 successive years (2018-2019); however, two-year mean data were combined in an extra year (1819). Total 117 QTLs were detected corresponding to multiple traits, of which 78 QTLs in 2 individual years and 36 QTLs in extra year. Six Promising QTLs (qFW10-6.1, qFL10-2.1, qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1, qLD12-4.1, qLA10-2.1) were discovered influencing fruit weight, fruit length and leaf related attributes covering an interval ranged from 27.32-71.59 cM on LG10 with peak LOD of 10.48 and 14.6% PVE. Three QTLs targeting fruit sweetness (qFS3-1, qFS5-2) and fruit firmness (qFF10-1) were also identified. Strikingly, various traits QTLs were overlapped on LG10, in particular, qFL10-2.1 was co-located with qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1 and qLA10-2.1 among stable QTLs, harbored tightly linked markers, while qLL10-1 was one major QTL with 14.21 highest LOD and 19.3% variance. As LG10 harbored important traits QTLs, we might speculate that it could be hotspot region regulating fruit size and plant architectures.

CONCLUSIONS

This report highlights the extremely saturated linkage map using SLAF-seq and novel loci contributing fruit size-related attributes in goji berry. Our results will shed light on domestication traits and further strengthen molecular and genetic underpinnings of goji berry; moreover, these findings would better facilitate to assemble the reference genome, determining potential candidate genes and marker-assisted breeding.

Potential of galled leaves of Goji (Lycium chinense) as functional food

Background

Goji (Lycium) is a popular traditional health food, and its fruit and root extracts have been found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemia-inducing abilities. Goji leaves also contain high amounts of phenolic compounds, similar to its fruit, and their extracts also exhibit several pharmaceutical effects. The induction of galls on Goji leaves reduces their photosynthetic ability and fruit yield, which raise their farming costs, thereby leading to economic loss. However, the defense mechanisms induced by infection may elevate the secondary metabolite content of the leaves, which might provide more nutritive compounds.

Method

Content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids in the extracts of normal and infected Goji leaves (L. chinense) were analyzed. The relative content of chlorogenic acid and rutin, two major phenolic compounds in Goji leaves, were determined by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was presented by demonstrating the DPPH scavenging percentage. The extract of Goji fruit (L. barbarum) was also analyzed to show a comparative result.

Results

In this study, we found that in infected Goji leaves, the polyphenol content was significantly increased. The level of chlorogenic acid was increased by 36% in galled leaves. The content of rutin in galled leaves was also elevated. Testing the antioxidant activities also showed that the extracts of galled leaves have higher DPPH scavenging abilities.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that galled Goji leaves have higher functional value, and may have potential as being consumed as health food.

Dicaffeoyl polyamine derivatives from bitter goji: Contribution to the bitter taste of fruit

Although the bioactive compounds in goji have been thoroughly identified and quantified, little information is available on the bitter compounds in the berries, and no systematic works on the substances responsible for their bitterness have been performed. Herein, the substances contributing to the bitterness of berries were isolated and purified from bitter-tasting goji by the combined use of column chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The bitterness of the isolated compounds was evaluated using a biosensor with immobilized rat taste-bud tissues. The structures were elucidated via comprehensive mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Seven spermine or spermidine alkaloids were identified, including four new compounds (lyciamarspermidines A and B and lyciamarspermines A and B). The intensities of the bitterness levels of the isolated compounds differed with the number of glucose substituents. These isolated compounds all contribute to the bitterness of goji. The results of this study provide opportunities for the further investigation of the bitterness of goji.

Phenylpropanoid glycosides from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. and their bioactivity

Fifteen phenylpropanoid glycosides, including six undescribed compounds were isolated from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) (goji or wolfberry). Their structures were identified by detailed spectroscopic analyses. Seven known compounds were firstly isolated from the genus Lycium, in which the 1D and 2D NMR data of one compound were reported for the first time. Notably, two undescribed compounds were a pair of rare tautomeric glycoside anomers characterized by the presence of free anomeric hydroxy. Antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of all these compounds were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, respectively. These compounds showed different levels of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and some isolates exhibited potent antioxidant activity with greater ORAC values than the positive control (EGCG).

