Lycium barbarum (Goji)

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.

Functional foods can be effective in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and subsequently the onset of cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. More recently, however, another term was introduced to describe foods with additional health benefits: "superfoods", for which, to date, no generally accepted definition exists. Nonetheless, their consumption might contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndrome, for example due to the presence of potentially bioactive compounds. This review provides an overview of controlled human intervention studies with foods described as "superfoods" and their effects on metabolic syndrome parameters. First, an Internet search was performed to identify foods described as superfoods. For these superfoods, controlled human intervention trials were identified until April 2017 investigating the effects of superfood consumption on metabolic syndrome parameters: waist circumference or BMI, blood pressure, or concentrations of HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol or glucose. Seventeen superfoods were identified, including a total of 113 intervention trials: blueberries (8 studies), cranberries (8), goji berries (3), strawberries (7), chili peppers (3), garlic (21), ginger (10), chia seed (5), flaxseed (22), quinoa (1), cocoa (16), maca (1), spirulina (7), wheatgrass (1), acai berries (0), hemp seed (0) and bee pollen (0). Overall, only limited evidence was found for the effects of the foods described as superfoods on metabolic syndrome parameters, since results were not consistent or the number of controlled intervention trials was limited. The inconsistencies might have been related to intervention-related factors, such as duration or dose. Furthermore, conclusions may be different if other health benefits are considered.

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.

An evidence-based systematic review of goji (Lycium spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

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.

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.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lycium barbarum L. (also known as "Goji berry"), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been a common herb in the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia for centuries. The main active component is the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its antioxidative effect has been widely shown to provide neuroprotection to the eye, and it would, therefore, be interesting to determine if Lycium barbarum help delay vision deterioration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. AIM OF THE STUDY: Cone rescue is a potential method for delaying deterioration of visual function in Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This study aimed to investigate the treatment effect of Lycium barbarum L. (LB) supplement on retinal functions and structure in RP patients after a 12-month intervention trial. METHODS: The investigation was a double-masked and placebo-controlled clinical study. Each of forty-two RP subjects who completed the 12-month intervention (23 and 19 in the treatment and placebo groups respectively) received a daily supply of LB or placebo granules for oral administration. The primary outcome was change of best corrected visual acuity (VA) (90% and 10% contrast) from the baseline to the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes were sensitivity changes of the central visual field, amplitude of full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) (including scotopic maximal response and photopic cone response), and average macular thickness. RESULTS: The compliance rates for both groups exceeded 80%. There were no deteriorations of either 90% or 10% contrast VA in the LB group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.001). A thinning of macular layer was observed in the placebo group, which was not observed in the LB group (p = 0.008). However, no significant differences were found in the sensitivity of visual field or in any parameters of ffERG between the two groups. No significant adverse effects were reported in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: LB supplement provides a neuroprotective effect for the retina and could help delay or minimize cone degeneration in RP. CLASSIFICATIONS: Clinical Studies (1.05). TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02244996.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LIVALO tablets (pitavastatin) in Japanese male children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel study was conducted in 14 male children 10-15 years of age with heterozygous FH. Pitavastatin (1 mg/day or 2 mg/day) was administered orally for 52 weeks.The primary endpoint was the percent change in the LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations from baseline to endpoint (repeated measures ANCOVA at Weeks 8 and 12). Secondary endpoints included the percentage of patients who achieved the target LDL-C concentration and percent changes in the levels of lipoprotein and lipid parameters at the visit performed at 52 weeks. RESULTS: The percent change in LDL-C from baseline (mean 258 mg/dL for all patients) to the endpoint was -27.3% (95%CI; -34.0, -20.5) and -34.3% (95%CI; -41.0, -27.5) in the patients receiving 1 mg and 2 mg of pitavastatin, respectively. Stable reductions in the total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) and LDL-C levels and non-HDL-C/HDL-C and Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratios were observed up to 52 weeks in both groups. One patient in each dose group (14%) reached the treatment target level of 130 mg/dL.Adverse events were observed in seven (100%) patients receiving 1 mg and five (71%) patients receiving 2 mg of pitavastatin, although none were considered related to the study treatment. One patient in the 1 mg group reported a musculoskeletal AE; however, it was attributed to recent excessive exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Pitavastatin significantly reduced the LDL-C levels and was well tolerated when administered at usual adult doses in 14 male children 10-15 years of age with heterozygous FH. Pitavastatin is a promising therapeutic agent for pediatric dyslipidemia with few safety concerns.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine as a chief ingredient of Lycium barbarum (wolf berry/goji berry) for the treatment of various diseases with the symptoms of frequent drinking and urination. This study was conducted as a randomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 67 patients with type 2 diabetes (30 in control group and 37 in LBP group) were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study (administration at 300 mg/day body weight). In order to observe the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering activity of LBP in patients with type 2 diabetes after dinner, various tests were conducted between control and LBP intervention groups in 3 months. Although, the study had small sample size and short follow-up, significant findings were observed. The results of our study indicated a remarkable protective effect of LBP in patients with type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose was found to be significantly decreased and insulinogenic index increased during OMTT after 3 months administration of LBP. LBP also increased HDL levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It showed more obvious hypoglycemic efficacy for those people who did not take any hypoglycemic medicine compared to patients taking hypoglycemic medicines. This study showed LBP to be a good potential treatment aided-agent for type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily oxybutynin patch therapy for overactive bladder. METHODS: A randomized double-blind trial was carried out in patients with overactive bladder syndrome, who received an oxybutynin patch, propiverine (20 mg) or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was the change of the mean daily number of micturitions in week 12. RESULTS: A total of 1530 patients were randomized to receive the oxybutynin patch (573), propiverine (576) or placebo (381). The change of the mean daily frequency of micturition from baseline in the full analysis set was -1.89 ± 2.04 with the oxybutynin patch, which was significantly higher than with placebo (-1.44 ± 2.23) (P = 0.0015). The difference of the mean change in the mean daily number of micturitions between the oxybutynin patch and propiverine groups showed a 95% confidence interval of -0.28 to 0.21, and the upper limit of this interval was below the predefined non-inferiority margin of 0.37, showing non-inferiority of the oxybutynin patch to propiverine. The incidence of dry mouth and constipation was higher with propiverine than with the oxybutynin patch or placebo. Application site dermatitis was more frequent with the oxybutynin patch (31.8%) than with propiverine (5.9%) or placebo (5.2%), but the dermatitis was generally mild. CONCLUSION: This trial shows the efficacy of the new once-daily oxybutynin patch for overactive bladder. Despite a higher rate of dermatitis with the oxybutynin patch, dry mouth and constipation occurs less often than during treatment with propiverine. © 2013 The Japanese Urological Association.

