Lycium ruthenicum studies: Molecular biology, Phytochemistry and pharmacology

Lycium ruthenicum Murray derived exosome-like nanovesicles inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) are nano-sized vesicles extracted from edible plants. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) has been gaining increasing attention due to its nutritional and medicinal value, but the ELNs in LRM has not been reported. In this study, LRM-ELNs were obtained, and the proteins, lipids, microRNAs (miRNAs) and active components in LRM tissues and LRM-ELNs was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, LC-MS, high-throughput sequencing techniques, and physical and chemical analysis. LRM-ELNs can be uptaken by PC12 cells through macropinocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis primarily. Transcriptomic and western blot experiments indicate that LRM-ELNs can inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, with miRNAs playing a crucial role. These results indicate that LRM-ELNs have the protection effect on PC12 cells and can be considered as dietary supplements for alleviating neurodegenerative diseases.

A generalist regulator: MYB transcription factors regulate the biosynthesis of active compounds in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are rich in a variety of secondary metabolites with therapeutic value. However, the yields of these metabolites are generally very low, making their extraction both time-consuming and labour-intensive. Transcription factor-targeted secondary metabolic engineering can efficiently regulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. v-Myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factors are involved in regulating various morphological and developmental processes, responses to stress, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. This review discusses the biological functions and transcription regulation mechanisms of MYB transcription factors and summarizes research progress concerning MYB transcription factors involved in the biosynthesis of representative active components. In the transcriptional regulatory network, MYB transcription factors regulate multiple synthase genes to mediate the biosynthesis of active compounds. This work will serve as a reference for an in-depth analysis of the MYB transcription factor family in medicinal plants.

Differential Strategies of Two Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Varieties in the Protection of Lycium ruthenicum under Saline-Alkaline Stress

To delve into the growth and physiological adaptations exhibited by the economically vital black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum) upon inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under varying levels of saline-alkaline stress A series of pot experiments were conducted in a gradient saline-alkaline environment (0, 200, 400 mM NaCl: NaHCO3 = 1:1). One-year-old cuttings of black wolfberry, inoculated with two AMF species-Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri)-served as the experimental material, enabling a comprehensive analysis of seedling biomass, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and other crucial physiological parameters. This study demonstrated that both Fm and Ri could form a symbiotic relationship with the root of Lycium ruthenicum. Notably, Fm inoculation significantly bolstered the growth of the underground parts, while exhibiting a remarkable capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby effectively mitigating membrane oxidative damage induced by stress. Additionally, Fm promoted the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) in both leaves and roots, facilitating the exclusion of excess sodium ions from cells. Ri Inoculation primarily contributed to an enhancement in the chlorophyll b (Chlb) content, vital for sustaining photosynthesis processes. Furthermore, Ri's ability to enhance phosphorus (P) absorption under stressful conditions ensured a steady influx of essential nutrients. These findings point to different strategies employed for Fm and Ri inoculation. To holistically assess the saline-alkaline tolerance of each treatment group, a membership function analysis was employed, ultimately ranking the salt tolerance as Fm > Ri > non-mycorrhizal (NM) control. This finding holds paramount importance for the screening of highly resilient Lycium ruthenicum strains and offers invaluable theoretical underpinnings and technical guidance for the remediation of saline-alkaline soils, fostering sustainable agricultural practices in challenging environments.

Protective effect and mechanism of Lycium ruthenicum Murray anthocyanins against retinal damage induced by blue light exposure

Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LR) is a medicine and edible plant in Northwest China, and L. ruthenicum Murray anthocyanins (LRA) are green antioxidants with various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective effect and mechanism of LRA against retinal damage induced by blue light exposure are poorly understood. This study explored the protective effects and potential mechanisms of LRA on retinal damage induced by blue light exposure in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that LRA could ameliorate oxidative stress injury by activating the antioxidant stress nuclear factor-related factor 2 pathway, promoting the expression of phase II detoxification enzymes (HO-1, NQO1) and endogenous antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), and reducing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, LRA could inhibit inflammatory response by decreasing the expression of blue light exposure-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway-related proteins (NF-κB and p-IκBα), as well as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β pro-inflammatory factors and pro-inflammatory chemokine VEGF, and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Furthermore, LRA could ameliorate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression. All these results indicate that LRA can be used as an antioxidant dietary supplement for the treatment or prevention of retinal diseases.

Lycium ruthenicum water extract preserves retinal ganglion cells in chronic ocular hypertension mouse models

Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LR), known as "black goji berry" or "black wolfberry", is widely utilized in chinese herbal medicine. LR fruit showed its antioxidant and/or anti-inflammation activity in treating cardiac injury, experimental colitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, fatigue, and aging. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Besides elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were recognized to contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This study investigated the treatment effects of LR water extract (LRE) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) threatened by sustained IOP elevation in a laser-induced chronic ocular hypertension (COH) mouse model and the DBA/2J mouse strain. The antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects of LRE were further tested in the H2O2-challenged immortalized microglial (IMG) cell line in vitro. LRE oral feeding (2 g/kg) preserved the function of RGCs and promoted their survival in both models mimicking glaucoma. LRE decreased 8-hydroxyguanosine (oxidative stress marker) expression in the retina. LRE reduced the number of Iba-1+ microglia in the retina of COH mice, but not in the DBA/2J mice. At the mRNA level, LRE reversed the COH induced HO-1 and SOD-2 overexpressions in the retina of COH mice. Further in vitro study demonstrated that LRE pretreatment to IMG cells could significantly reduce H2O2 induced oxidative stress through upregulation of GPX-4, Prdx-5, HO-1, and SOD-2. Our work demonstrated that daily oral intake of LRE can be used as a preventative/treatment agent to protect RGCs under high IOP stress probably through reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting microglial activation in the retina.

