Goji Berry (Lycium)

Background/Objectives: The impact of nutritional interventions on Sjögren disease (SD) remains uncertain, and no standardized guidelines currently exist for managing its sicca symptoms. This systematic review evaluated the effects of dietary interventions on the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes in individuals with SD. Methods: Electronic searches were performed in four databases, supplemented by manual searches and searches of the gray literature. Both human and animal studies were included. The methodological quality of the selected studies was appraised, and the data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of nineteen studies (ten in humans and nine in animal models) were included. The treatments evaluated were dietary supplements, vitamins, medicinal herbs, and specially modified diets. The primary outcomes assessed included unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates, salivary-gland inflammation, and ocular dryness (Schirmer test). In animal models of SD, interventions such as caloric restriction, gluten-free diets, low-fat diets, and supplements (e.g., resveratrol, triptolide, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide) were associated with increased salivary flow and reduced glandular inflammation. Conversely, diets rich in saturated fats were associated with reduced salivary flow and increased lymphocytic infiltration in salivary glands. Human studies yielded mixed results, with some reporting improvements in salivation following interventions with vitamins, herbal supplements, gluten-free diets, liquid diets, and whole-food, plant-based diets. Conclusions: Although dietary management may alleviate sicca symptoms and improve nutritional status in SD, the current evidence is insufficient to support specific recommendations for the management of oral symptoms.

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

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a global health concern with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) is widely used as a medicinal and functional food, and evidence suggests that it may be beneficial for lipid management. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of L. barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults. METHODS: PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception until October 2022. The random-effect model was applied, and the pooled effect sizes were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials involving 259 subjects indicated that L. barbarum supplementation significantly decreased the triglyceride (TG) concentration (MD: 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08-0.20) and increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) (MD: -0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.01). However, the reductions in total cholesterol (TC) concentration (MD: 0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.59) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration (MD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.89) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that L. barbarum supplementation might have some beneficial effects on TG and HDL-C concentrations in adults, and L. barbarum fruit has an even greater effect on TG and HDL-C concentrations. Considering the sensitivity analyses and limitations of the study included, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a general complication of diabetes, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. However, the best treatment is still under development. Qiming (QM) granules are mainly composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Pueraria lobata, Rehmannia Glutinosa, Lycium barbarum, Cassiae Semen, Fructus Leonuri, Pollen Typhae, and Leech, which are beneficial to qi, nourish liver and kidney, and clear collaterals and eyes. The treatment of DR is a comprehensive application based on the above traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, satisfactory results have been achieved for DR. AIM OF THE STUDY: Through the traditional application analysis, network pharmacology analysis and clinical research summary of QM granules, to review the effectiveness and advantages of QM granules in the treatment of DR comprehensively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of main active components of QM granules by network pharmacology and prediction of mechanism of action of QM granules on DR. Further, PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search literature, using the keywords of "Qiming granules", "diabetic retinopathy", "clinical research" and their combinations, mainly from 1999 to 2022. RESULTS: Traditional pharmacological analysis, Network pharmacological analysis, animal experiments, and clinical studies have confirmed that QM granules plays a role in the treatment of DR through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple channels. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review for the first time provides meaningful information for the further study of the pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of QM granules, and also provides a basis for further study of quality markers and quality control of QM granules.

PURPOSE: Wolfberry is rich in bioactive compounds which may lower cardiovascular disease risk. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of wolfberry-based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on overall cardiovascular health. METHODS: Four online databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Medline and Cochrane Library) were searched to shortlist relevant RCTs. Outcomes of interests included blood lipids and lipoproteins, blood pressure, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and other cardiovascular health-related indicators. Random-effects models were used to provide a weighted mean difference (WMD) and/or Hedges' g for quantitative synthesis. This was coupled with subcategory analyses which stratified RCTs according to the form in which wolfberry was administered (whole wolfberry versus wolfberry extract). RESULTS: From the 785 articles identified, 10 were selected for meta-analysis. Compared to the control, groups which consumed wolfberry showed a reduction in blood triglycerides [WMDpooled (95% confidence interval): - 0.14 (- 0.19, - 0.09) mmol/L] and increased blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [WMDpooled: 0.06 (0.02, 0.09) mmol/L]. Notably, effects for both triglycerides [WMDwhole: - 0.14 (- 0.19, - 0.09) mmol/L; WMDextract: - 0.07 (- 0.30, 0.16) mmol/L] and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [WMDwhole: 0.06 (0.02, 0.09) mmol/L; WMDextract: 0.05 (- 0.02, 0.13) mmol/L] were more prominent after whole wolfberry interventions. Additionally, blood malondialdehyde equivalents were also significantly decreased in wolfberry consuming groups [Hedges' gpooled: - 1.45 (- 2.75, - 0.16)]. No changes were observed for the other lipids and lipoproteins as well as blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Wolfberry consumption is effective in improving blood lipids and lipoproteins profile and lowering oxidative stress. This supports the incorporation of wolfberry, particularly as whole fruits, into dietary patterns targeted at improving cardiovascular health. © 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.

