Search Results (150)

The polyphenolic extract from Lycium chinense fruits cultivated in Ukraine was surveyed for antioxidant and anticancer activity against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. The total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content were analyzed through the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride procedure, respectively, while the antioxidant activity in vitro was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. Anticancer effects were established using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The TPC was 11.3 mg GAE/g dry weight, while the TFC was 7.3 mg rutin/g dry weight. The extract demonstrated an antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 125.9 ± 12.6 µg/mL), lipid peroxidation inhibition (23.5 ± 2.1% in the β-carotene assay) and the inhibition of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (GI₅₀ at 72 h = 250 µg/mL). These findings provide the first evidence of the anticancer potential of Lycium chinense against human colorectal cancer cells, supporting its application as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods with antitumor properties. Full article

Red goji berries, reputed worldwide as “superfruit”, are commonly marketed after natural drying or hot-air drying. A sensomics approach was applied to the aroma analysis of red goji berries under two drying methods. Fifty-two aroma-active compounds were screened and identified by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) coupled with gas chromatography with olfactometry (GC/O). The contents and the odor activity values (OAVs) of 49 aroma-active compounds were determined. Acetic acid was the predominant aroma compounds in both berries. Meanwhile, the key aroma compounds in both berries were (E)-2-nonenal, (Z)-4-heptenal, 3-methyl-2,4-nonanedione, hexanal, etc., which were lipid derivatives. Natural drying promoted the formation of some aldehydes that exhibited green and fatty notes. Hot-air drying facilitated the production of ketones with hay-like and cooked apple-like odor attributes due to the thermal reaction. The fatty acid patterns between naturally dried and hot-air-dried red goji berries differed not significantly and were dominated by linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, etc. The knowledge of the impacts of different drying processes on the aroma quality in red goji berries is beneficial for the quality control and optimization of dried red goji berries. Full article

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), rich in antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds, have shown potential benefits for male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary Goji berry (GB) supplementation on immune-related and antioxidant gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rabbits. Eighteen 7-month-old New Zealand White rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (n = 9) receiving a standard diet, and a Goji group (n = 9) receiving the same diet supplemented with 1% GB. After 60 days of nutritional adaptation and then 60 days of treatment, tissues from the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands were collected and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression analysis focused on immune markers (TLR4, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNFα) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, and GPX). Significant modulation was observed only in the epididymis, where TLR4 and GPX were significantly downregulated in the Goji group (p = 0.0274 and p = 0.007, respectively), while IL-1β and TNFα showed a downward trend. No significant differences were found in the other tissues. These results suggest that Goji berry supplementation exerts tissue-specific effects, particularly in the epididymis, by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This supports its potential use as a natural nutraceutical strategy to enhance male fertility in rabbits. Full article

Efficient and low-loss harvesting methods are crucial for preserving the postharvest quality of the first crop of goji berries grown in saline–alkali soils. However, as a brittle horticultural fruit rich in diverse bioactive compounds, goji berries are highly vulnerable to mechanical damage during harvesting, which adversely affects their storability and subsequent processing. To address this challenge, a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration model was developed based on the growth characteristics of first-crop organic goji berry fruit-bearing branches in the Qinghai region. The dynamic response of the branches under various excitation conditions was simulated, and the effects of excitation position, frequency, force amplitude, and phase angle on the fruit detachment rate, impurity rate, and breakage rate were systematically analyzed. Based on both the simulation and experimental results, a response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the picking parameters. The results of the field experiment showed that under the optimal conditions of vibration excitation in the ripe fruit area, a frequency of 5.7 Hz, an amplitude of excitation force of 0.27 N, a phase angle of 135°, a fruit picking rate of 97.58%, a miscellaneous content rate of 5.12%, and a breakage rate of 7.66% could be realized. The results of this study help to maintain the postharvest quality of first-crop goji berry fruits in saline–alkali land, and also provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the optimization of first-crop goji berry harvesting equipment. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive uric acid (UA) production and impaired excretion. Goji, as a representative medicinal food, holds significant research and development value, while probiotic fermentation technology is finding increasingly widespread applications in the functional food sector. This study developed a novel goji fermented with three probiotic strains (Lactoplantibacillus plantarum CGMCC8198, Lactococcus lactis LTJ28, and Lactocaseibacillus casei YR2-2) and investigated its anti-HUA effects. Optimal fermentation conditions (7.913 material–liquid ratio, 3.92% inoculation, 7.49 h at 37 °C with 1:1:2 strain ratio) yielded a beverage with enhanced flavor profiles (19 aroma compounds) and high viable counts. In HUA cell models, the 15% fermented goji juice significantly reduced UA levels by 56% (p < 0.01). In potassium oxonate-induced HUA mice, the beverage effectively lowered serum UA, xanthine oxidase activity, and renal function markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, p < 0.0001) while improving hepatic parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate Aminotransferase). The goji-fermented juice significantly reduced the expression of renal UA transporters GLUT9 and URAT1 (p < 0.0001) while improving gut microbiota composition, as evidenced by increased beneficial SCFAs (acetic acid, butyric acid, p < 0.0001) and elevated Lactobacillus abundance 2.14-fold. Our findings demonstrate that this triple-probiotic-fermented goji beverage represents an effective dietary strategy for HUA management by simultaneously inhibiting UA production, enhancing excretion, and restoring gut microbiota homeostasis, providing a scientific basis for developing probiotic-based functional foods against HUA. Full article

