Search Results (34)

To identify quality markers (Q-markers) for daodi authenticity evaluation of Lycium barbarum L., a comprehensive strategy integrating appearance trait analysis, multi-component quantification, and chemometrics was developed. Forty-five sample batches were collected from four major producing areas in China, namely Ningxia (NX), Gansu (GS), Qinghai (QH), and Inner Mongolia (NM). Appearance traits (50-fruit weight, moisture, and color) and the contents of polysaccharide, total sugar, betaine, zeaxanthin dipalmitate, and 27 small-molecule compounds, including flavonoids and phenolics, were determined using UV–vis spectrophotometry, HPLC-CAD, and UPLC-MS/MS. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between polysaccharide and total sugar (r = −0.344, p < 0.05), suggesting a possible allocation shift between the two carbohydrate fractions, while zeaxanthin dipalmitate strongly correlated with redness (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). Principal component analysis identified total sugar, polysaccharide, scopoletin, and scopolin as key discriminatory variables. AHP-CRITIC combined weighting highlighted polysaccharide (weight 0.195) and zeaxanthin dipalmitate (weight 0.157) as candidate core Q-markers. Top-ranked comprehensive scores predominantly belonged to samples from NX and GS, chemically supporting the traditional daodi authenticity. This dual-dimensional “efficacy–trait” framework provides a robust, traceable basis for origin authentication and quality standard improvement of L. barbarum. Full article

Lycium barbarum L. (abbreviated to L. barbarum), a traditional dual-use plant as food and medicine, contains polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum L. (LBPs) as its key bioactive component. This study aimed to examine the phenotypic characteristics, polysaccharide content, and their correlation with activity across various commercial grades of L. barbarum. Five commercial grades of L. barbarum were selected for analysis to determine their phenotypic characteristics and polysaccharide content. High-performance liquid chromatogram-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and ¹H NMR were employed to analyze the monosaccharide composition of LBPs, of which their hypoglycemic activity was further valuated. Results revealed significant differences in fruit weight and diameter among different grades (p < 0.05), while floating rate and bulk density remained unaffected by grades. Variations were observed in the chromaticity coordinates, with the c values showing notable differences (p < 0.01). Polysaccharide content tended to increase with higher grades and smaller fruit sizes, ranging from 1.94% to 5.69%. The polysaccharides in different contained monosaccharides of Man, Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, GalA, GlcA and Xyl, with Ara and Gal being predominant. Identified through ¹H NMR spectra, the peak intensity of Ara increased from lower to higher grades, and the arrangement of the chemical shifts reflected distinct commercial grade characteristics. The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) against α-amylase and α-glucosidase ranged from 0.418 to 1.345 mg/mL, and 0.474 to 1.052 mg/mL, respectively, indicating good hypoglycemic activity within this range. The main monosaccharide groups Ara, Gal, and GalA were identified as key contributors to enzyme inhibition. Collectively interpreting the phenotypic features, polysaccharide content, monosaccharide composition, NMR data and activity profiles, Ara, Gal and GalA emerge as signature monosaccharide components of LBPs. These results provide novel theoretical insights for L. barbarum quality assessment. Full article

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide, yet its potential to induce hepatorenal injury via oxidative stress and apoptosis raises significant health concerns. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) possess recognized antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, but their protective mechanisms against 2,4-D toxicity, particularly through a multi-target network, remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to systematically investigate the mechanisms of 2,4-D-induced hepatorenal injury and the protective efficacy of LBP by integrating network toxicology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. An integrated approach was employed. Core targets and pathways were identified via network toxicology. Molecular docking predicted interactions between 2,4-D and these targets. In vivo validation was conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 2,4-D (75 mg/kg) and/or LBP (50 mg/kg) for 28 days, assessing histopathology, serum oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) and cellular apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Network analysis identified PPARG, NFKB1, PPARA, NFE2L2, and SERPINE1 as core targets, with molecular docking confirming strong binding affinities (binding energies: −5.1 to −6.3 kcal·mol⁻¹) and KEGG enrichment implicating cAMP, Ca²⁺, and PPAR signaling pathways. Experimentally, 2,4-D exposure induced significant histopathological damage, suppressed SOD/GSH-Px activities (p < 0.001), elevated MDA levels (p < 0.001), and markedly increased renal apoptosis (p < 0.01). Crucially, LBP intervention substantially mitigated these alterations, ameliorating tissue injury, restoring antioxidant defenses, increasing SOD/GSH-Px (p < 0.01), reducing MDA (p < 0.001) and significantly decreasing renal apoptosis (p < 0.05). This study elucidates a multi-target mechanism for 2,4-D-induced hepatorenal injury centered on oxidative stress–apoptosis dysregulation and demonstrates that LBP confers significant protection likely via modulation of this network. These findings underscore the potential of LBP as a natural protective agent against pesticide-induced organ damage and highlight the utility of integrated network approaches in toxicological research. Full article