BACKGROUND: Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the most abundant functional component of wolfberry, is considered a potent antioxidant and an anti-ageing substance. This review aims to outline the hallmarks of ageing in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), followed by the current understanding of the senolytic effect of LBP and its potential use in the prevention and treatment of OA. This will be discussed through the lens of molecular biology and herbal medicine. METHODS: A literature search was performed from inception to March 2020 using following keywords: "Lycium barbarum polysaccharide", "DNA damage", antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, anti-ageing, osteoarthritis, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and "bone mesenchymal stem cell". The initial search yielded 2287 papers, from which 35 studies were selected for final analysis after screening for topic relevancy by the authors. RESULTS: In literature different in vitro and in vivo ageing models are used to demonstrate LBP's ability to reduce oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial function, mitigate DNA damage, and prevent cellular senescence. All the evidence hints that LBP theoretically attenuates senescent cell accumulation and suppresses the senescence-associated secretory phenotype as observed by the reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1beta, and matrix-degrading enzymes, such as MMP-1 and MMP-13. However, there remains a lack of evidence on the disease-modifying effect of LBP in OA, although its chondroprotective, osteoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Our findings strongly support further investigations into the senolytic effect of LBP in the context of age-related OA. © 2021. The Author(s).

Goji berry has been used in China more than 2,000 years as a traditional medicinal herb and food supplement. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the chief active component in goji berry, has been used to treat hypertension, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases in Chinese traditional medicine. However, the underlying effects of LBP- mediated activity in blood glucose and lipid metabolism remain poorly understood. The present study aims to apply the meta-analysis to explore the healthy effects of LBP. Eligible studies published up to November 15, 2020, were searched and identified from CNKI, Pubmed, Web of Science, Cocharane library detabases. A total of 315 publications were retrieved and 7 articles were included. The STATA (version 11.0) was applied to process the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate showed that daily consumption of LBP played significant effects on regulating serum triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (p < 0.05), while it was effect-free on the total cholesterol (TC). The present study provided a better understanding of current research status and suggested that LBP could play potential role in prevention and therapy for non-communicable chronic diseases, and more scientific evidence are required in the future.Key teaching pointsGoji berry and LBP, its main biologically active ingredient, have a wide range of health promotion effects.The supplement of LBP may played significant effects on regulating serum TG, HDL, LDL and FBG concentrations.Goji may serve as a potential drug to prevent and treat chronic non-communicable diseases in the future.Healthy dietary patterns containing goji berries will be a new choice for consumers in the future.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye symptom threatens human health and causes a larger burden of disease, the study aims to systematically compare the therapeutic effect of Lycium-rehmannia pills combined with topical eye drops and pure western medicine (western medicine eye drops) on dry eye symptom, to provide a reflection and enlightenment for clinical treatment. METHOD: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, MEDLINE, CBM, WanFang, VIP, and CNKI databases were searched manually and automatically by the computer until March 2019 and relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Article selection and data extraction were conducted by 2 researchers independently, then RevMan 5.3 was applied for meta-analysis. RESULT: Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included, including 1222 patients (eyes = 2382). The meta-analysis results showed that Lycium-rehmannia pills combined with western medicine were superior to the control group in terms of therapeutic efficiency [OR = 4.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.26, 5.89), P < .00001]. There were controversial results that the study group was better than the control group in Basic Schirmer test [MD, 2.46, 95% CI (1.49, 3.44), P < .00001], tear break up time [MD, 3.79, 95% CI (3.57, 4.01), P < .00001], and Fluorescein test [MD, -1.29, 95% CI (-1.42, -1.15), P < .00001], but Lycium-rehmannia pills combined with western medicine could not reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, including eyelid inflammation [OR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.37, 2.72), P = 1.00] and congestion symptom [OR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.18, 1.65), P = .28]. CONCLUSION: Lycium-rehmannia pills combined with western medicine is better than the control group of therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of dry eye symptom. Due to the quantity and quality limitations of the literature, there were controversial results that the study group was better than the control group in Basic Schirmer test, Tear break up time, Fluorescein test, and reduced adverse reactions, including inflammation of the eyelids and congestion. The above conclusion needs more clinical trials to test and verify.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases of different etiologies and systems. METHODS: We performed an Entrez PubMed literature search using keywords "lycium", "barbarum", "polysaccharides", "anti-fibrotic", "anti-apoptotic", "anti-oxidizing", "anti-aging", "neuroprotection", "metabolism", "diabetes", "hyperlipidemia", "neuroprotection", and "immunomodulation" on the 14th of August 2018, resulting in 207 papers, of which 20 were chosen after filtering for 'English language' and 'published within 10 years' as well as curation for relevance by the authors. RESULTS: The 20 selected papers included 2 randomized control trials (1 double-blinded RCT and 1 double-blinded placebo-controlled RCT), 11 in vivo studies, 5 in vitro studies, 1 study with both in vivo and in vitro results, and 1 chemical study. There is good evidence from existing studies on the antifibrotic, antioxidizing, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. However, there is a need for further studies in the form of large-scale clinical trials to support its use in humans. There is also significant potential for LBP as a safe and effective topical treatment in ocular surface diseases, owing to promising in vitro results and a lack of demonstrated toxic effects to corneal epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Results from existing studies suggest that LBP is a promising therapeutic agent, particularly in the management of liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. One major limitation of current research is a lack of standardization and quality control for the LBP used. The availability of research-grade LBP will inevitably promote future research in this field worldwide.