Anticancer Therapies Based on Oxidative Damage: Lycium barbarum Inhibits the Proliferation of MCF-7 Cells by Activating Pyroptosis through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Lycium barbarum, commonly recognized as goji berry or wolfberry, is highly appreciated not only for its organoleptic and nutritional properties but also as an important source of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, phenolics, and various other non-nutritive compounds. These constituents give it a multitude of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the precise biochemical mechanisms responsible for its anticancer effects remain unclear, and the comprehensive composition of goji berry extracts is often insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical pathways modulated in breast cancer cells by an ethanolic extract of Lycium barbarum fruit (LBE). Following metabolomic profiling using UHPLC-HRMS/MS, we assessed the antitumoral properties of LBE on different breast cancer cell lines. This investigation revealed that LBE exhibited cytotoxic effects, inducing a pro-oxidant effect that triggered pyroptosis activation through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent activation of the P-IRE1α/XBP1/NLRP3 axis in MCF-7 cells. In addition, LBE did not display cytotoxicity toward healthy human cells but demonstrated antioxidant properties by neutralizing ROS generated by doxorubicin. These findings underscore the potential of LBE as a highly promising natural extract in cancer therapy.

Gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) inhibited dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy associating with AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway

With the increasing trend of global aging, sarcopenia has become a significant public health issue. Goji berry, also known as "Gou qi zi" in China, is a traditional Chinese herb that can enhance the structure and function of muscles and bones. Otherwise, previous excellent publications illustrated that plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles can exert good bioactive functions in different aging or disease models. Thus, we issued the hypothesis that Gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) may also have the ability to improve skeletal muscle health, though the effect and its mechanism need to be explored. Hence, we have extracted GqDNVs from fresh berries of Lycium barbarum L. (goji) and found that the contents of GqDNVs are rich in saccharides and lipids. Based on the pathway annotations and predictions in non-targeted metabolome analysis, GqDNVs are tightly associated with the pathways in metabolism. In muscle atrophy model mice, intramuscular injection of GqDNVs improves the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle, grip strength and the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway expression. After separately inhibiting AMPK or PGC1α in C2C12 cells with dexamethasone administration, we have found that the activated AMPK plays the chief role in improving cell proliferation induced by GqDNVs. Furthermore, the energy-targeted metabolome analysis in the quadriceps muscle demonstrates that the GqDNVs up-regulate the metabolism of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, autophagy and oxidative phosphorylation process, which indicates the activation of muscle regeneration. Besides, the Spearman rank analysis shows close associations between the quality and function of skeletal muscle, metabolites and expression levels of AMPK and SIRT1. In this study, we provide a new founding that GqDNVs can improve the quality and function of skeletal muscle accompanying the activated AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway. Therefore, GqDNVs have the effect of anti-aging skeletal muscle as a potential adjuvant or complementary method or idea in future therapy and research.

Major quality regulation network of flavonoid synthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry

Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) contains various bioactive metabolites represented by flavonoids, which are quite different among production regions. However, the underlying regulation mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry remains unclear. Presently, we compared the bioactivity of black wolfberry from five production regions. Multi-omics were performed to construct the regulation network associated with the fruit bioactivity. The detailed regulation mechanisms were identified using genetic and molecular methods. Typically, Qinghai (QH) fruit exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The higher medicinal activity of QH fruit was closely associated with the accumulation of eight flavonoids, especially Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K3R) and Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin). Flavonoid biosynthesis was found to be more active in QH fruit, and the upregulation of LrFLS, LrCHS, LrF3H and LrCYP75B1 caused the accumulation of K3R and rutin, leading to high medicinal bioactivities of black wolfberry. Importantly, transcription factor LrMYB94 was found to regulate LrFLS, LrCHS and LrF3H, while LrWRKY32 directly triggered LrCYP75B1 expression. Moreover, LrMYB94 interacted with LrWRKY32 to promote LrWRKY32-regulated LrCYP75B1 expression and rutin synthesis in black wolfberry. Transgenic black wolfberry overexpressing LrMYB94/LrWRKY32 contained higher levels of K3R and rutin, and exhibited high medicinal bioactivities. Importantly, the LrMYB94/LrWRKY32-regulated flavonoid biosynthesis was light-responsive, showing the importance of light intensity for the medicinal quality of black wolfberry. Overall, our results elucidated the regulation mechanisms of K3R and rutin synthesis, providing the basis for the genetic breeding of high-quality black wolfberry.

The Ethanolic Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Ameliorates Age-Related Physiological Damage in Mice

Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire organism, which ultimately affects the functional efficiency of organs. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is a functional food that is known for its high contents of anthocyanins and spermidines, both of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on anti-aging activity and anti-oxidation. In this study, we used HPLC-MS to analyze the constituents of L. ruthenicum Murr. Extract (LRM) and investigated their potential mechanism for exerting antioxidative effects in D-galactose (D-Gal) aging model mice. LRM (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) improved cognitive function in D-Gal-treated mice, as shown by reduced escape latencies and increased platform crossings in behavioral tests. We measured the contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum and brain after 6 weeks of D-Gal treatment. LRM decreased the contents of LPO and MDA and increased the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, indicating the protection effect of LRM against D-Gal-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LRM can inhibit oxidative stress in cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting paraquat (PQ)-induced cellular senescence and delaying cell aging. Therefore, LRM has the potential to be a healthcare product for the treatment of age-related diseases.

Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murray): A Review of Its Pharmacological Activity

Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM; commonly known as black goji berry or black wolfberry), a plant in the Solanaceae family, grows in the deserts of China's Qinghai-Tibet plateau. LRM is widely consumed in traditional Chinese medicine, and its fruits are frequently used as herbal remedies to treat heart disease, fatigue, inflammation, and other conditions. Many studies have reported that LRM is rich in functional phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and polysaccharides, and has various pharmacological actions. This article reviews research on the biological and pharmacological effects of the constituents of LRM fruits. LRM has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, immune-enhancing, anti-tumor, and protective effects. LRM has much promise as a dietary supplement for preventing many types of chronic metabolic disease.

Transcriptomic and Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of Detached Lycium ruthenicum Leaves Reveals Mechanisms of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Induction through Light Quality and Sucrose Treatments

Light quality and sucrose-induced osmotic stress are known to cause anthocyanin synthesis in detached Lycium ruthenicum leaves. To identify the mechanisms by which the kind of light quality and sucrose concentration are induced, here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing in detached L. ruthenicum leaves treated with different qualities of light and sucrose concentrations. Leaves treated with blue light or sucrose showed a significantly increased total anthocyanins content compared to those treated with white light. Delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside production were differentially regulated by the BL(-S), BL(+S), and WL(+S) treatments. The structural genes CHS, CHI, F3'H, F3'5'H, ANS, and UFGT were significantly up-regulated in leaves treated with blue light or sucrose. Leaves treated with blue light additionally showed up-regulation of the light photoreceptors CRY1, PIF3, COP1, and HY5. The anthocyanin-related genes NCED1, PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABI5 were significantly up-regulated in leaves treated with sucrose, promoting adaptability to sucrose osmotic stress. Co-expression and cis-regulatory analyses suggested that HY5 and ABI5 could regulate LrMYB44 and LrMYB48 through binding to the G-box element and ABRE element, respectively, inducing anthocyanin synthesis in response to blue light or sucrose treatment. Candidate genes responsive to blue light or sucrose osmotic stress in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were validated through quantitative reverse transcription PCR. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms by which blue light and sucrose-induced osmotic stress regulate anthocyanin synthesis, providing valuable target genes for the future improvement in anthocyanin production in L. ruthenicum.

Comparative Transcriptomics of Multi-Stress Responses in Pachycladon cheesemanii and Arabidopsis thaliana

The environment is seldom optimal for plant growth and changes in abiotic and biotic signals, including temperature, water availability, radiation and pests, induce plant responses to optimise survival. The New Zealand native plant species and close relative to Arabidopsis thaliana, Pachycladon cheesemanii, grows under environmental conditions that are unsustainable for many plant species. Here, we compare the responses of both species to different stressors (low temperature, salt and UV-B radiation) to help understand how P. cheesemanii can grow in such harsh environments. The stress transcriptomes were determined and comparative transcriptome and network analyses discovered similar and unique responses within species, and between the two plant species. A number of widely studied plant stress processes were highly conserved in A. thaliana and P. cheesemanii. However, in response to cold stress, Gene Ontology terms related to glycosinolate metabolism were only enriched in P. cheesemanii. Salt stress was associated with alteration of the cuticle and proline biosynthesis in A. thaliana and P. cheesemanii, respectively. Anthocyanin production may be a more important strategy to contribute to the UV-B radiation tolerance in P. cheesemanii. These results allowed us to define broad stress response pathways in A. thaliana and P. cheesemanii and suggested that regulation of glycosinolate, proline and anthocyanin metabolism are strategies that help mitigate environmental stress.

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanins inhibit hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid patients and the mechanism study powered by network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a typical autoimmune disease affecting nearly 1% of the world's population. The dysfunctional hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblast (SF) in articular cartilage of RA patients is considered as the essential etiology. Traditional chemotherapeutic agents for RA treatment are imperfect for their high cost and unpredictable side-effects. L. ruthenicum anthocyanins (LRAC) is a natural product that of potential for therapeutic application against RA.

METHODS

LRAC was characterized by UPLC-MS/MS. Bioinformatics analyses based on network pharmacology were applied to predict the potential targets of LRAC, and to select DEGs (differentially expressed genes) caused by RA pathogenesis from GSE77298. Interactions between LRAC and the predicted targets were evaluated by molecular docking. Effects of LRAC on SFs from RA patients were examined by in vitro assays, which were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting (WB).

RESULTS

LRAC was able to inhibit the abnormal proliferation and aggressive invasion of SFs from RA patients. LRAC was mainly constituted by petunidin (82.7%), with small amount of delphinidin (12.9%) and malvidin (4.4%) in terms of anthocyanidin. Bioinformatics analyses showed that in 3738 RA-related DEGs, 58 of them were collectively targeted by delphinidin, malvidin and delphinidin. AR, CDK2, CHEK1, HIF1A, CXCR4, MMP2 and MMP9, the seven hub genes constructed a central network mediating the signal transduction. Molecular docking confirmed the high affinities between the LRAC ligands and the protein receptors encoded by the hub genes. The in vitro assays validated that LRAC repressed the growth of RASF by cell cycle arresting and cell invasion paralyzing (c-Myc/p21/CDK2), initiating cell apoptosis (HIF-1α/CXCR4/Bax/Bcl-2), and inducing pyroptosis via ROS-dependent pathway (NOX4/ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β/Caspase-1).

CONCLUSION

LRAC can selectively inhibit the proliferation of RASFs, without side-effecting immunosuppression that usually occurred for RA treatment using MTX (methotrexate). These findings demonstrate the potential application of LRAC as a phytomedicine for RA treatment, and provide a valid approach for exploring natural remedies against autoimmune diseases.