Objective: This study systematically evaluated the nutritional compositions and bioactive compounds of six unconventional feed resources (Pepper residue (PR), Grape marc (MC), Pepper straw (PS), Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBBL), Licorice straw (LS), and Cyperus esculentus leaves (CES)). It also assessed the rumen degradability and rumen fermentation characteristics at different substitution levels through in vitro and in situ methods, to explore their potential application in sheep diets. Methods: Samples were analyzed considering nutrient composition, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and bioactive compounds. In situ degradation was measured using rumen-fistulated sheep, and in vitro batch fermentation culture was conducted at varying substitution levels (0–100%) to measure gas production, pH, VFAs, NH₃-N, and microbial crude protein (MCP). Results: The six unconventional feed resources showed significant differences in nutrient composition, bioactive compounds, and fermentation performance. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 4.45% to 15.76%, with LS highest in total amino acids. LBBL contained 4.24 g/kg Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, LS had 9.24 g/kg liquiritin, GM was richest in proanthocyanidins, and PS had more capsaicin than PR. PR exhibited the highest DM degradation (74.77%, p < 0.001), followed by LS; CEL was lowest. PR and LS also had the highest CP degradation. In vitro fermentation revealed significant differences in fermentation characteristics among the six feeds. At 100% replacement, PR and LS exhibited high cumulative gas production, elevated MCP concentrations, and total VFAs of 54.41 and 64.02 mmol/L (p < 0.001), respectively. At 25% replacement, GM and CEL achieved high concentrations of VFAs and maintained MCP levels of 27.84 and 31.57 mg/dL (p < 0.001). PS reached its maximum total VFAs and MCP at 50% replacement, while LBBL reached 64.90 mmol/L total VFAs and 32.63 mg/dL MCP at 75% replacement. Conclusions: Nutrient composition and degradation kinetics varied significantly among substrates. PR had the highest DM degradability, while CEL had the lowest. PR and LS maintained stable fermentation at 100% substitution. GM and CEL were most effective at 25%; PS at 50%; and LBBL at 75% substitution levels. Full article

Lycium barbarum L. is a perennial deciduous shrub used for centuries as a traditional medicinal and food supplement in China. In this study, we investigated the effects of variety and harvest time on the phenotypic and phytochemical variations in goji berry fruits to optimize harvest strategies, select superior goji varieties, and improve market competitiveness of the goji industry. Both field investigations and laboratory analyses were conducted to evaluate yield, phenotypic traits, and nutritional indicators during the summer and autumn of 2024. Both variety and harvest time significantly affected most traits investigated, with strong interaction effects. Overall, summer-harvested fruits, which account for 78% to 100% of the total production per plant, had higher contents of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and carotenoids than those harvested in autumn. A comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS method demonstrated that the fruits harvested in early July generally exhibited superior overall quality. Among the tested varieties, the ‘5-6’ variety consistently displayed outstanding fruit quality across all harvest times and showed very good prospects for application and extension in commercial production when compared to the other varieties. Our findings not only provide valuable insights into the comprehensive evaluations of different goji berry varieties but also highlight the importance of identifying optimal harvest times based on the sensory quality and nutritional value for each goji variety. Full article

Male infertility, as a globally significant reproductive health issue, remains idiopathic in over 40% of cases. Reproductive disorders in males induced by environmental pollutants, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have garnered considerable attention in recent years. DEHP induces testicular oxidative stress and ferroptosis via its active metabolite MEHP, thereby leading to spermatogenic dysfunction. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a traditional food and medicine homologous substance, exhibits potential antioxidant and reproductive protective properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which LBP intervenes in the toxicity induced by DEHP remains to be elucidated. This study explored the protective effect and molecular mechanism of LBP on DEHP-induced testicular injury through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The result showed that DEHP exposure (150 mg/L in free drinking water for 6 weeks) significantly decreased testicular weight, sperm concentration, and sperm motility in mice, while DEHP exposure induced pathological damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by cavitation of seminiferous tubules, reduced numbers of spermatocytes, and vacuolar degeneration of Sertoli cells. However, LBP (450 mg/L) treatment significantly reversed testicular damage and sperm parameters. In vitro, MEHP reduced the viability of GC2 cells (spermatocyte cell line) and TM4 cells (Sertoli cell line), and LBP significantly restored cell activity. Mechanistically, exposure to DEHP/MEHP results in iron overload (elevated levels of free Fe²⁺), lipid peroxidation (increased MDA and reduced GSH), and dysregulated expression of key proteins involved in ferroptosis and iron homeostasis within the testis and cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that when NRF2 was specifically inhibited by ML385 or silenced via siRNA, the protective effects of LBP were abrogated, thereby validating the critical role of NRF2 in the regulation of iron homeostasis by LBP. In conclusion, LBP mitigates DEHP-induced testicular injury by activating NRF2 to regulate iron homeostasis in Sertoli cells and spermatocytes cells. This study not only offers a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive disorders caused by DEHP exposure, but also underscores the reproductive protective effects and application prospects of LBP in this context. 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