The Lycium genus is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food. Many of the chemical constituents of the genus Lycium were reported previously. In this review, in addition to the polysaccharides, we have enumerated 355 chemical constituents and nutrients, including 22 glycerogalactolipids, 29 phenylpropanoids, 10 coumarins, 13 lignans, 32 flavonoids, 37 amides, 72 alkaloids, four anthraquinones, 32 organic acids, 39 terpenoids, 57 sterols, steroids, and their derivatives, five peptides and three other constituents. This comprehensive study could lay the foundation for further research on the Lycium genus.

Skin aging, driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leads to wrinkles and dryness, primarily due to reduced levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Agastache rugosa extract (Agatri®, AG) and a complex of A. rugosa, Ficus carica, and Lycium barbarum extracts (AGEs Blocker™, AB) have been suggested to support skin health in previous studies. Based on preclinical evidence supporting AB's superior efficacy compared to AG, we aimed to investigate whether these effects could also be observed in humans. To this end, we directly compared the effects of AG and AB on skin parameters in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-five participants were randomized to receive AG (1000 mg/day), AB (500 mg/day), or maltodextrin tablets for 12 weeks. After 8 and 12 weeks of supplementation, both AG and AB significantly reduced wrinkle size and transepidermal water loss compared to placebo. The skin moisture content, dermal density, and elasticity were also improved by supplementation with AG and AB. Notably, AB demonstrated greater efficacy than AG in enhancing these skin parameters. Taken together, this study provides the first clinical evidence that both AG and AB supplementation improves multiple features of skin aging, with AB demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings suggest that AG and AB may serve as promising candidates for the development of dietary supplements targeting skin health.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (CITP) seriously affects the patients' quality of life. In the real world, a traditional Chinese medicine, Huaiqihuang Granule (HQH) shows certain value in ITP treatment.It primarily comprises Huai'er (Trametes robiniophia Murr), Gouqizi (Lycium chinense Mill), Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum F. Delaroche). AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of HQH in children with CITP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 216 children with CITP from June 27, 2017 to October 14, 2023, at 13 hospitals in China. Patients were followed up for 96 weeks. Patients with CITP were treated with HQH or with matching placebo in a randomized, double-blind, 24-week treatment period. Patients who received placebo and completed 24 weeks of treatment switched to receive HQH, and patients treated with HQH in the double-blind period continued HQH during the following open-label 24-week treatment. RESULTS: HQH was superior to placebo in decreasing the bleeding grade and achieving a platelet response. The total clinical effectiveness rate of HQH group (71.74 % in 24-week) was higher than that of the placebo group (45.65 % in 24-week, p = 0.0013). The result was similarly seen when the data of patients with rescue treatment was analyzed as ineffectiveness or excluded. AEs and serious AE was comparable between the two groups. The severe AEs included thrombocytopenia (6.9 %), respiratory tract infection (5.1 %) and hemorrhagic episodes (2.8 %). CONCLUSIONS: In CITP children, HQH can improve the clinical effectiveness especially the degree of bleeding, and shows good safety even with long-term treatment.

Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of scrotal veins, significantly contributing to male infertility. The plant Lycium barbarum, known for its high antioxidant properties, may enhance fertility quality. This study examines the protective and antioxidant effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on sperm health in patients with varicocele. In a double-blind clinical trial conducted in 2022 at Afzalipoor Hospital in Kerman, 80 patients with varicocele were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). After collecting demographic, blood, and semen samples, the intervention group received 400 mg of Lycium barbarum extract orally for two months, while the control group received a placebo. Blood and semen samples were re-evaluated 90 days post-treatment for markers such as Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Malondialdehyde, and Testosterone, as well as sperm health parameters. Before treatment, the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). The intervention group exhibited effective enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activity (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase). The intervention with Lycium barbarum resulted in a significant decrease in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Significant improvements in Testosterone level and sperm count, motility, and morphology, indicating the intervention's positive impact on male fertility indicators, excluding semen volume (P < 0.05). The volume of semen following the intervention with Lycium barbarum showed a slight increase post-intervention. In conclusion, the results suggest that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide has a positive effect on oxidative stress and sperm health. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to enhance the generalizability of these findings.

BACKGROUND: Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. METHODS: 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, BOP, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, 0.000, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, 0.034, and 0.000 respectively). However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. CONCLUSION: Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva. Copyright: © 2024 Sanghavi A et al.

PURPOSE: In our previous study, we showed that Lycium chinense Miller fruit extract (LFE) exerted hepatoprotective effects in mice. In the current study, we examined the effect of LFE on liver enzyme levels in subjects with mild hepatic dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 90 subjects, aged 19 to 70 years old, with abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, were randomly placed into either an LFE (n = 45) treatment group or a placebo group (n = 45). During the 12-week clinical trial, subjects in each group received either LFE or placebo capsules, and were instructed to take four tablets per day (1760 mg/day). The primary outcome of the study was the changes of ALT and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels in each subject. The safety of LFE supplementation was assessed and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: LFE supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction of ALT (P = 0.0498) and GGT (P = 0.0368) levels in comparison to the placebo. No clinically significant changes were observed in any safety parameters. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LFE can be applied to subjects with mild hepatic dysfunction with no possible side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) as no. KCT0003985. © 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.

PURPOSE: Measurement of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) can be conducted to assist in the diagnosis of multiple fundus diseases. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects with high myopia were prospectively recruited for a 3-month clinical trial. Detailed ophthalmologic examinations and MPOD measurements were performed. The subjects in each high myopia category group were randomly subdivided into 5 intervention groups, including a low-dose Lycium barbarum group (10 g Lycium barbarum, containing 10 mg of zeaxanthin and 1 mg of lutein), low-dose control group (1 mg of lutein), high-dose Lycium barbarum group (20 g of Lycium barbarum, containing 20 mg of zeaxanthin and 2 mg lutein), high-dose control group (2 mg of lutein), and a blank control group. Differences in the MPODs among the high myopia groups were calculated with Welch two-sample t tests. A linear mixed-effects model was constructed and Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine correlations between MPOD and other factors. The MPOD values at baseline and the 3-month follow-up were compared with the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The category 1 group had a significantly higher MPOD than the category 2 (P = 0.02) and category 3 groups (P < 0.001). The category 2 group had a significantly higher MPOD than the category 3 group (P < 0.001). The MPOD significantly decreased with increasing axial length (AL) and decreasing best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the category 1-3 groups and with increasing age and increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the category 2-3 groups. The MPOD was significantly higher in the group who received high-dose zeaxanthin from Lycium barbarum than in the group who received high-dose lutein at 3 months (P = 0.0403), while no significant difference was identified between the low-dose zeaxanthin group and low-dose lutein group (P = 0.1117). CONCLUSIONS: The MPOD was negatively correlated with the category of high myopia. Supplementation of zeaxanthin from Lycium barbarum is beneficial in preventing the loss of macular pigment of high myopia patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number and date of registration: ChiCTR2100046748. © 2022. The Author(s), under exclu