Honey is increasingly recognized not only as a functional food but also as a potential bioindicator of environmental pollution. This study assessed the concentrations of four potentially toxic elements (PTEs)—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—in 48 multifloral honey samples collected in 2023 from seven locations across a historically polluted agro-industrial region in Romania. Samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace AAS (GFAAS), with quality control ensured through certified reference materials. Results revealed that Pb (0.72–1.69 mg/kg) and Cd (0.02–0.37 mg/kg) levels consistently exceeded international safety thresholds, while Cu (0.62–2.22 mg/kg) and Zn (0.91–1.93 mg/kg), although essential nutrients, were found in elevated concentrations. Spatial analysis indicated a general trend of higher contamination in sites located closer to former industrial facilities, influenced by factors such as altitude and atmospheric transport. These findings confirm the persistent environmental burden in post-industrial landscapes and support the use of honey as a cost-effective tool for pollution monitoring. The study underscores the need for targeted environmental policies, sustainable apicultural practices, and continued surveillance to protect ecosystem health and food safety. Full article

Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry, is a functional food recognised for its diverse phytochemical composition and health benefits, particularly in metabolic health and disease prevention. This review explores its phytochemistry, focusing on polysaccharides, carotenoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids, which contribute to its extensive biological activities. L. barbarum polysaccharides, the primary bioactive components, exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and glycaemic-regulating properties, making them promising candidates for managing obesity-related metabolic disorders. Carotenoids, particularly zeaxanthin, play a key role in ocular health, while polyphenols and alkaloids enhance antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. The biological properties of L. barbarum span metabolic health, cardiovascular function, and glycaemic control, alongside neuroprotection and cancer prevention. Its prebiotic effects on gut microbiota modulation offer additional benefits in managing obesity and associated complications. Furthermore, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities support its role in alleviating oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, common in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Despite robust preclinical evidence, further studies are needed to validate its safety, efficacy, and long-term potential in human populations. This review highlights L. barbarum’s promising applications as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent, particularly for metabolic and obesity-related health challenges. Full article

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

Lycium barbarum L. is a shrub native to China. It produces berries that are high in nutraceutical value. Its commercial appeal has led to the development of new plantations in Italy over recent decades. The majority of cultivated goji plants are derived from local nursery seedlings without the selection of varieties or clones. This study used nine simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from Lycium chinense L. to analyze the genetic structure and variability of heterogeneous, seed-derived accessions cultivated in an orchard located in central Italy (from here on referred to as field). The results were compared to accessions of known origin (LB, Lycium barbarum; LC, Lycium chinense). The study aimed to determine the genetic origin of seedlings and assess the feasibility of using microsatellite markers for individual fingerprinting. It also aimed to propagate the most adapted, productive plants while ensuring traceability and protection of potential clones throughout the production chain. The SSR markers used revealed that the field accessions were genetically distinct from both the L. barbarum and L. chinense accessions, whose seeds came from different European Botanical Gardens. The mean observed heterozygosity (H_o) across the three groups was 0.356, higher than the mean expected heterozygosity (H_e) of 0.314. The values of the inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) ranged from −0.25 (field) to 0.05 (LC), confirming the high genetic variability in our dataset. The fixation index (F_ST) was 0.234, indicating medium to high genetic differentiation. The Bayesian analysis revealed three distinct clusters, indicating that three gene pools influenced the genetic structure of the studied populations. The orchard accessions form a distinct population, most likely a L. barbarum landrace, descended from two distinct ancestral populations that differ from the two known species. Our findings preliminarily lay the groundwork for the protection of some clonal lines of goji accessions for use in future planting more suited to the Mediterranean climate. This study also serves as a foundation for a more thorough characterization of cultivated L. barbarum, allowing for traceability and sustainable management of the genetic resource. Full article