PURPOSE: Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) is purported to benefit vision because of its high antioxidant (especially zeaxanthin) content, although this effect has not been demonstrated in high-quality human studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily supplementation with a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji berry, Lacto-Wolfberry (LWB), on macular characteristics and plasma zeaxanthin and antioxidant capacity levels in elderly subjects. METHODS: This was a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy elderly subjects (range, 65 to 70 years) receiving 13.7 g/d of LWB (n = 75) or placebo (n = 75) for 90 days. Subjects underwent direct ophthalmic examination to assess pigmentation and soft drusen count in the macula and a blood draw to measure plasma zeaxanthin level and total antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: The placebo group demonstrated hypopigmentation and soft drusen accumulation in the macula, whereas the LWB group remained stable. Both plasma zeaxanthin level and antioxidant capacity increased significantly in the LWB group, by 26% and 57%, respectively, but did not change in the placebo group. No product-related adverse events were reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, daily dietary supplementation with goji berry for 90 days increases plasma zeaxanthin and antioxidant levels as well as protects from hypopigmentation and soft drusen accumulation in the macula of elderly subjects. However, the mechanism of action is unclear, given the lack of relationship between change in plasma zeaxanthin and change in macular characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a combination viral vaccine containing a modified-live bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) would protect calves from infection with virulent field strains of BHV-1 for weeks or months after vaccination. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial, performed in 2 replicates. ANIMALS: 63 weaned 4- to 6-month-old crossbred beef calves seronegative for antibody against BHV-1. PROCEDURES: Calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Control calves (n = 10/replicate) received a combination modified-live mixed viral vaccine without BHV-1, and treatment calves (20 and 23/replicate) received a combination modified-live mixed viral vaccine containing BHV-1. Each group was challenged via aerosol with 1 of 2 field strains of BHV-1, 30 days after vaccination in replicate 1 and 97 days after vaccination in replicate 2. After challenge, calves were commingled in 1 drylot pen. Clinical signs, immune responses, and nasal shedding of virus were monitored for 10 days after challenge, after which the calves were euthanatized and tracheal lesions were assessed. RESULTS: Vaccination stimulated production of BHV-1-specific IgG antibody that cross-neutralized several field and laboratory strains of BHV-1. Challenge with both field strains of BHV-1 resulted in moderate to severe respiratory tract disease in control calves. Treatment calves had significantly fewer signs of clinical disease, shed less BHV-1, had less or no weight loss after challenge, and had fewer tracheal lesions than control calves for at least 97 days after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of the combination modified-live BHV-1 vaccine yielded significant disease-sparing effects in calves experimentally infected with virulent field strains of BHV-1.