The health-promoting anthocyanin petanin in Lycium ruthenicum fruit: a promising natural colorant

Acylated anthocyanins derived from dietary sources have gained significant attention due to their health-promoting properties and potential as natural colorants with high stability. However, exploration of the functional food products using acylated anthocyanins enriched in fruits and vegetables remains largely delayed in food industries. The black goji (Lycium ruthencium) fruit (LRF) is a functional food that is extensively used due to its exceptionally high levels of acylated anthocyanins, including petanin. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the functional properties and anthocyanin components of LRF. The stability, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivities of petanin, the major anthocyanin component, are compared with those of LRF anthocyanin extracts and other food sources. Furthermore, the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory network of petanin in LRF are proposed and constructed, respectively. The key genes that could be potentially used for metabolic engineering to produce petanin are predicted. Finally, the potential application of petanin derivatives in the food industry is also discussed. This review presents comprehensive and systematic information about the dual-function of petanin as a bioactive component and a promising natural colorant for future food industrial applications.

Molecular and biochemical investigations of the anti-fatigue effects of tea polyphenols and fruit extracts of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. on mice with exercise-induced fatigue

Background: The molecular mechanisms regulating the therapeutic effects of plant-based ingredients on the exercise-induced fatigue (EIF) remain unclear. The therapeutic effects of both tea polyphenols (TP) and fruit extracts of Lycium ruthenicum (LR) on mouse model of EIF were investigated. Methods: The variations in the fatigue-related biochemical factors, i.e., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in mouse models of EIF treated with TP and LR were determined. The microRNAs involved in the therapeutic effects of TP and LR on the treatment of mice with EIF were identified using the next-generation sequencing technology. Results: Our results revealed that both TP and LR showed evident anti-inflammatory effect and reduced oxidative stress. In comparison with the control groups, the contents of LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-2 were significantly decreased and the contents of SOD were significantly increased in the experimental groups treated with either TP or LR. A total of 23 microRNAs (21 upregulated and 2 downregulated) identified for the first time by the high-throughput RNA sequencing were involved in the molecular response to EIF in mice treated with TP and LR. The regulatory functions of these microRNAs in the pathogenesis of EIF in mice were further explored based on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses with a total of over 20,000-30,000 target genes annotated and 44 metabolic pathways enriched in the experimental groups based on GO and KEGG databases, respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed the therapeutic effects of TP and LR and identified the microRNAs involved in the molecular mechanisms regulating the EIF in mice, providing strong experimental evidence to support further agricultural development of LR as well as the investigations and applications of TP and LR in the treatment of EIF in humans, including the professional athletes.

Himalayan Sources of Anthocyanins and Its Multifunctional Applications: A Review

Anthocyanins, the colored water-soluble pigments, have increasingly drawn the attention of researchers for their novel applications. The sources of anthocyanin are highly diverse, and it can be easily extracted. The unique biodiversity of the Himalayan Mountain range is an excellent source of anthocyanin, but it is not completely explored. Numerous attempts have been made to study the phytochemical aspects of different Himalayan plants. The distinct flora of the Himalayas can serve as a potential source of anthocyanins for the food industry. In this context, this review is an overview of the phytochemical studies conducted on Himalayan plants for the estimation of anthocyanins. For that, many articles have been studied to conclude that plants (such as Berberis asiatica, Morus alba, Ficus palmata, Begonia xanthina, Begonia palmata, Fragaria nubicola, etc.) contain significant amounts of anthocyanin. The application of Himalayan anthocyanin in nutraceuticals, food colorants, and intelligent packaging films have also been briefly debated. This review creates a path for further research on Himalayan plants as a potential source of anthocyanins and their sustainable utilization in the food systems.

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome during Fruit Development Reveal Metabolic Differences and Molecular Basis between Lycium barbarum and Lycium ruthenicum

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) is a traditional cash crop in China and is well-known worldwide for its outstanding nutritional and medicinal value. Lycium ruthenicum is a close relative of Lycium barbarum but differs significantly in size, color, flavor and nutritional composition. To date, the metabolic differences between the fruits of the two wolfberry varieties and the genetic basis behind them are unclear. Here, we compared metabolome and transcriptome data of two kinds of wolfberry fruits at five stages of development. Metabolome results show that amino acids, vitamins and flavonoids had the same accumulation pattern in various developmental stages of fruit but that Lycium ruthenicum accumulated more metabolites than Lycium barbarum during the same developmental stage, including L-glutamate, L-proline, L-serine, abscisic acid (ABA), sucrose, thiamine, naringenin and quercetin. Based on the metabolite and gene networks, many key genes that may be involved in the flavonoid synthesis pathway in wolfberry were identified, including PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'H and FLS. The expression of these genes was significantly higher in Lycium ruthenicum than in Lycium barbarum, indicating that the difference in the expression of these genes was the main reason for the variation in flavonoid accumulation between Lycium barbarum and Lycium ruthenicum. Taken together, our results reveal the genetic basis of the difference in metabolomics between Lycium barbarum and Lycium ruthenicum and provide new insights into the flavonoid synthesis of wolfberry.

Sucrose promotes branch-thorn occurrence of Lycium ruthenicum through dual effects of energy and signal

Lycium ruthenicum is an important eco-economic thorny shrub. In this study, L. ruthenicum plants of a clone showed two types of 'less leaves without thorn' and 'more leaves with thorns' under the same condition after transplanting. Microscopic observation revealed that apical buds of the thornless (Thless) and thorny (Thorny) branches should be selected as materials for further study. RNA-Seq analysis showed that KEGG pathway of Starch and sucrose metabolism and DEGs of SUT13, SUS, TPP and TPS were significantly up-regulated in the Thorny. The results of qRT-PCR confirmed the accuracy and credibility of the RNA-Seq. The content of sucrose in the Thorny was significantly higher than that in the Thless, but the content of trehalose-6-phosphate was opposite. Leaf-clipping treatments reduced sucrose content and inhibited the occurrence/development of branch-thorns; exogenous sucrose of 16 g/L significantly promoted the occurrence and growth of branch-thorns and the promotion effects were significantly higher than those treated with non-metabolizable sucrose analogs (isomaltolose, melitose). These findings suggested that sucrose might play a dual role of energy and signal in the occurrence of branch-thorns. Higher sucrose supply in apical buds from more leaves promoted the occurrence of branch-thorns via lower content of trehalose-6-phosphate and higher expression levels of SUS, TPP and TPS, whereas less leaves inhibited the occurrence. Molecular hypothesis model of leaf number/sucrose supply regulating the occurrence of branch-thorns in L. ruthenicum was established in the study, which provides foundation for breeding both thornless L. ruthenicum and thornless types of other species.

