Search Results (272)

Medicinal and edible plants are promising resources for low-toxicity therapeutics and precision nutrition. Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry), a quintessential medicine–food homologous herb with 2000 years of ethnopharmacological use, has attracted global attention. However, existing studies are limited by fruit-centric bias, lack of correlation between processing methods, component properties and bioactivities, and incomplete antitumor mechanistic understanding. This systematic review establishes a holistic research paradigm that integrates whole-plant resource utilization, processing–property–bioactivity associations, multi-target pharmacology, and clinical translation. We delineate tissue-specific distributions of core bioactives (polysaccharides, phenolics, carotenoids, alkaloids) and their synergistic networks underlying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Critically, we systematically summarize preclinical evidence for the antitumor potential of goji berries, identifying four proposed non-overlapping cell death pathways (apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, ferroptosis, autophagy) and proposed unique roles in reversing multi-drug resistance, alleviating chemoradiotherapy toxicity, and serving as biocompatible nanocarriers, all of which remain predominantly at the preclinical stage. We further propose a three-stage evidence-based roadmap to address key translational bottlenecks. This review bridges the gap between traditional ethnopharmacology and modern precision nutrition, providing a scientific foundation for the sustainable development of the global goji berry industry. Full article

In a context of increasing water scarcity in southern Spain, improving water-use efficiency has become essential for sustainable crop production. This study evaluated the effects of two irrigation regimes (100% and 75% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) on the quality attributes and phenolic compound profile of three goji berry varieties (NQ1, Sweet Lifeberry, and Turgidus) cultivated under organic conditions in southwestern Spain. Key quality parameters including color, sugars, acidity, firmness, moisture, size, and weight were evaluated together with phenolic compounds profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS and antioxidant activity assays. The goji berry varieties studied showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in most of the variables analyzed, confirming the dominant influence of genotype. In contrast, no significant differences were detected in most quality attributes between berries cultivated under full irrigation (100% ETc) and deficit irrigation (75% ETc). However, deficit irrigation promoted the accumulation of hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, while flavonols and flavan-3-ols showed a decreasing tendency. Despite these compositional shifts, antioxidant capacity was generally higher under full irrigation. Among the varieties, NQ1 berries exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Harvesting time further influenced phenolic distribution and antioxidant behavior. These findings suggest that moderate deficit irrigation can be applied as a sustainable water-saving strategy for goji berry cultivation under Mediterranean conditions without compromising fruit quality. Full article

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

The NAM, ATAF, and CUC (NAC) transcription factors represent a major class of plant-specific transcription factors that regulate plant growth, development, and responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite their importance, limited information exists about this gene family in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant widely cultivated in northwest China. In this study, 107 LbaNAC genes were identified from the wolfberry genome and found to be unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. These LbaNAC genes were clustered into 18 subfamilies, with motif composition and gene structure showing high consistency with their phylogenetic relationships. A total of 192 orthologous gene pairs were identified between wolfberry and tomato, potato, Arabidopsis thaliana, and rice, respectively. Gene duplication analysis revealed that dispersed duplication was a major driver in the expansion of the LbaNAC gene family, while the analysis of the nonsynonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) substitution rates confirmed that purifying selection has been the predominant evolutionary force acting on these genes. Cis-acting element analysis showed that their promoters harbor elements associated with growth, metabolism, and various stress responses. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression profiles of LbaNAC001, 027, 043, 051, 053, and 080 were significantly and positively correlated with the dynamic changes in glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents in wolfberry fruits. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR validation of the selected LbaNAC genes confirmed that their expression patterns were consistent with the transcriptome data. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activation analyses revealed that LbaNAC027 is a nucleus-localized transcriptional activator. This study identifies potential LbaNACs involved in wolfberry fruit sugar metabolism, providing a theoretical foundation for elucidating their regulatory mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.), renowned as a typical medicinal and edible plant, is mainly cultivated across four agroclimatic zones in China, including semi-arid, arid, monsoon, and high-altitude regions. Ningxia has long been recognized as the daodi production area for goji berries. However, the metabolic diversity of goji berries from other core cultivation regions and how these differences are shaped by local environments remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, untargeted metabolomics was employed to comprehensively investigate the metabolic difference in goji across seven production regions. By integrating multivariate analysis with KEGG pathway enrichment (p < 0.05), 49 discriminative markers enriched in 10 key pathways were putatively identified, and their roles in plant stress tolerance were elucidated. In addition, we conducted targeted quantification of key bioactive components and antioxidant capacity. Results: Significant regional differences were revealed. Redundancy analysis further identified rainfall, temperature, and UV radiation as the key climatic drivers of this variation. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the metabolic adaptation of goji to local environments and serve as a basis for further functional studies. Full article