Although Lycium barbarum (goji) and active compounds, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), have a high in vitro antioxidant score as determined by simple chemical reaction methods, their in vivo antioxidant effects in humans have not been extensively examined. After our earlier report that an LBP-standardized Lycium barbarum preparation (GoChi) helps prevent oxidant stress-related conditions in humans, our present study examined the hypothesis that the antioxidant effects of GoChi result from its ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant factors. We investigated the effects of GoChi in a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. The study population included 50 Chinese healthy adults aged 55 to 72 years. In vivo antioxidant markers, consisting of serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and lipid peroxidation (indicated by decreased levels of malondialdehyde, MDA) were examined preintervention and postintervention with GoChi or placebo (120 mL/d). In the GoChi group, antioxidant markers significantly increased by 8.4% for SOD and 9.9% for GSH-Px between the preintervention and postintervention measurements, whereas MDA were significantly decreased by 8.7%. In addition, the SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA levels in the GoChi group were significantly different from those in the placebo group at the postintervention time point, with increases of 8.1% and 9.0% and a decrease of 6.0%, respectively. No significant differences were detected between the preintervention and postintervention time points in the placebo group. These results indicate that GoChi increased antioxidant efficacies in humans by stimulating endogenous factors and suggest that continued use beyond 30 days might help prevent or reduce free radical-related conditions.

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.

ABSTRACT: Goji berry planting in arid saline-alkali areas faces the challenges of soil micro-ecological imbalance and excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the interactive effects of different planting patterns and nitrogen application levels on the structure, diversity and function of soil microbial communities in the root zone of goji berry in arid saline-alkali areas, which is of great significance for optimizing the planting system of goji berry in this area and reducing nitrogen application rates and improving nitrogen use efficiency. METHODS: Based on field experiments, this study set up two planting patterns: goji berry monoculture and goji-alfalfa intercropping, four nitrogen application gradients: 0 kg·hm-² (N0), 150 kg·hm-² (N1), 300 kg·hm-² (N2), and 450 kg·hm-² (N3). The culturable microbial counts, community structure, diversity and functional genes of bacteria and fungi were analyzed by dilution coating plate method, high-throughput sequencing and functional prediction. Results: Compared with monoculture, the abundances of culturable soil bacteria and actinomycetes were significantly increased under the goji-alfalfa intercropping pattern, while the abundance of culturable fungi and the relative abundance of potential pathogens were inhibited, and the bacterial community structure was optimized. For example, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased, and the proportion of Gemmatimonadota, Actinomycetota and Thermomicrobiota, increased. Diversity analysis showed that N1 treatment was beneficial to maintain the diversity and stability of bacterial and fungal communities in the goji-alfalfa pattern, while N3 treatment significantly inhibited microbial diversity in the goji berry monoculture pattern. The functional prediction showed that the function of bacteria was mainly amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. The ILN1 treatment appeared to facilitate the transformation of fungi to mixed trophic strategies such as endophyte-plant pathogens, while the goji berry monoculture pattern tended to rely more heavily on saprophytic nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: In the arid saline-alkali area, the nitrogen reduction

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.