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker for AMD, is a non-invasive measure to assess risk. The macula xanthophyll pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protect against blue light and provide oxidant defense, which can be indexed by MPOD. This study examined the effects of Z-rich goji berry intake on MPOD and skin carotenoids in healthy individuals. A randomized, unmasked, parallel-arm study was conducted with 27 participants, aged 45-65, who consumed either 28 g of goji berries or a supplement containing 6 mg L and 4 mg Z (LZ), five times weekly for 90 days. After 90 days, MPOD was significantly increased in the goji berry group at 0.25 and 1.75 retinal eccentricities (p = 0.029 and p = 0.044, respectively), while no changes were noted in the LZ group. Skin carotenoids were significantly increased in the goji berry group at day 45 (p = 0.025) and day 90 (p = 0.006), but not in the LZ group. Regular intake of goji berries in a healthy middle-aged population increases MPOD may help prevent or delay the development of AMD.

Blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) have received growing attention in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the effect of diet intervention, a primary strategy for CVD prevention, on BOECs is not reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of following a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) with or without wolfberry consumption, healthy food with potential cardiovascular benefits, on the number and function of BOECs in middle-aged and older adults. Twenty-four subjects consumed either an HDP only (n = 9) or an HDP supplemented with 15 g day-1 wolfberries (n = 15) for 16 weeks. At pre- and post-intervention, vascular health biomarkers and composite CVD risk indicators were assessed. BOECs were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their angiogenic and migration activities were measured. Isolated BOECs have typical endothelial cobblestone morphology, express von Willebrand factor and KDR. Consuming an HDP improved the BOEC colony's growth rate, which was demonstrated by significant time effects in the colony's culture time between passages 1 and 2 (P = 0.038). Both interventions increased BOECs' tube formation capacity. Moreover, HDP intervention contributed to a time effect on BOEC migration activity (P = 0.040 for t1/2gap). Correlation analysis revealed that BOEC colony number was positively associated with blood pressure, atherogenic index, vascular age, and Framingham risk score. In conclusion, adherence to an HDP improved BOECs' function in middle-aged and older populations, while additional wolfberry consumption did not provide an enhanced effect. Our results provide mechanistic dissection on the beneficial effects on BOECs of dietary pattern modification.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), a rich source of carotenoids and bioactive polysaccharides, may serve as a potential dietary strategy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management although limited studies examined its effects as whole fruits. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of wolfberry consumption as part of a healthy dietary pattern on vascular health-related outcomes and classical CVD risk factors in middle-aged and older adults in Singapore. METHODS: This is a 16-week, parallel design, randomized controlled trial. All participants (n = 40) received dietary counselling to follow healthy dietary pattern recommendations with the wolfberry group given additional instructions to cook and consume 15 g/d whole, dried wolfberry with their main meals. Biomarkers of vascular function (flow-mediated dilation, plasma total nitrate/nitrite, endothelin-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1), vascular structure (carotid intima-media thickness) and vascular regeneration (endothelial progenitor cell count, plasma angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2), were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Serum lipid-lipoproteins and blood pressure were evaluated every 4 weeks. RESULTS: All participants showed an improved compliance toward the healthy dietary pattern. This was coupled with marked rises in total nitrate/nitrite concentrations (mean change wolfberry: 3.92 ± 1.73 nmol/mL; control: 5.01 ± 2.55 nmol/L) and reductions in endothelin-1 concentrations (wolfberry: -0.19 ± 0.06 pg/mL; control: -0.15 ± 0.08 pg/mL). Compared with the control which depicted no changes from baseline, the wolfberry group had a significantly higher HDL cholesterol (0.08 ± 0.04 mmol/L), as well as lower Framingham predicted long-term CVD risk (-0.8 ± 0.5%) and vascular age (-1.9 ± 1.0 y) postintervention. No differences were observed in the other vascular health-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged and older adults, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern improves vascular tone. Incorporating wolfberry to the diet further improves blood lipid-lipoprotein profile and may lower long-term CVD risk. This study was registered at clinicatrials.gov as NCT0353584