Effect of hot water, ultrasound, microwave, and pectinase-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from black goji berry for food application

Lycium ruthenicum, commonly known as black goji berry, is a rich anthocyanin source containing a high amount of monoacylated anthocyanins. This study investigates the effect of different extraction methods to extract anthocyanins from black goji berry for food application. Different hot water extraction conditions were applied to investigate the effect of specific substrate: solvent ratio (1:15 and 1:20 (w/v)), extraction time (30 and 60 min) and extraction temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) on the extraction yield, total anthocyanin content (TAC) and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the anthocyanin extracts. Best hot water extraction conditions for obtaining an anthocyanin extract with high TAC (13.8 ± 1.14 mg CGE/g), TPC (69.7 ± 2.50 mg of GAE/g), and extraction yield (48.3 ± 3.25%) consuming less solvent, time and heat were substrate: solvent ratio of 1: 15 (w/v), extraction temperature of 50 °C, and extraction time of 30 min. The effect of pectinase, ultrasound, and microwave on hot water extraction of anthocyanins from black goji berry was investigated using the best conditions for hot water extraction. Pectinase-assisted extraction [1.5% (w/v) pectinase, substrate: solvent ratio of 1:15 (w/v) at 50 °C for 30 min] was the best extraction method to extract black goji berry anthocyanins demonstrating higher extraction yield, TAC, TPC, and the highest percentage of petunidin-3-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Ameliorated High-Fructose Diet-Induced Neuroinflammation through the Promotion of the Integrity of the Intestinal Barrier and the Proliferation of Lactobacillus

In the present study, we found that anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) potently ameliorated a high-fructose diet (HFrD)-induced neuroinflammation in mice. ACN improved the integrity of the intestinal barrier and suppressed the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway to ameliorate the neuroinflammation, which was verified by Tlr4^-/- mice. Furthermore, ACN could modulate the HFrD-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota. The fecal microbiota transplantation from ACN-induced mice was sufficient to attenuate the neuroinflammation, while the amelioration of neuroinflammation by ACN was blocked upon gut microbiota depletion. In addition, ACN-induced increment of the relative abundance of Lactobacillus might be responsible for the alleviation of the neuroinflammation, which was further confirmed in the promoting effect of ACN on the growth of Lactobacillus in vitro. Overall, these results provided the evidence of a comprehensive cross-talk mechanism between ACN and neuroinflammation in HFrD-fed mice, which was mediated by reducing gut microbiota dysbiosis and maintaining the intestinal barrier integrity.

Distinct Role of Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharides in Oxidative Stress-Related Ocular Diseases

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the increased production of reactive species and reduced antioxidant activity, which can cause a variety of disturbances including ocular diseases. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are complex polysaccharides isolated from the fruit of L. barbarum, showing distinct roles in antioxidants. Moreover, it is relatively safe and non-toxic. In recent years, the antioxidant activities of LBPs have attracted remarkable attention. In order to illustrate its significance and underlying therapeutic value for vision, we comprehensively review the recent progress on the antioxidant mechanisms of LBP and its potential applications in ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive neuroretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and diabetic cataract.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Inhibit HepG2 Cells Growth, Metastasis and Promote Apoptosis and G2/M Phase Cycle Arrest by Activating the AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway

Among the most common malignancies in humans, liver cancer ranks third in terms of mortality in the world. Seeking new anticancer drugs or adjuvant chemotherapy drugs from natural products has attracted the attention of many researchers. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LR), a health food and traditional Chinese medicine, exerts extensive pharmacological properties, of which anthocyanins are one of the key active components. In this research, we explored the antitumor activity and autophagy regulation mechanism of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ALR) in HepG2 cells. Our results found that ALR profoundly reduced the cell viability, clone formation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent pattern. Further studies confirmed that ALR treatment significantly increased the number of autophagic vacuoles and autophagosomes, upregulated the expression of Beclin-1, p62, LC3-II/LC3-I, and p-AMPK, and concomitantly downregulated the expression of p-mTOR. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), ALR-induced proliferation inhibition, invasion, and migration capabilities, as well as apoptosis rate and G2/M phase arrest, were all reversed, and the activities of key proteins in the AMPK/mTOR pathway were all constrained. In summary, the results presented here indicate that ALR may be effective as a natural antitumor agent by activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR autophagy pathway in HepG2 cells.

Characterization of carotenoids in Lycium barbarum fruit by using UPC2-PDA-Q-TOF-MSE couple with deep eutectic solvents extraction and evaluation of their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity

Carotenoids from Lycium barbarum fruits have possessed pharmacological efficacy against eye diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the efficient extraction, rapid characterization and activities evaluation of Lycium carotenoids remains a challenge. To concentrate and characterize Lycium carotenoids, we have developed ultrasound-assisted extraction methods with different deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and analyzed carotenoids by ultra-performance convergence chromatography coupled with photo diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPC²-PDA-Q-TOF-MS^E). DESs containing choline chloride and malonic acid presented better extraction efficiency and were more environmentally friendly than other extraction methods. Carotenoids were more quickly profiled (in 11 min) by UPC² compared to by UPLC (in 35 min), with seventeen main peaks were characterized in the MS fragmentation patterns. The in vitro 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of DESs extracts, fractions and components were subsequently assessed, and the predominant component zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Our study provides a chemical and pharmacological basis for the further development of potential new drugs based on Lycium carotenoids.