94. Neural Regen Res. 2026 Nov 1;21(11):5462-5476. doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00683. Epub 2026 Apr 14. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide alleviates diabetic retinopathy by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites. Ou Y(1)(2)(3), Huang Y(4)(5), Cui Z(1)(3), Ji S(1)(6), Yang X(3), Mei R(3), Yu Z(7), So KF(8)(9)(10), Chen J(1)(3), Tang S(1)(6), Ma JH(1)(2)(3)(6). Author information: (1)Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. (2)Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. (3)Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. (4)Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China. (5)Shanghai Aier Eye Institute, Shanghai, China. (6)Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. (7)Tianren Goji Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Zhongning, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. (8)Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. (9)Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. (10)Aier Academician Station, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00683 PMID: 41975614

The present work describes the isolation procedure and structural characterization of LFP-5, an immunomodulatory glucose-containing polysaccharide purified from Lycii fructus. Structural analysis revealed that LFP-5 consists of Rha:Ara:Xyl:Man:Glu:Gal with molar ratios of 2.01:7.32:6.30:10.03:60.14:14.21, and its primary structure consists of repeating units of 1,6-α-D-Glcp with multiple branching points in the branched chains at 1,4,6-α-D-Glcp,1,4,6-β-D-Manp, and 1,3,6-β-D-Galp. In vitro immunological assays revealed that LFP-5 stimulated the production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells, an effect found to be mediated by the MAPK signaling pathway. LFP-5 counteracted the splenic functional impairment caused by cyclophosphamide in vivo, and its regulation of immune function in mice was linked to a favorable remodeling of the gut microbiota, evidenced by an increase in probiotics like Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus reuteri, and, L. intestinalis, and a decrease in harmful genera such as Alistipes and Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis. Collectively, these findings elucidate the structural basis and multifaceted immunomodulatory mechanisms of LFP-5, contributing to the understanding of bioactive polysaccharides from Lycii fructus.

The accumulation of the toxic byproduct A2E in retinal pigment epithelial cells, coupled with blue-light-induced photooxidation, is a key driver of oxidative damage in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD), the esterified carotenoid abundant in goji berries, has higher lipophilicity and stability. In this study, ZD was isolated from the berries using its fat-soluble nature and purified using medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Isolated ZD and synthesised A2E were structurally characterised using HPLC, NMR, and positive mode LC-ESI-TQ-MS. An acellular photo-oxidation assay revealed that ZD significantly suppressed A2E degradation under blue light with higher efficacy than vitamin E, a standard antioxidant control. This indicates ZD's potent ability to filter blue light and scavenge reactive oxygen species, mitigating A2E photooxidation and phototoxicity. These findings highlight ZD's unique structural advantages for sustained retinal protection. The findings also support further in vivo and clinical studies of ZD as a natural photoprotective agent that targets early events in AMD.

BACKGROUND: Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) fruit is widely used as a nutritious food and medicinal herb in China. The production of goji berries is increasingly threatened by the omnivorous flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa, as well as two other herbivores, the goji berry gall mite Aceria pallida Keifer and the goji berry psyllid Bactericera gobica Loginova. The complex interactions among these species may alter pest population dynamics, thereby affecting the yield and quality of goji berries. This study investigated the predation of gall mites and psyllids by flower thrips, examined the effect of goji berry pollen on this interaction, and evaluated the fitness of flower thrips in terms of their development, survival, and reproduction. RESULTS: The results showed that flower thrips preyed on gall mite adults, psyllid eggs, and first-instar psyllid nymphs. Meanwhile, providing goji berry pollen to flower thrips significantly reduced the consumption of both pest species, indicating its role as a high-quality alternative food source. Furthermore, supplementing goji berry leaves with goji berry pollen, gall mite adults, psyllid eggs, or first-instar psyllid nymphs significantly improved the development, survival, and oviposition rate of flower thrips, among which goji berry pollen exhibited the strongest promoting effect on the fitness of flower thrips. CONCLUSION: By revealing intraguild predation between flower thrips and either gall mites or psyllids and highlighting the regulatory role of goji berry pollen, this study provides a novel approach for the coordinated management of these three pests using pollen as an alternative food source. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could be an alternative for alleviating salinity problems in different plants grown under salinity conditions. The study aimed to evaluate the ability of a bacterial consortium, isolated from the rhizosphere of the species Lycium chinense (LC), with the common name Goji, to alleviate the effect of salt stress on the crop response of two treated Lycium species. The bacterial consortium was applied in a pot experiment under controlled conditions to evaluate whether the consortium had any plant growth promoting effect on plants. Specifically two Lycium species Lycium chinense (LC) and Lycium barbarum (LB) were grown under saline (Ts) and not saline irrigation (Tc), and with (I) or without (NI) consortium inoculation. Inoculation of LB under salinity stress (Ts) significantly improved the leaf area compared to the uninoculated treatment (NI), i.e., 88.8 cm2 LB-I-Ts vs. 48.5 cm2 LB-NI-Ts. In LC, no significant difference was reported in the leaf area. Under salinity stress (Ts), the dry matter for both Lycium species significantly increased when inoculation occurred. The I treatment led to a higher WUE under the Ts treatment in both LC and LB. The inoculation (I) had a significant effect on the RWC. It was significantly higher under the I than the NI treatment, i.e., 82.5% vs. 77.0% at p ≤ 1%. The analysis of our results highlights that inoculation with the bacterial consortium has a substantially beneficial effect on plants in the presence of salt stress compared to non-saline plants. Furthermore, among the two Lycium species, the beneficial effect of inoculation with PGPB, in conditions of salt stress, is more evident in LB than in LC. Although the detailed mechanism underlying the PGPB activity was not elucidated, the results obtained support the potential beneficial use of soil bacterial species adapted to harsh conditions in the development of productive agricultural systems in saline environments.