Gluten-free cakes formulated solely with rice flour frequently exhibit limited volume, weak internal structures, and rapid quality deterioration. This study investigated the effects of replacing rice flour with 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12% goji berry powder (GBP) in gluten-free cupcakes. Physical properties, texture profile, crumb porosity, crust and crumb color, flour pasting behavior, and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Moderate GBP addition improved cupcake quality, with the 6% treatment showing the greatest height (45.17 mm) and specific volume (3.64 cm³/g), the lowest hardness (327.50 g), the highest springiness (9.25 mm), and the largest average pore area (0.42 mm²). In contrast, higher substitution levels (9–12%) increased moisture and reduced baking loss but caused a decline in specific volume and a marked increase in hardness. GBP progressively darkened the product, especially the crumb, while significantly enhancing total phenolic content and DPPH radical-scavenging activity from 55.46 to 67.36 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g and from 4.85 to 15.08 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g, respectively. Monotonic decreases in peak, trough, final, and setback viscosities were observed, indicating reduced starch swelling and retrogradation tendencies as the GBP level increased. GBP at 6% showed the most balanced overall performance, while 12% maximized the antioxidant response at the expense of structural quality. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with goji berries (Lycium barbarum) on the nutritional profile, oxidative stability, and shelf life of rabbit meat. Thirty-two rabbits were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CN) and the same diet supplemented with 3% dried goji berries (GJ). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were determined at dissection, whereas physical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated during refrigerated storage (4 °C; 1, 4, and 10 days) and frozen storage (−20 °C; 60 and 120 days). Dietary supplementation significantly modified the lipid profile of the meat, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. During refrigerated storage, lipid peroxidation increased in both groups; however, meat from the GJ group showed significantly lower TBARS values after 10 days (0.22 vs. 0.33 mg MDA/kg; p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability. Lower accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), reduced formation of biogenic amines, and slower growth of spoilage-related microbial populations, particularly Pseudomonas spp., were also observed in GJ samples. Overall, the GJ diet improved fatty acid composition and delayed degradative processes during storage, suggesting its potential as a functional feed ingredient to enhance rabbit meat quality and shelf life. Full article

Kennel-housed dogs may experience chronic stress affecting cognition. This study compared the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and glycopeptide (LbGP) on cognitive function in laboratory-kenneled poodles. Eighteen dogs were assigned to CON, LBP, or LbGP groups for 42 days. Cognitive tests were performed and serum, saliva, and feces were collected for subsequent analysis. Both supplements improved cognitive performance (e.g., increased the correct rate in the cylinder test by approximately 40.0%, both p < 0.001). LBP enriched beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, p < 0.05), reduced pathogens (Romboutsia and Terrisporobacter, p < 0.05), and predominantly influenced the indole pathway of tryptophan metabolism. LbGP specifically decreased Escherichia-Shigella and Corynebacterium, increased fecal SCFAs, and mainly targeted the 5-HT pathway. Both treatments regulated immune function (i.e., elevated IL-6 and IL-10) and antioxidant capacity; LBP significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels by 6.8% (p < 0.01) and BDNF levels by 13.5% (p < 0.05), while LbGP elevated (p < 0.01) glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels by 20.9% and reduced salivary cortisol levels by 14.2% (p < 0.01). Overall, LBP and LbGP support canine cognition through distinct microbiota-related mechanisms, likely via the microbiota–gut–brain axis, suggesting their potential as functional feed additives for cognitive health. Full article

Lycium barbarum–Polygonatum cyrtonema composite jiaosu (LBPCJ) was prepared by sequential dual-species fermentation and evaluated in a mouse model of alcohol-induced liver injury. Following process optimization, a yeast-first sequential strategy with intermediate pasteurization was selected, comprising an initial Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation step, intermediate pasteurization, and a subsequent Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation step. Fermentation reduced pH from 4.68 to 3.51 and increased total acidity from 61.06 to 135.39 g LA/L and total phenolic content from 3.01 to 9.39 mg GAE/mL. In vitro antioxidant-related activities were also higher after fermentation, with DPPH, ABTS, and •OH scavenging rates increasing by 39.90%, 29.78%, and 11.10%, respectively. In mice, LBPCJ administration was associated with lower liver index and serum aminotransferase levels, together with attenuated hepatic histopathological alterations, with the high-dose group (15 mL/kg BW) showing the clearest response. These changes were accompanied by higher hepatic SOD and GSH levels and lower MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. LBJ and PCJ also improved several measured indicators, while LBPCJ showed changes across multiple endpoints under the tested conditions. Overall, sequential fermentation markedly altered the physicochemical and antioxidant-related properties of LBPCJ, and LBPCJ administration improved multiple indicators related to alcohol-induced liver injury in mice, although the specific constituents and underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Full article