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the efficacy of Bifiprost® + Serenoa Repens 320 mg versus Serenoa Repens 320 mg alone for the prevention of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) due to enterobacteriaceae. METHODS: Between September 2016 and September 2018, 120 patients with CBP at the National Institutes of Health (NIH type II) with recurrent infections due to enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus faecalis) were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups each to receive Bifiprost® + Serenoa Repens 320 mg (Group A) or Serenoa Repens 320 mg alone (Group B) daily for 24 weeks (after receiving a proper antibiotic treatment with subsequent culture negativization). The primary endpoint was the reduction in the episodes of prostatitis. The secondary endpoint evaluated was the score of the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Evaluation was performed at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 weeks. RESULTS: The patients of the Group A experienced a significantly larger reduction in the prostatitis episodes than the Group B at 24 and 36 weeks, but they did not experience a significantly larger reduction at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean NIH-CPSI score was reduced in both groups compared with baselines, but no significant differences were seen between the Group A and Group B. On the contrary, we observed a significant difference in the mean NIH-CPSI score between the 2 groups at 24 and 36 weeks. CONCLUSION: The association of Bifiprost® and Serenoa Repens 320 mg improves the prevention of the episodes of CBP due to enterobacteriaceae and ameliorates prostatitis-related symptoms after 6 months of therapy. The long-term impact on the entero-urinary route was also seen 3 months after the end of the treatment. © 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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.

Excessive dietary fat intake disrupts lipid metabolism and induces oxidative stress and inflammation in aquatic species, impairing growth and health. In Takifugu obscurus, a widely cultivated fish species in China, fat predominantly accumulates in the liver, making this species particularly susceptible to hepatic lipid metabolism disorders. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), as a biologically active macromolecule, are capable of regulating lipid metabolism. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of dietary LBP supplementation on lipid metabolism, hepatic function, intestinal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed T. obscurus. A control diet comprising 80 g/kg fat and five HFDs (150 g/kg fat) supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg LBP was administered to 630 juvenile T. obscurus individuals for 56 days. Serum biochemistry, hepatic antioxidant indices, gene expression, intestinal microbiota, and liver metabolomics were analyzed. HFD feeding significantly increased serum triglyceride (TG), total bile acid (TBA), total cholesterol (TCHO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while decreasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels. Conversely, LBP supplementation significantly reversed these effects and improved the antioxidant capacity. LBP supplementation resulted in the downregulation of lipid synthesis and inflammatory gene expression and upregulation of lipid catabolism and antioxidant genes. Microbial and metabolomic analyses indicated that LBP supplementation restored gut microbial balance, enhanced diversity, and normalized bile acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, exhibiting the most pronounced effects at a dose of 1.5 g/kg. In conclusion, LBP effectively mitigates HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders in T. obscurus. Furthermore, based on the strong correlations observed between the gut microbiota and differential metabolites, we speculate that the gut-liver axis may play a potential role in the regulatory effects of LBP, providing valuable clues for further i

Nutrient enrichment significantly influences microbial communities and contaminant dynamics in agricultural soils, yet field-based mechanistic understanding remains limited, especially in vulnerable high-altitude agroecosystems. Here, we integrated soil physicochemical analysis, pesticide quantification, high-throughput sequencing, functional prediction, and structural equation modeling to examine the interactions among soil nutrients, microbial communities, and pesticide residues across four major cropping systems (Brassica napus, Allium sativum, Lycium barbarum, Hordeum vulgare) on the Tibetan Plateau. Soil nutrient status shaped microbial life-history strategies, reflected in the oligotrophic/copiotrophic (O/C) ratio. In the high-nutrient B. napus system, a balanced microbial community with high functional redundancy supported efficient pesticide degradation, aligning with the "diversity-promotes-function" paradigm. Conversely, excessive nutrient input in the L. barbarum system led to community imbalance and a decoupling of diversity from ecosystem function, resulting in higher pesticide persistence. Notably, microbial communities in low-nutrient systems retained strong degradation capacity for legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and currently used pesticides (CUPs). These findings demonstrate that nutrient management regulates soil purification capacity by modulating microbial ecological strategies. This study provides a mechanistic framework for optimizing fertilizer-pesticide management to mitigate contamination risks and promote ecological intensification in plateau agriculture.