98. Appl Opt. 2026 Jan 20;65(3):835-841. doi: 10.1364/AO.580699. AuNP-enhanced DNA microcavity for the highly sensitive detection of lead ions in Chinese herbal medicines. Wu R, Wang Z, Hou Z, Asilibieke B, Cui X, Jing J, Liu K, Jiang J, Liu T. The safety of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is compromised by heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb2+), which requires ultrasensitive detection methods to mitigate health risks. Herein, we report a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-amplified whispering gallery mode (WGM) biosensor for highly sensitive and specific Pb2+ monitoring. The sensing platform leverages the strong volumetric effect of AuNPs to magnify subtle DNA conformational changes induced by Pb2+-dependent DNAzyme cleavage. When the DNAzyme cleaves its substrate strand, AuNP-tagged oligonucleotides are released, causing a pronounced shift in the WGM resonance wavelength. The incorporation of AuNPs significantly enhanced detection sensitivity, achieving a limit of detection of 14.15 nM-a notable improvement over AuNP-free systems. The sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity against interfering species and successfully quantified Pb2+ in complex CHM samples such as goji berry and astragalus, showing high consistency with standard ICP-MS measurements. This AuNP-enhanced WGM strategy offers a powerful tool for quality assurance in medicinal products and environmental safety monitoring.

Pectin polysaccharide is a key component that determines the nutritional quality of Goji berry. However, its structural dynamic changes and regulatory mechanisms during fruit development are still unclear, which limits its high value. In this study, the physicochemical properties, transcriptome and metabolomics characteristics of pectin polysaccharides from Goji berry (Ningqi No.1) at different growth stages were systematically analyzed, and the key genes of PMEI derived from Goji berry were heterologously overexpressed in tomato and verified. The results showed that as the fruit matured, the length of the main chain of high galacturonic acid shortened, the activity of pectin methylesterase increased, the degree of polysaccharide methylation decreased, and the molecular weight of pectin decreased to the lowest (28.793 kDa) at the full ripening stage of the fruit, confirming the demethylation of pectin during development. Integrated multi-omics analysis further identified galactose metabolism and pentose / glucuronic acid conversion pathways as key synthetic pathways, and identified key differentially expressed genes such as GAUT, UGDH, PME, PEL, GALE, PG and PGA. Functional experiments showed that overexpression of LbPMEI24 and LbPMEI28 in tomato significantly increased fruit firmness by 16.73% and 17.55%, respectively, while inhibiting PME activity (decreased by 10% and 8.91%, respectively), confirming that LbPMEI24/28 affects fruit texture by regulating pectin structural modification. This study systematically explored the biosynthetic metabolic pathways of Goji berry pectin polysaccharides in different periods, which provided a key target for the improvement of Goji berry quality traits and high value-added processing.