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

Oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of ischaemic stroke. Natural plant polysaccharides have potential value in inhibiting oxidative stress and preventing ischaemic stroke. Here, a novel neutral polysaccharide named LICP009-3F-1a with a Mw of 10,780 Da was separated and purified from Lycium barbarum L. fruits. Linkage and NMR data revealed that LICP009-3F-1a has the following backbone: →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with a branched chain of β-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ connected to the main chain through O-3 of →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. X-ray and SEM analyses showed that LICP009-3F-1a has a semicrystalline structure with a laminar morphology. Thermal property analysis showed that LICP009-3F-1a is thermally stable. In vivo experiments suggested that LICP009-3F-1a could inhibit hypoxia-induced oxidative stress damage by eliminating ROS, reversing and restoring the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPx, and reducing the expression levels of the HIF-1α and VEGF genes. Blocking the apoptosis genes Bax and Caspase 3 and upregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 protected PC12 cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that LICP009-3F-1a may have multiple potential uses in the treatment of IS. Full article

This review examines the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits of goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.). Goji berries contain significant amounts of carbohydrates (46–87% dry weight), proteins (5.3–14.3% dry weight), and dietary fiber (3.63–16 g/100 g fresh weight). They are rich in micronutrients, including vitamin C (2.39–48.94 mg/100 g fresh weight) and potassium (434–1460 mg/100 g fresh weight). The berries’ unique polysaccharides, particularly Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), exhibit molecular weights ranging from 10 to 2300 kDa. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin (1.0–1.3 mg/g dry weight), and carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin (0.5–1.2 mg/g dry weight), contribute to the berries’ antioxidant properties. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. The review also highlights the impact of geographical origin, cultivation practices, and processing methods on nutrient composition, emphasizing the need for standardization in research and commercial applications. Future research should focus on the bioavailability, metabolism, and potential synergistic effects of goji berry compounds. Full article

To detect the moisture of dried Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) berries nondestructively, a near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imager was used for experiments. NIR hyperspectral data were obtained and processed by standard normal variate (SNV) calculation using the MATLAB software v.R2016a. On the basis of the actual moisture of dried Goji berries, the predicted moisture was obtained based on the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm and a prediction model for the moisture of dried goji berries was established. It was found that the moisture of dried Goji berries was responsive to the NIR hyperspectral imager. The established prediction model could accurately predict the moisture of dried goji berries, and its R²-value was 0.9981. The results provide a theoretical basis for the design of non-destructive moisture-detecting equipment for dried Goji berries. Full article