Goji Who? Morphological and DNA Based Authentication of a "Superfood"

"Goji" (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) is a generic name for medical plants with a long historical background in the traditional Chinese medicine. With the emerging trend of "Superfoods" several years ago, Goji berries soon became an established product in European countries and not only are the most popular product of traditional Chinese medicine outside of China but to this day one of the symbols of the entire "Superfood" trend. However, since Goji is an umbrella term for different plant species that are closely related, mislabeling and adulterations (unconsciously or purposely) are possible. We carefully verified the identity of Goji reference plant material based on morphological traits, mainly floral structures of several inflorescences of each individual, in order to create a robust background for the downstream applications that were used on those reference plants and additionally on commercial Goji products. We report morphological and molecular based strategies for the differentiation of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. The two different Goji species vary significantly in seed size, with an almost double average seed area in Lycium chinense compared to Lycium barbarum. Differences could be traced on the molecular level as well; using the psbA-trnH barcoding marker, we detected a single nucleotide substitution that was used to develop an easy one-step differentiation tool based on ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system). Two diagnostic primers used in distinct multiplex PCRs yield a second diagnostic band in a subsequent gel electrophoresis for Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense, respectively. Our ARMS approach is a strong but simple tool to trace either of the two different Goji species. Both the morphological and the molecular analysis showed that all of the tested commercial Goji products contained fruits of the species Lycium barbarum var. barbarum, leading to the assumption that consumer protection is satisfactory.

Goji Berry Modulates Gut Microbiota and Alleviates Colitis in IL-10-Deficient Mice

SCOPE

This study examines the beneficial effects of Goji berry against spontaneous colitis and its prebiotic role in IL-10-deficient mice.

METHODS

IL-10-deficient mice are assigned to a standard rodent diet (control) or a control diet supplemented with Goji (1% of dry feed weight) for 10 weeks, at which point colonic tissues and fecal contents are collected.

RESULTS

Goji supplementation decreases colonic pathobiological scores and mRNA expression of Il17a and Tgfb1, while it enhances Muc1 expression and fecal IgA content. Illumina MiSeq sequencing reveals that Goji supplementation increases Actinobacteria phylum, resulting in a bloom of Bifidobacteria in gut microbiota. Additionally, dietary Goji promotes butyrate-producing bacteria including Lachnospiraceae-Ruminococcaceae family and Roseburia spp. under Clostridium cluster XIVa. Furthermore, butyrate-producers Clostridium leptum and its dominant constituent Fecalibacterium prazusnitzii are markedly increased in the Goji group. Moreover, the gene-encoding butyryl-coenzyme A CoA transferase, a key enzyme responsible for butyrate synthesis in butyrate-producing bacteria, is increased sixfold in the fecal samples of Goji group associated with increased fecal butyrate content.

CONCLUSION

Data collectively show that dietary Goji results in the blooming of Bifidobacteria and butyrate-producing bacteria. These bacteria may cross-feed each other, conferring preventative effects against colitis in IL-10-deficient mice.

chinense Mill.): A value chain analysis perspective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Goji (fruits of Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill., Solanaceae) have been used as a traditional food and medicine for hundreds of years in Asian countries and are now consumed globally. Quality of herbal medicines is critical for safe use and has been shown to be affected by value chains.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Using a value chain (VC) framework, we aim at understanding the influence of different VC types on goji quality and revenue of stakeholders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted during five months of fieldwork in the main production areas in China with a total of 65 stakeholders. Quality of goji, behaviour and financial performance of stakeholders was documented and analysed for different VCs.

RESULTS

Ten different types of VCs were identified. VCs with vertical integration and horizontal collaboration were found to have a more coherent quality control and better goji quality as well as improved stakeholders' financial performance. Vertical integration at different levels was found for independent farmer-based VCs, horizontal collaboration was found in the cooperative-based VCs. Full vertically integrated VCs were found in large-scale production.

CONCLUSIONS

Goji quality and stakeholders' revenues are linked with different types of VCs which mirror stakeholders' behaviour driven by target markets. Considering their positive influence on quality and revenues, well-developed vertically integrated value chains are likely to become more important in the near future.

Investigation of Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium spp.) Germplasm by Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq)

Chinese wolfberry (Lycium spp.) is an important edible and medicinal plant, with a long cultivation history. The genetic relationships among wild Lycium species and landraces have been unclear for a number of reasons, which has hindered the breeding of modern Chinese wolfberry cultivars. In this study, we collected 19 accessions of Chinese wolfberry germplasm, and constructed the genetic relationship based on RAD-seq markers. We obtained 30.32 Gb of clean data, with the average value of each sample being 1.596 Gb. The average mapping rate was 85.7%, and the average coverage depth was 6.76 X. The phylogeny results distinguished all accessions clearly. All the studied landraces shared their most recent common ancestor with L. barbarum, which indicated that L. barbarum may be involved in cultivation of these landraces. The relationship of some landraces, namely the ‘Ningqi’ series, ‘Qingqi-1’ and ‘Mengqi-1,’ has been supported by the phylogeny results, while the triploid wolfberry was shown to be based on a hybrid between ‘Ningqi-1’ and a tetraploid wolfberry. This study uncovered the genetic background of Chinese wolfberry, and developed the foundation for species classification, accession identification and protection, and the production of hybrid cultivars of wolfberry.