Long-Term Dietary Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Anthocyanins Intake Alleviated Oxidative Stress-Mediated Aging-Related Liver Injury and Abnormal Amino Acid Metabolism

In recent years, the relationship between Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanins (LRA) and health has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-aging effect and mechanism of LRA through a D-galactose (DG)-induced aging rat model. Our results showed that the long-term intake of LRA, for 8 weeks, improved motor function, reduced serum aging markers, promoted the endogenous antioxidant system, and suppressed the serum inflammatory cytokines in aging rats. Besides, the LRA treatment alleviated DG-induced liver injuries by relieving the inflammation and inhibiting Fas/FasL-mediated cell death. More importantly, the abnormal serum metabolome profiles of the aging rats were restored by the LRA, relating to 38 metabolites and 44 pathways. Specifically, the LRA significantly affected the amino acid and protein-related metabolic pathways by regulating the levels of L-threonine, L-aspartic acid, glycine, L-histidine, D-homocysteine, L-homocitrulline, L-homoserine, guanidineacetic acid, and kynurenine. These results have important implications for the development of LRA as an anti-aging and liver-protective ingredient.

The mechanism of bud dehyperhydricity by the method of 'starvation drying combined with AgNO3' in Lycium ruthenicum

Micropropagation is very important for rapid clonal propagation and scientific research of woody plants. However, the micropropagated materials usually show hyperhydricity, which seriously hinders application of the micropropagation. Lycium ruthenicum is an important species of eco-economic forests. Herein, treatment of 'starvation and drying combined with 30 μM AgNO3' (SDCAg+) removed serious hyperhydricity of L. ruthenicum buds regenerated from its green-inflorescence-explants, and then gene expression, metabolites of various phytohormones, chloroplasts, chlorophyll (Chl) and total soluble proteins of the hyperhydric and dehyperhydric leaves were compared and analyzed. The results suggested that the SDCAg+ treatment might remove hyperhydricity of L. ruthenicum through: reducing water uptake; increasing water loss; up-regulating the expression of chloroplast-ribosomal-protein genes from nuclear genome; down-regulating the expression of cytoplasmic-ribosomal-protein genes; up-regulating the synthesis of the total soluble proteins; restoring the lamellar structure of chloroplast grana and matrix; improving Chl synthesis and reducing Chl metabolism; increasing expression of light-harvesting Chl protein complex genes and content of Chla and b; up-regulating both photosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism KEGG pathways; up-regulating abscisic acid, salicylic acid and their signaling; down-regulating cytokinin, jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine and their signaling. Also, the above events interact to form a regulatory network of dehyperhydricity by SDCAg+ treatment. Overall, the study indicated key genes/pathways and physiological/subcellular changes involved in dehyperhydricity and then established a dehyperhydric mechanism model of L. ruthenicum. This not only proposed clues for preventing or removing hyperhydricity but also laid foundations for molecular breeding of L. ruthenicum and other species.

Physicochemical and functional properties of Lycium ruthenicum pectin by different extraction methods

Three different extraction methods were used to extract high-temperature water-extracted pectin (HWp), high-temperature acid-extracted pectin (HAp), and high-temperature alkali-extracted pectin (HALp) from Lycium ruthenicum. The physicochemical properties, structure, and functional properties of three different pectins were studied. The results showed that HWp and HALp can extract rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) from L. ruthenicum better. Through structural feature analysis, HWp and HALp have a branched structure, and HWp has a higher degree of esterification than HAp and HALp. Zeta potential results show that HWp solution is more stable. The thermal analysis results show that the thermal stability is HALp > HAp > HWp. HWp has the highest viscosity. The inhibitory activity results showed that HWp, HAp, and HALp have a certain inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity. This study shows the effects of different extraction methods on the properties of L. ruthenicum pectin and aims to provide a theoretical basis for the pharmaceutical and food industries to choose more suitable pectin extraction methods.

Lycium Genus Polysaccharide: An Overview of its Extraction, Structures, Pharmacological Activities and Biological Applications

Polysaccharide is considered to be the main active ingredient of the genus Lycium L., which is taken from the dried fruit of the famous Chinese herbal medicine and precious tonic known as wolfberry. Traditional uses include nourishing the liver and kidney and improving eyesight, with widespread use in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Many studies have focused on the isolation and identification of the genus Lycium L. polysaccharide and its biological activities. However, the variety of raw materials and the mechanisms of polysaccharides differ. After extraction, the structure and biological activity of the obtained polysaccharides also differ. To date, approximately 58 kinds of polysaccharides have been isolated and purified from the Lycium genus, including water-soluble polysaccharides; homogeneous polysaccharides; pectin polysaccharides; acidic heteropolysaccharides; and arabinogalactans, which are composed of arabinose, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, fructose, ribose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. Pharmacological studies have shown that LBPs exhibit a variety of important biological activities, such as protection of nerves; promotion of reproduction; and anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and eyesight-improving activities. The aim this paper is to summarize previous and current references to the isolation process, structural characteristics, and biological activities of the genus Lycium L. polysaccharide. This review will provide a useful reference for further research and application of the genus Lycium L. polysaccharide in the field of functional food and medicine.