This study focuses on examining the chemical composition of Lycium intricatum berries, a plant historically used by the Moroccan population but not extensively studied. Using HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis, we identified significant levels of bioactive compounds. Quercetin and its derivatives were found to be the most abundant compounds across all extracts. The fruit was also found to contain two major carotenoids, 8-Apo-b-carotenal and alloxanthin, and notable levels of phenolic and chlorogenic acids, well-regarded for their therapeutic effectiveness in treating eye conditions, substantiating the fruit's historical use. Quantification of phenolic compounds revealed a high content of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins in all extracts, with solvent-water mixtures proving to be the most effective for extraction. In terms of biological activities, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide tests, showing the ethanol: water (50:50) extract to exhibit strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 273.90 ± 0.96 μg/mL, IC50 = 30.96 ± 1.95 μg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, the acetone: water (80:20) extract demonstrated the most potent antiprotein denaturation effect, assessed using BSA and egg albumin tests. A comparison of extraction methods highlighted that ultrasound-assisted extraction was more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional maceration, especially when using solvents such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, and water. Interestingly, ethyl acetate and hexane were found to facilitate superior extraction through maceration, providing valuable insights into effective extraction strategies.

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired copper metabolism and progressive multi-organ damage. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduced microbial fermentation capacity may contribute to the progression of liver diseases. However, whether the gut microbiota can serve as a therapeutic target in WD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), a bioactive component of the traditional Chinese medicine Gan-Dou-Fu-Mu decoction, on gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in WD, and to explore their potential as microbiota-targeted prebiotic interventions. WD-associated microbiota exhibited decreased microbial diversity and significantly lower SCFAs production, particularly acetic acid and total SCFAs, compared to healthy controls. LBPs supplementation significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial genera, including Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, and Paraeggerthella, as well as SCFAs-producing species such as Bacteroides fragilis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Notably, LBPs markedly enhanced acetic acid and total SCFA concentrations in WD microbiota, outperforming the standard treatment agent penicillamine. These findings highlight the promising prebiotic potential of LBPs and support their application as a novel microbiota-targeted adjunctive therapy for WD. © 2026 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Given the extensive organ toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), this study aimed to elucidate its mechanisms of hepatointestinal toxicity and to evaluate the protective efficacy of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). In the initial phase, network toxicology and molecular docking were used to identify protein targets associated with PFOA-induced hepatointestinal toxicity. A total of 224 key protein targets were identified, which were mainly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Based on these findings, an animal experiment was conducted. The study utilized 480 one-day-old male broilers which were randomly assigned to six groups, with each group containing eight replicates of ten chicks. The experimental period was from day 4 to day 42. The groups were as follows: Group C, blank control; Group P, 1.5 mg/L PFOA; Group D, 1.5 mg/L PFOA + 0.4% LBP; Group Z, 1.5 mg/L PFOA + 0.6% LBP; Group G, 1.5 mg/L PFOA + 0.8% LBP; Group L, 0.8% LBP only. The results showed that in comparison with group C, group P exhibited a significant decrease in ADG, ADFI levels, intestinal tight junction proteins expression, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased. Supplementation with 0.8% LBP significantly ameliorated these adverse effects. Furthermore, PFOA exposure resulted in the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT pathway, while 0.8% LBP activated this pathway. To further understand the mechanisms of PFOA toxicity via the liver-intestine interactions, 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted, revealing that PFOA increased the abundances of Firmicutes and Campylobacterota while reducing Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria. The 0.8% LBP supplementation improved the microbiota composition by enhancing the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria, thereby conferring intestinal protection. These findings suggest that PFOA exposure can induce hepatointestinal toxicity, while LBP may serve as a feed additive to mitigate the adverse effects of PFOA. This study provides a novel approach for investigating PFOA toxicity and proposes innovative strategies for developing feed supplements to safeguard liver and intestinal health

Lycium barbarum (goji berry) has long been consumed as a food, and its water-soluble polysaccharides (LBPs) are proposed as key bioactive constituents. Here, we evaluated three L. barbarum fractions in Caenorhabditis elegans and subsequently focused on purified LBPs, which showed the most consistent pro-longevity phenotype in preliminary screening. LBPs (700 μg/mL) increased mean lifespan by 20.67% (p < 0.01) and improved multiple healthspan-related outcomes, including locomotion, resistance to heat and oxidative stress, and reduced age-associated accumulation of lipofuscin and neutral lipids. Using mutant and transgenic strains, we found that these benefits depend on the transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2 and HSF-1, and are attenuated in an insulin/IGF-1 signalling (IIS) pathway mutant (age-1/PI3K). Consistent with altered lipid homeostasis, LBPs changed the expression of lipid metabolic genes, including Δ9 desaturases (fat-6/fat-7) and fat-5. Collectively, these findings indicate that LBPs can promote longevity and functional maintenance in C. elegans, with effects linked to IIS, stress-response regulation and lipid metabolic remodeling. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.