BACKGROUND: Lycium ruthenicum (black goji berry) is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated whether Mongolian L. ruthenicum (LR) extract modulates age-related allergic inflammation in murine models. METHODS: Female C57BL/6N mice received Mongolian LR extract (4 mg/mL in drinking water) under long-term (73 weeks) or short-term (4 weeks) regimens. Allergic asthma and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were induced by Dermatophagoides farinae extract and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, respectively. Immune cell subsets, cytokine production, serum IgE levels, and histopathology were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR. RESULTS: Chronic LR administration significantly attenuated Th2-type inflammation in aged mice with asthma or ACD. In the asthma model, LR reduced perivascular lung inflammation, decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion from lymph node cells, and decreased the numbers of CD4+ effector/memory T cells, dendritic cells, and IgE+ B cells. In the ACD model, LR alleviated epidermal ulceration and reduced serum IgE levels. In contrast, short-term administration at either young or old age produced minimal effects. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged intake of Mongolian L. ruthenicum extract suppressed age-associated Th2-skewed allergic inflammation without disturbing immune homeostasis. These findings suggest that sustained LR supplementation may counteract immunosenescence and help maintain immune balance during aging.

While goji berry (Lycium barbarum) exhibits moderate to high salt tolerance, prolonged or high salinity can still impair its growth, water relations, and metabolism, especially in arid and saline regions. Despite its agronomic and pharmaceutical value, the combined effects of salinity and foliar-applied nano-iron remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the interactive impacts of salinity (0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl) and foliar nano-iron (0, 15, and 30 µM Fe-NPs) on physiological performance, nutrient dynamics, antioxidant responses, and secondary metabolite accumulation in hydroponically grown goji berry under controlled greenhouse conditions. Treatments were arranged in a factorial design with three replicates. Salinity significantly reduced biomass, chlorophyll content, and relative water content, while increasing oxidative damage indicators such as malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and electrolyte leakage. Foliar nano-iron, particularly at 15 and 30 µM, mitigated these effects by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), promoting osmolyte accumulation, and improving membrane stability. Furthermore, nano-iron improved nutrient homeostasis under salt stress. At 150 mM NaCl, Fe-NPs increased uptake of key macronutrients (N, P, K⁺) and micronutrients (Fe2⁺, Zn2⁺), while reducing harmful Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation. However, these benefits were diminished under severe salinity (300 mM), likely due to stress-imposed nutrient uptake limitations. HPLC profiling identified nine major polyphenolics, including six phenolic acids and three flavonoids. Moderate salinity (150 mM NaCl) reduced most compounds, whereas nano-iron, particularly at 30 µM, enhanced chlorogenic acid and quercetin, with modest effects on rutin. These compound-specific shifts, together with increases in PAL activity, total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, indicate selective activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway under nano-iron supplementation. These findings highlight the potential of foliar nano-iron application to improve crop resilience and phytochemical quality in saline environments, though fi

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry), a traditional medicinal and edible herb, has long been employed for its anti-aging, vision-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGP), a major bioactive glycoconjugate isolated from this plant, possesses documented antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. However, its specific therapeutic efficacy in counteracting reproductive aging and the precise mechanisms underlying its protective effects on oocyte quality remain to be fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the restorative effects of LbGP on ovarian function and oocyte quality in aged mice and to decipher the underlying mechanisms involving both oocyte-intrinsic metabolic regulation and extrinsic ovarian microenvironment remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A reproductive aging model was established using naturally aged female mice supplemented with LbGP. Follicular development and oocyte quality were assessed via histological analysis, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and early embryonic culture. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress levels were monitored using live-cell imaging. Mechanistic insights were generated through integrated proteomic analysis of oocytes and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of ovarian tissues to identify key metabolic pathways and cellular composition changes. RESULTS: LbGP supplementation significantly promoted follicular development, enhanced oocyte maturation competence, and improved subsequent early embryonic potential compared to untreated aged mice. Mechanistically, proteomic analysis revealed that LbGP restored mitochondrial function in aged oocytes by activating PPAR signaling pathways, leading to reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and DNA damage. Furthermore, ovarian single-cell transcriptomics demonstrated that LbGP systemically remodeled the aged ovarian microenvironment by increasing functional granulosa cell populations, reducing pro-inflammatory immune cells, and repairing intercellular communication networks. CONCLUSIONS: LbGP delays reproductive aging by concurrently restoring mitochondrial function in aged oocyt