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) production in arid and semi-arid areas is drastically affected by the low utilization rate of soil and water resources and the irrational application of water and nitrogen fertilizers. Thus, this study explored a high-yielding, high-quality, and efficient irrigation and nitrogen regulation model to promote the production efficiency of wolfberry and rational utilization of water and land resources in arid and semi-arid areas. We compared and analyzed the effects of different soil water treatments (the upper and lower limits of soil water were estimated as the percentage of soil water content to field water capacity (θ_f), with the following irrigation regimen: adequate irrigation (W0, 75–85% θ_f), mild water deficit (W1, 65–75% θ_f), moderate water deficit (W2, 55–65% θ_f), and severe water deficit (W3, 45–55% θ_f)) and nitrogen levels (no nitrogen (N0, 0 kg·ha⁻¹), low nitrogen (N1, 150 kg·ha⁻¹), moderate nitrogen (N2, 300 kg·ha⁻¹), and high nitrogen (N3, 450 kg·ha⁻¹)) on the growth, physiology, and production of wolfberry. The results showed that water regulation, nitrogen application level, and their interaction significantly affected plant height and stem diameter growth amount (p < 0.05). Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content of wolfberry leaves first increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen levels and water deficit. The average net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, and transpiration rate (T_r) reached the highest values in plants exposed to W0N2 (19.86 μmmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), W1N1 (182.65 mmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), W2N2 (218.86 μmol·mol⁻¹), and W0N2 (6.44 mmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) treatments, respectively. P_n, g_s, and T_r were highly correlated with photosynthetically active radiation and water vapor pressure difference (goodness-of-fit: 0.366–0.828). Furthermore, water regulation and nitrogen levels exhibited significant effects on the yield and water- (WUE), and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) (p < 0.01), and their interactions exhibited significant effects on the yield, WUE, and nitrogen partial productivity of wolfberry plants (p < 0.05). Moreover, the contents of total sugar, polysaccharides, fats, amino acids, and proteins were the highest in W1N2, W1N2, W1N2, W2N3, and W0N2 treatments, respectively, which were increased by 3.32–16.93%, 7.49–54.72%, 6.5–45.89%, 11.12–86.16%, and 7.15–71.67%, respectively. Under different water regulations (except for the W3 condition) and nitrogen level treatments, the net income and input–output ratio of wolfberry were in the order W1 > W0 > W2 > W3 and N2 > N3 > N1 > N0. The TOPSIS method also revealed that the yield, quality, WUE, NUE, and economic benefits of wolfberry improved under the W1N2 treatment, suggesting that WIN2 might be the most suitable irrigation and nitrogen regulation model for wolfberry production in regions with scarce land and water resources such as the Gansu Province and areas with similar climate. Full article

The optimized cultivation process of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) to maintain a consistently high and stable yield relies on the prolonged use of significant amounts of nitrogen fertilizers. However, this practice leads to increased production costs and various issues, such as soil pollution and compaction. To address these concerns, a three-year field trial was conducted involving different nitrogen application rates: N1 (20% nitrogen (N) reduction, 540 kg·hm⁻²), N2 (medium N, 675 kg·hm⁻²), and N3 (20% nitrogen increase, 810 kg·hm⁻²). The results showed that the inter-annual growth and development of wolfberry roots had two rapid growth peaks. In comparison with the N3 treatment, the root morphological characteristics index increased significantly under the N1 and N2 treatments. Among the different diameter classes, the most significant increase in fine root length, with an average diameter between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, occurred under the N1, N2, and N3 treatments, accounting for 50.6%, 50.92%, and 47.72% of the total annual growth of root length increments, respectively. Concerning the distribution of fine roots, the active layer depth extended under the N2 treatment suggesting that medium nitrogen application favored the longitudinal extension of fine roots. Leaf nitrogen content and the chlorophyll meter values (SPAD values) in the upper part of the plant, at the tip of shoots/branches, were the most sensitive indicators to changes in nitrogen application rates. These values increased significantly with higher nitrogen application amounts. Similarly, the contents of total sugar, betaine, and β-carotene increased with increasing nitrogen application rates, while the contents of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) and total flavonoids decreased. Finally, based on a comprehensive principal component evaluation, the rankings for root growth and plant development under various nitrogen application treatments were as follows: N2 (1.891) > N1 (0.002) > N3 (−1.894). The results showed that both the aboveground and belowground growth and development of wolfberry plants were most optimized under the N2 treatment. These findings provide a foundational reference for constructing good root morphology of wolfberry through cultivation practices such as nitrogen fertilizer management. Full article

The effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and plasmon-activated water (PAW) against IFN-γ/TNF-α induced inflammation in human colon Caco-2 cells were investigated. Cells were divided into the control, induction, LBP treatment (100–500 μg/mL), and combination groups with PAW. Inflammation was induced 24 h with 10 ng/mL IFN-γ when cell confluency reached >90%, and various doses of LBP with or without PAW were treated for 3 h, and subsequently 50 ng/mL TNF-α was added for another 24 h to provoke inflammation. Combination of LBP with PAW significantly decreased the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase expression was attenuated in all LBP-treated groups with or without PAW. NLRP3 inflammasome and related protein PYCARD expression were inhibited by LBP at the highest dose (500 μg/mL). All doses of LBP alone significantly decreased p-ERK expression, but combination with PAW increased p-ERK expression compared to those without PAW. Additionally, 250 and 500 μg/mL of LBP with or without PAW inhibited procaspase-3/caspase-3 expression. Therefore, LBP possesses anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related protein. The combination with PAW exerts additive or synergistic effect on anti-inflammation. Full article

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. Full article