Background: Small heat shock proteins (sHsps), particularly Hsp20 family members, are pivotal for plant thermotolerance and abiotic stress adaptation. However, their evolutionary dynamics and functional roles in Lycium barbarum (goji berry), a commercially significant stress-tolerant crop, remain uncharacterized. This study aims to comprehensively identify LbHsp20 genes, delineate their evolutionary patterns, and decipher their regulatory mechanisms under heat stress to accelerate molecular breeding of resilient cultivars. Methods: Forty-three LbHsp20 genes were identified from the goji genome using HMMER and BLASTP. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed via MEGA-X (maximum likelihood, 1000 bootstraps), while conserved motifs and domains were annotated using MEME Suite and InterProScan. Promoter cis-elements were predicted via PlantCARE. Heat-responsive expression profiles of candidate genes were validated by qRT-PCR in two contrasting lines (N7 and 1402) under 42 °C treatment. Results: The LbHsp20 family clustered into 14 subfamilies, predominantly cytoplasmic (subfamilies I–VII). Chromosomal mapping revealed a tandem duplication hotspot on Chr4 (12 genes) and absence on Chr9, suggesting lineage-specific gene loss. All proteins retained the conserved α-crystallin domain (ACD), with 19 members harboring the ScHsp26-like ACD variant. Promoters were enriched in stress-responsive elements (HSE, ABRE, MYC). Heat stress induced significant upregulation (>15-fold in LbHsp17.6A and LbHsp18.3) in N7, whereas 1402 showed weaker induction (<5-fold). Subfamily specific divergence was observed, with cytoplasmic subfamily I genes exhibiting the strongest heat responsiveness. Conclusions: This study unveils the evolutionary conservation and functional diversification of LbHsp20 genes in L. barbarum. The tandem duplication-driven expansion on Chr4 and subfamily specific expression patterns underpin their roles in thermotolerance. These findings establish a foundation for engineering climate-resilient goji varieties. Full article

The CYP78A gene family, a plant-specific subfamily of cytochrome P450 enzymes, plays pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Although the CYP78A genes in many plants have been widely studied, little is known about them in Lycium. In this study, we identified six CYP78A genes in both Lycium barbarum and Lycium ruthenicum through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. These genes exhibited high conservation in protein structure, gene organization, and conserved motifs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed they are close in terms of homology to CYP78A genes in Arabidopsis, tomato, and eggplant. Cis-acting element analysis of the promoter regions indicated that CYP78A genes are involved in light, hormone, and stress responses, with tissue-specific expression patterns observed across different developmental stages. Subcellular localization experiments confirmed that LrCYP78A5 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Overexpression of LrCYP78A5 in L. ruthenicum resulted in a significant increase in chlorophyll content, indicating the former’s potential role in plant growth. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles of the CYP78A gene family in goji, highlighting their potential involvement in growth regulation and metabolic processes. Full article