High-altitude exposure poses significant health challenges to mountaineers, military personnel, travelers, and indigenous residents. Altitude-related illnesses encompass acute conditions such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and chronic manifestations like chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Hypobaric hypoxia induces oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades, causing alterations in multiple organ systems through co-related amplification mechanisms. Therefore, this review aims to systematically discuss the injury mechanisms and comprehensive intervention strategies involved in high-altitude diseases. In summary, these pathologies involve key damage pathways: oxidative stress activates inflammatory pathways through NF-κB and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes; energy depletion impairs calcium homeostasis, leading to cellular calcium overload; mitochondrial dysfunction amplifies injury through mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and apoptotic factor release. These mechanisms could be converged in organ-specific patterns-blood-brain barrier disruption in HACE, stress failure in HAPE, and right heart dysfunction in chronic exposure. Promising strategies include multi-level therapeutic approaches targeting oxygenation (supplemental oxygen, acetazolamide), specific pathway modulation (antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, HIF-1α regulators), and damage repair (glucocorticoids). Notably, functional foods show significant therapeutic potential: dietary nitrates (beetroot) enhance oxygen delivery, tea polyphenols and anthocyanins (black goji berry) provide antioxidant effects, and traditional herbal bioactives (astragaloside, ginsenosides) offer multi-targeted organ protection.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In the context of increasing consumer demand for high-quality meat, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 4% fermented goji berry residue supplementation on meat quality and flavor characteristics in finishing Tan sheep. METHODS: Thirty-six male lambs were randomly assigned to a control and FGB group and fed for 68 days. RESULTS: FGB supplementation significantly enhanced Longissimus Dorsi (LD) brightness (L*), redness (a*), and crude protein content, while reducing crude fat (p < 0.05). Amino acid analysis revealed significant increases in lysine, methionine, histidine, glycine, proline, arginine, cysteine, and total sweet-tasting amino acids in the FGB group (p < 0.05). Lactate and inosine monophosphate (IMP) levels were significantly elevated, whereas hypoxanthine levels decreased (p < 0.05). Metabolomics identified 189 metabolites, with 12 differentially expressed, mainly enriched in butanoate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Transcriptomics revealed 382 differentially expressed genes, including key regulators of lipid metabolism (FOXO1, SLC2A4, LPIN1, IGF1, SPP1) and amino acid metabolism (COL3A1, GLUL, PSMC1). CONCLUSIONS: Fermented goji residue altered amino acid and lipid metabolism in the LD muscle of Tan sheep, affecting meat quality and flavor traits. However, effects on color (L*, a*, b*), protein content, and shear force varied across the four muscles studied, indicating that responses to supplementation are muscle-specific. These findings offer a sustainable strategy for improving meat quality and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying flavor development in ruminants.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often leads to renal anemia, a complication traditionally treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron supplementation. However, these treatments may increase cardiovascular risks. Procyanidin, a compound found in black goji berries and mulberries, has known kidney-protective properties. This study aimed to explore the synergistic effects of procyanidin and roxadustat in alleviating renal anemia in CKD. METHODS: A mouse model of CKD was induced by administering adenine, followed by treatment with procyanidin (250 mg/kg/day), roxadustat (5 mg/kg/day), or both. The effects on erythropoiesis, kidney function, iron metabolism, and inflammation were assessed through hematological analyses, histopathology, and gene expression profiling. RESULTS: Procyanidin alone improved erythropoiesis, kidney function, and reduced renal injury. Roxadustat enhanced erythropoiesis and iron metabolism but showed no significant effect on kidney function. The combination of both compounds resulted in superior improvements in hematological parameters, reduced kidney injury, fibrosis, and inflammation, and enhanced iron mobilization and absorption. Notably, procyanidin mitigated the thrombopoiesis induced by roxadustat. DISCUSSION: The combination of procyanidin and roxadustat provides a promising therapeutic approach for renal anemia by improving erythropoiesis, kidney function, and iron metabolism while reducing adverse effects, such as thrombosis. These findings suggest that procyanidin may enhance the safety and efficacy of roxadustat in CKD-related renal anemia. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment regimens for clinical application.