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) significantly compromises the clinical benefits of revascularization and constitutes a central pathological mechanism worsening prognosis in myocardial infarction patients. Accordingly, dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying MIRI and formulating effective therapeutic interventions are of great clinical significance. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the primary active constituent of Lycium barbarum, has garnered considerable attention in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasomotor function-improving, and antithrombotic properties. This study aims to investigate the ability of LBP to alleviate MIRI, with a specific focus on its role in modulating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models in rats and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) models in H9c2 cells were established. Myocardial injury and the therapeutic effect of LBP were evaluated by 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To elucidate the specific mechanism underlying LBP against MIRI, an Nrf2-overexpressing cell line was generated in H9c2 cells, and pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 was applied for complementary validation. The effects of LBP on H/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response (IL-18, IL-1β), and pyroptosis-related protein expression (NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases (caspase)-1, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)) were systematically evaluated. LBP administration conferred robust cardioprotection in I/R rats, as evidenced by a significant reduction in myocardial infarct size, improved preservation of myocardial fiber architecture, and attenuated leakage of cardiac injury biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)). Mirroring these in vivo findings, LBP pretreatment effectively shielded H9c2 cardiomyocytes from H/R insult, markedly enhancing cell viability while curtailing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptotic activation. A pivotal finding was the pronounced downregulation of Nrf2 in the H/R group, a deficit that was conclusively reversed by LBP treatment. To decisively establish a causal role for Nrf2, we employed a loss-of-function approach; Nrf2 inhibition completely abrogated the protective benefits of LBP, culminating in exacerbated tissue damage, a surge in ROS, and the upregulation of key pyroptosis effectors (NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD). Conversely, a complementary gain-of-function experiment demonstrated that Nrf2 overexpression alone was sufficient to mimic LBP’s effects, significantly blunting H/R-induced ROS production and pyroptosis. LBP alleviates MIRI by inhibiting pyroptosis through activating the Nrf2/NLRP3 axis, thus representing a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic heart disease with the potential to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Glaucoma, characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell degeneration and optic nerve damage, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Multiple risk factors influence the pathogenesis and progression of glaucoma. Food-derived bioactive components have emerged as a new area of interest to overcome the limitations of current standard treatments due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and multi-target mechanisms. In this context, various plant-derived foods, such as Lycium barbarum, Ganoderma lucidum, Cryptotanshinone, Scutellaria baicalensis, Silybum marianum, Astragalus membranaceus, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Crocus sativus, and resveratrol, have shown potential mechanisms for treating glaucoma. These bioactive components may address oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and elevated intraocular pressure, which may be due to the modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK/CREB, cAMP/PKA/CREB, and others. However, further clinical trials are needed to validate dosage, bioavailability, and long-term safety. This review highlights the potential of bioactive components from plant-derived foods, offering a reference for further investigation into their effects on glaucoma. Full article

Plant-based biomaterials are increasingly recognized as bio-instructive platforms capable of actively modulating immune responses rather than functioning solely as passive structural supports. In this context, the term plant-based refers to photosynthetic biomass-derived platforms, including both terrestrial plants and marine macroalgae, reflecting their shared richness in polysaccharides and secondary metabolites relevant to immune engineering and regenerative medicine. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on plant-derived polysaccharides and phytochemicals, including algal sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate, carrageenan, and ulvan), terrestrial plant polysaccharides (e.g., Lycium barbarum and Aloe vera derivatives), polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites such as terpenoids and alkaloids, highlighting their roles as immunomodulators in biomedical contexts. Key mechanisms include macrophage polarization along an M1–M2 continuum, pattern recognition receptor engagement, redox and metabolic regulation, and crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity, with emphasis on context-dependent signaling and structural heterogeneity. Material design parameters, including molecular weight and chemical functionalization, are critical determinants of immune responses. Advanced delivery systems, such as hydrogels, nanocomposites, phytosomes, and plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), enable improved stability and spatiotemporal control. Applications in wound and musculoskeletal regeneration are discussed alongside translational challenges, including variability, reproducibility, regulatory issues, and the need for standardized characterization and immune validation. Full article