Erratum in Food Funct. 2026 Oct 19;17(20):9373. doi: 10.1039/d6fo90080a. Bioactive galactans are widely distributed in nature, with some extensively reported for their potential in modulating the gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation. However, the efficacy of different galactans in ameliorating colitis remains unclear. Our study systematically compared the effects of three nonlinear galactans (Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides, HEP; Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, LBP; larch arabinogalactan, LAG) and two linear galactans (agarose, AGR; carrageenan, CGN) on colitis in mice. The results indicated that HEP, LBP and LAG treatments significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, regulated the inflammatory cytokines and improved intestinal barrier function. Notably, they could modulate the gut microbiota by promoting the relative abundance of probiotics such as S24-7, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, while suppressing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae. In contrast, AGR and CGN showed no significant alleviative effects on most indicators. This study highlights the efficacy of different types of galactans in treating colitis and modulating the gut microbiota, providing a theoretical basis for the development of dietary polysaccharide-based intervention strategies for IBD.

Plant-derived polysaccharides represent promising candidates for hepatic fibrosis (HF) therapy through the gut-liver axis. This study investigated the structural characteristics, anti-fibrotic efficacy, and mechanisms of LRMP1, a novel polysaccharide from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. LRMP1 was identified as a homogeneous inulin-type fructan (3.055 kDa) with a → 1)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → backbone terminated by α-D-Glcp-(1 → 2)-β-D-Fruf linkages (DP 4-20). Integrated multi-omics analysis combining hepatic transcriptomics, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiome profiling revealed that LRMP1 ameliorates HF via a gut microbiota-postbiotics-ferroptosis regulatory axis. In both CCl4-induced and MCD diet-induced chronic fibrosis models, LRMP1 significantly attenuated liver injury, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, while restoring intestinal barrier integrity. These protective effects correlated with enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus spp.) and pathogen depletion. Mechanistically, LRMP1 suppressed TGF-β signaling and inhibited hepatocyte ferroptosis by restoring the GPX4/SLC7A11 antioxidant system and reducing lipid peroxidation. Serum metabolomics further revealed elevated anti-ferroptotic metabolites and suppressed pro-inflammatory lipids. Crucially, antibiotic depletion abolished LRMP1's efficacy, whereas fecal microbiota transplantation and fermentation supernatant experiments confirmed that microbiota-derived postbiotics selectively protect hepatocytes from ferroptosis. These findings establish LRMP1 as a promising microbiota-targeted polysaccharide for HF intervention through the gut-liver axis.

The external traits of Lycium barbarum L. fruits are primary determinants of their commercial value. Ovary locule number is a fundamental developmental structure hypothesized to be a key intrinsic factor influencing these traits. However, systematic investigation into its specific role remains limited. This study systematically investigated the correlation between locule number and key fruit traits, and compared differences between wild and cultivated accessions from the Ningxia region. Multivariate statistical analyses, including correlation analysis and principal component analysis, were employed. The results revealed an unbalanced distribution of locule number, with bilocular ovaries predominating. Furthermore, locule number showed significant positive correlations with size-related traits (single fruit weight, fruit area) but negative correlations with shape indices (fruit shape index, length-to-width ratio). Interestingly, the average locule number in cultivated L. barbarum was significantly higher than in wild accessions. Cultivated accessions exhibited distinct domestication characteristics, including greater single-fruit weight, altered fruit shape index, and color. Single fruit weight and fruit roundness are identified as key indicators for predicting locule number. We conclude that ovary locule number is a key intrinsic factor determining fruit size and shape, with a trade-off: increased locule number promotes enlargement but leads to a rounder shape. Domestication has preferentially selected for genotypes with more locules and larger fruit size. Therefore, locule number can serve as an effective early phenotypic marker for quality breeding programs in L. barbarum. © 2026 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.