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.), as a kind of combination of medicine and food, is rich in antioxidant components. However, the deep-processed products of wolfberry need to be developed to improve its added value. This study aimed to investigate the nutrients, active antioxidant ingredients, and liver-protective mechanism of mixed-culture fermented wolfberry vinegar (MFV). The results showed that MFV had significantly higher protein and significantly lower fat content than wolfberry juice before fermentation, indicating that MFV was a healthy product. The active ingredient content, which included total phenolics, total flavonoids, polysaccharides, betaine, and antioxidant activities, was significantly increased in MFV after mixed-culture fermentation. Moreover, MFV improved histopathological changes and reduced liver biochemical indicators in alcohol-treated mice, indicating the improvement of liver function. In addition, MFV effectively alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury by increasing the expression of alcohol metabolizing enzymes and inhibiting CYP2E1 activity. MFV regulated the equilibrium between pro-oxidant and antioxidant levels by downregulating pro-oxidant markers and upregulating antioxidant markers. Furthermore, MFV reduced the levels of inflammatory indexes by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that MFV is a healthy food for liver protection, which provides a strategy for deep-processed products of wolfberry. Full article

As a common neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) manifests as progressive memory loss, cognitive deficits, and dementia in older adults. As the basis of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Goji berries, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been proven to exhibit multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence supports that LBP can enhance cognitive function and holds promise in counteracting AD. In order to determine the neuroprotective effects of LBP, this study was conducted on an AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ_1–42 peptides. From 24 h after induction until the end of the behavioral experiment, rats were orally administered LBP (150 and 300 mg/kg) once a day. Neurobehavioral parameters were evaluated starting 1 week after administration. After behavioral tests, rats were euthanized, and the whole brain and cortex were isolated to detect the variations in histopathology and biochemical parameters. LBP significantly reversed cognitive impairments, assessed through the Y-maze, Passive Avoidance Test (PAT), and Morris water maze (MWM) test, respectively. Furthermore, LBP not only attenuated NFκB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, AChE, and oxidative/nitrosative stress levels but also increased IL-4, IL-10, and ACh levels and ChAT activity in the cortex. HE staining also exhibited the neuroprotection of LBP. Our study findings imply that LBP may improve cognitive function through multiple mechanisms and is a potential anti-AD compound. Full article

A sustainable Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) planting system that integrates forage radish cover crops (Raphanus sativus L.) and animal manure has been established in northwestern China. This study investigated the effects of different cropping systems and manure application levels on soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, and L. barbarum yield under field conditions. A split-plot design was used, with the main-plot treatments consisting of two cropping systems and the sub-plot treatments involving three manure application levels. The results showed that compared to L. barbarum monocropping, cover cropping with R. sativus led to a decrease in soil bulk density (1.90%) and increase in soil electrical conductivity (11.5%), nutrient contents (total N and available N, P, and K: 30.3–138%), and microbial biomass (C: 79.0%; N: 184%). Cover cropping additionally enhanced the community diversity and richness of soil bacteria. Beta-diversity analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial rather than fungal community composition among various treatments. The bacterial network showed a lower ratio of positive to negative correlations and reduced complexity in response to cover cropping, which contrasted with fungal network patterns. Integration of cover cropping and medium manure application increased fruit yield by 8.71%. Cover crops and manure influenced soil microbial diversity mainly through their positive effects on soil total and available N contents. Full article

The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in seawater is a core ecological indicator in aquaculture, and its accurate prediction is of great value for the management of marine ranching. In response to the lack of exploration on the optimization mechanism of input parameters in existing DO prediction studies, this study, based on observational data from the Goji Island marine ranching, constructed a technical framework of “parameter screening—model optimization—ecological analysis”. By integrating correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and multi-model comparison (SVM, MLP, and RF) methods, this study systematically revealed the input parameter optimization strategies and its ecological correlation mechanism. The research findings are as follows: (1) Parameter optimization can significantly improve model accuracy, and the model performance is optimal after eliminating the low-correlation parameter (Tur) (RMSE = 0.039, MAE = 0.030, R² = 0.884). (2) The absence of key parameters (such as Sal) will lead to a significant decrease in prediction accuracy (the R² reduction rate reaches 71.6%). (3) The parameter importance ranking is Tem > pH > Sal > Chl-a > Tur, among which Tem explains 42.3% of the variation in DO. The intelligent parameter optimization framework proposed in this study provides theoretical support for the development of a marine ranching DO monitoring system, and its technical path can be extended to the prediction of other water environment indicators. Future research will develop a parameter adaptive selection algorithm, conduct the dynamic monitoring of multi-scale environmental factors, and achieve the intelligent optimization and verification of model parameters. Full article