Goji, a plant unique to China, is recognized for its dual use as both a food and a medicine and is rich in various nutrients. However, long-term asexual propagation often leads to cultivar degeneration and viral accumulation, which severely impact its yield, quality, and disease resistance. Homozygous seeds can stably produce offspring with uniform traits. Haploid breeding technology, which involves doubling the chromosomes of haploid plants to obtain homozygous diploids, can significantly accelerate the breeding process. The DMP (Domain of Unknown Function 679 Membrane Protein) family is a plant-specific family of membrane proteins involved in various biological functions, including physiological processes, reproductive development, and senescence. Concurrently, loss-of-function of the DMP gene impedes the proper integration of the paternal genome following fertilization. Consequently, the embryo develops with exclusively maternal chromosomes, a mechanism that underlies the induction of haploids. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification of the DMP gene family in goji, analyzing the physicochemical properties, chromosomal locations, cis-acting elements, phylogenetic relationships, sequence characteristics, expression patterns, and subcellular localization of its members. The objective was to identify DMP genes capable of inducing haploid production in goji berry for future breeding applications. The results revealed a total of 11 DMP family members in the goji berry genome, distributed across seven chromosomes. The proteins encoded by these members contain 136 to 237 amino acids, with molecular weights ranging from 15,267.96 to 26,141.01 Da and isoelectric points (pI) ranging from 5.14 to 9.32. The LbDMPs were found to contain numerous cis-acting elements that play roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses and various phytohormones. Notably, LbDMP1 and LbDMP11, which contain the typical DUF679 domain, are predominantly expressed in pollen, suggesting their involvement in the reproductive process of goji berry. They were therefore identified as candidate genes for haploid induction. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that LbDMP1 is localized to the plasma membrane, while LbDMP11 is localized to membrane systems such as the endoplasmic reticulum. This research provides a fundamental basis for further exploration of the functional roles of the DMP gene family in goji berry and offers valuable genetic resources for haploid induction in its breeding programs. Full article

This study investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) supplementation on various indicators in coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus), including growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, muscle and skin morphology, inflammatory immune gene expression, as well as immune and antioxidant responses. In the experiment, fish were fed diets supplemented with different concentrations of LBP (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%) over a designated experimental period. The results showed that moderate supplementation of LBP significantly improved growth performance, with the optimal concentration being around 0.243%, achieving the highest specific growth rate. LBP supplementation also enhanced intestinal digestive enzyme activity, such as trypsin in the 0.1% and 1% groups, and α-amylase in the 0.5% group. Additionally, LBP improved the nutritional composition of muscle, with the 1% group showing higher crude protein content and the 0.2–1% groups having lower crude fat content. Moderate LBP supplementation improved skin color and pigmentation, increasing the brightness, redness, and yellowness of the dorsal skin, as well as boosting carotenoid and astaxanthin concentrations. It also enhanced the immune and antioxidant functions of the skin (e.g., SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, AKP, and LZ) and improved the immune functions of the mucus (e.g., C3, C4, IgM, IgT, AKP, and LZ). Furthermore, the expression of key pro-inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, was reduced. These findings suggest that LBP can serve as a natural feed additive to enhance the overall quality and health of coral trout, contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

Chinese herbal medicine is rich in active ingredients that can promote growth and enhance immune function. In this study, Lycium barbarum, Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus and Phragmitis rhizoma were crushed and mixed to prepare a compound Chinese herbal medicine. The basic feed of Megalobrama amblycephala was supplemented with 0 (control group), 1% (T1), 2% (T2) and 4% (T3) of this compound medicine. After raising for 90 days, in the T1 and T2 experimental groups, the length and width of intestinal villi and the activities of amylase, trypsin and lipase in the intestine were significantly higher than those in the control group. The weight gain rate and specific growth rates were highest and the feed coefficient was lowest in the T2 experimental group. In the control group, a large number of dilated hepatic sinusoids were detected, while this number significantly decreased in the T1 experimental group and they were not detected at all in the T2 and T3 experimental groups. The spleen and liver body indices were highest in the T2 experimental group. In all experimental groups, the Lys content and the activities of T-SOD, CAT, ACP, AKP and GSH-PX in serum were significantly higher than those of the control group. The expression of IgM, C3, TNF-ɑ and IL-1β in the head kidney; C3, TNF-ɑ and IL-1β in the spleen; C3 and IL-1β in the gills; IgM, C3 and IL-1β in liver; and IL-1β in the intestine was highest in the T2 experimental group. After challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, the cumulative mortality rate of M. amblycephala was lowest in the T2 experimental group. The results of this study indicated that this compound Chinese herbal medicine could significantly enhance immunity, increase the activity of intestinal digestion-related enzymes and promote the growth of M. amblycephala. The appropriate addition amount of this compound Chinese herbal medicine in the basic feed of M. amblycephala was 2%. Full article