Polyphenolic Glycosides from the Fruits Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Murr and Their Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitory and Neuroprotective Activities

The fruits ofLycium ruthenicum Murr have long been consumed as health food and used in folk medicine in China. Apart from the well-known polysaccharides, the active small molecular constituents in this fruit have not been fully studied. In this work, a systematic phytochemical study was carried out to investigate the small molecules and their potential health benefits. Nine new polyphenolic glycosides, lyciumserin A-I (1-9), together with 16 known compounds (10-25), were isolated and elucidated by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and comprehensive NMR analyses in combination with chemical hydrolysis. Compounds 1, 2, and 16 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), while compounds 1 (50 μM) and 2 (100 μM) displayed significant neuroprotective effects (69.22 and 72.38% of cell viability, respectively) in the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced injury of the PC12 cell model (54.41%), comparable to the positive drug rasagiline (70.45%). The neuroprotective effect of 1 and 2 was further evidenced by the observation of the morphological change and fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining. In addition, the levels of the major active compounds (1, 3, 5/6, and 16-18) vary from 21.5 to 892.3 μg/g. This is the first report on phenolic glycosides from the fruits ofL. ruthenicum Murr that possess both significant MAO-B inhibitory and neuroprotective effects, indicating the promising potential of the fruits for the development of health care products and even therapeutic agents for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dietary polyglycosylated anthocyanins, the smart option? A comprehensive review on their health benefits and technological applications

Over the years, anthocyanins have emerged as one of the most enthralling groups of natural phenolic compounds and more than 700 distinct structures have already been identified, illustrating the exceptional variety spread in nature. The interest raised around anthocyanins goes way beyond their visually appealing colors and their acknowledged structural and biological properties have fueled intensive research toward their application in different contexts. However, the high susceptibility of monoglycosylated anthocyanins to degradation under certain external conditions might compromise their application. In that regard, polyglycosylated anthocyanins (PGA) might offer an alternative to overcome this issue, owing to their peculiar structure and consequent less predisposition to degradation. The most recent scientific and technological findings concerning PGA and their food sources are thoroughly described and discussed in this comprehensive review. Different issues, including their physical-chemical characteristics, consumption, bioavailability, and biological relevance in the context of different pathologies, are covered in detail, along with the most relevant prospective technological applications. Due to their complex structure and acyl groups, most of the PGA exhibit an overall higher stability than the monoglycosylated ones. Their versatility allows them to act in a wide range of pathologies, either by acting directly in molecular pathways or by modulating the disease environment attributing an added value to their food sources. Their recent usage for technological applications has also been particularly successful in different industry fields including food and smart packaging or in solar energy production systems. Altogether, this review aims to put into perspective the current state and future research on PGA and their food sources.

Protective Effect of Lycium ruthenicum Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress against Acrylamide Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Acrylamide (ACR) is formed during tobacco and carbohydrate-rich food heating and is widely applied in many industries, with a range of toxic effects. The antioxidant properties of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols (LRP) have been established before. This study aimed to research the protective effect of LRP against ACR-induced liver injury in SD rats. Rats were divided into six groups: Control, ACR (40 mg/kg/day, i.g.), LRP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, i.g.) plus ACR, and LRP groups. After 19 days, we evaluated oxidative status and mitochondrial functions in the rat’s liver. The results showed that glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased after LRP pretreatment. In contrast, each intervention group reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the ACR group. Meanwhile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver mitochondrial ATPase activity, mRNA expression of mitochondrial complex I, III, and expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins were all increased. This study suggested that LRP could reduce ACR-induced liver injury through potent antioxidant activity. LRP is recommended as oxidative stress reliever against hepatotoxicity.

Using untargeted metabolomics to profile the differences of the fruits of Lycium barbarum in different geographical origins

An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system coupled with the Q-Exactive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) approach combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used to investigate the metabolic profiles of the fruits of Lycium barbarum in different geographical origins in China. Several classes of compounds such as sugars, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, polyphenols and alkaloid were identified in hydroalcoholic extracts, and ten differential metabolites including amino acids, organic acids and vitamins were identified by multivariate statistical method. It was discussed that the differences between organic acids and amino acids in the samples may be caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, soil and altitude. A total of 119 metabolic pathways were involved in the differential metabolites and 17 of them were retained for enrichment analysis. It was found that alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, purine metabolism, histidine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were the most important pathways. These findings play an important role in the origin tracing of the Lycium barbarum fruit.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of the major anthocyanin from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. fruit and its antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. fruit (LRF) is an edible berry known for its rich anthocyanin content. Our previous study has shown that LRF-derived anthocyanins have neuroprotective effects in rats, which may be due to their effective antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study performed online HPLC-DPPH screening as a bioactivity-guided method for the preparative separation of anthocyanins from LRF. Finally, the main fraction was isolated and identified as petunidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (Pn3G5G). Pn3G5G exhibited strong antioxidant capacity during DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenge assays. Furthermore, Pn3G5G exhibited protective effects on Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML)-treated Neuro-2a cells by enhancing cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. CML-induced apoptosis was also reduced by Pn3G5G potentially by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. More importantly, Pn3G5G significantly improved cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in D-galactose-induced aging mice. The result suggests the development of Pn3G5G as a healthcare product or a potent dietary supplement with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Germplasm Resources and Strategy for Genetic Breeding of Lycium Species: A Review

Lycium species (goji), belonging to Solanaceae, are widely spread in the arid to semiarid environments of Eurasia, Africa, North and South America, among which most species have affinal drug and diet functions, resulting in their potential to be a superior healthy food. However, compared with other crop species, scientific research on breeding Lycium species lags behind. This review systematically introduces the present germplasm resources, cytological examination and molecular-assisted breeding progress in Lycium species. Introduction of the distribution of Lycium species around the world could facilitate germplasm collection for breeding. Karyotypes of different species could provide a feasibility analysis of fertility between species. The introduction of mapping technology has discussed strategies for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in Lycium species according to different kinds of traits. Moreover, to extend the number of traits and standardize the protocols of trait detection, we also provide 1,145 potential traits (275 agronomic and 870 metabolic) in different organs based on different reference studies on Lycium, tomato and other Solanaceae species. Finally, perspectives on goji breeding research are discussed and concluded. This review will provide breeders with new insights into breeding Lycium species.

Current findings and future prospective of high-value trans Himalayan medicinal plant Lycium ruthenicum Murr: a systematic review

Background

The genus Lycium is commercially known for its nutrient dense goji-berries, among these berries, black goji-berries obtained from Lycium ruthenicum Murr are highly valued and widely used as traditional medicine in trans-himalayan cold desert Ladakh and as functional food in several countries.

Methods

The current collection of data and literature was done by exploring different scientific portals like SciFinder, Google scholar, PubMed, Dictonary of Natural Products, Institute for Scientific Information, Web of Science and Scopus by searching keywords like black goji berry, crystal pearl, and trans-Himalayan plant.

Results

Fruits of L. ruthenicum Murr, are overwhelmingly enriched in anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, spermine and spermidine alkaloids. The presence of these bioactive phyto-chemicals has been linked with reported anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, anti-atherosclerosis and neuro-protective properties of black goji berries. A unique color of these berries makes them exceptional as compared to other berries.

Conclusions

In this article, we have reviewed the variety of high value phytochemicals of Lycium ruthenicum Murr, with a special focus on health promoting anthocyanins which will provide an insight to the readers for exploring novel applications of L. ruthenicum Murr in field of medicine and food industries.

Prebiotic effects of goji berry in protection against inflammatory bowel disease

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, which is concerning because IBD is a known risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Emerging evidence highlights environmental factors, particularly dietary factors and gut microbiota dysbiosis, as pivotal inducers of IBD onset. Goji berry, an ancient tonic food and a nutraceutical supplement, contains a range of phytochemicals such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Among these phytochemicals, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the most important functional constituents, which have protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Recently, the beneficial effects of goji berry and associated LBPs consumption were linked to prebiotic effects, which can prevent dysbiosis associated with IBD. This review assessed pertinent literature on the protective effects of goji berry against IBD focusing on the gut microbiota and their metabolites in mediating the observed beneficial effects.

The Main Anthocyanin Monomer from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Fruit Mediates Obesity via Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Improving the Intestinal Barrier

Anthocyanins have been shown to exert certain antiobesity properties, but the specific relationship between anthocyanin-induced beneficial effects and the gut microbiota remains unclear. Petunidin-3-O-[rhamnopyranosyl-(trans-p-coumaroyl)]-5-O-(β-D-glucopyranoside) (P3G) is the main anthocyanin monomer from the fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murray. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the antiobesity and remodeling effects of P3G on gut microbiota through a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model and a fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. P3G was found to reduce body weight gain, fat accumulation, and liver steatosis in HFD-induced obese mice. Moreover, supplementation with P3G alleviated the HFD-induced imbalance in gut microbiota composition, and transferring the P3G-regulated gut microbiota to recipient mice provided comparable protection against obesity. This is the first time evidence is provided that P3G has an antiobesity effect by changing the intestinal microbiota. Our present data highlight a link between P3G intervention and enhancement in gut barrier integrity. This may be a promising option for obesity prevention.

Efficacy of Lycium barbarum L. on plasma lipid concentration in adults: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Lycium barbarum L. are widely used as medicinal and functional food and may be particularly beneficial for patients with dyslipidemia. This systematic review protocol is designed to be used to evaluate the effects of Lycium barbarum L. on plasma lipid concentration through systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Following electronic databases will be searched from inception to October 2021: the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wan-fang database. All randomized controlled trial designs evaluated the effects of Lycium barbarum L. on plasma concentrations of lipids will be included. Two researchers will operate literature retrieval, screening, information extraction, quality assessment, and data analysis independently. The analysis will be conducted using Rstudio software (Version 1.4.1717).

RESULTS

The findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed publication.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide practical and targeted evidence in investigating the impact of Lycium barbarum L. on plasma lipid concentration in adults.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2021110043.

The branch-thorn occurrence of Lycium ruthenicum is associated with leaf DNA hypermethylation in response to soil water content

BACKGROUND

Lycium ruthenicum is an eco-economic shrub which can exist in two forms, thorny and thornless under varying soil moisture conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if the two forms of L. ruthenicum were influenced by soil water content (SWC) and to test the three-way link among SWC, occurrence of branch-thorn and DNA methylation modification.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, pot experiment was carried out to reveal the influence of SWC on the occurrence of branch-thorn and then paraffin sections, scanning electron microscope and methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism(MSAP) analysis were used to determine the three-way link among SWC, branch-thorn occurrence and DNA methylation. The results showed that (a) soil drought promoted the development of thorn primordium into branch-thorn and (b) branch-thorn covered axillary bud to protect it against drought and other stresses; (c) the branch-thorn occurrence response to drought was correlated with hypermethylation of CCGG sites and (d) thorny and thornless plants of a clone were distinguished successfully based on the MSAP profiles of their leaves.

CONCLUSIONS

Branch-thorns of the L. ruthenicum clone, which occurred in response to drought, covered axillary buds to protect them against drought and other stresses; thorn primordium of the clone did not develop into branch-thorn under the adequate soil moisture condition. The occurrence and absence of the branch-thorns were correlated with the hyper- and hypo-methylation, respectively. We proposed that the branch-thorn plasticity might be an adjustment strategy for the environment, which seems to support the theory of "Use in, waste out".

Composition Changes in Lycium ruthenicum Fruit Dried by Different Methods

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum (LRF), known as black wolfberry, is a medicinal and edible fruit. The fresh LRF is perishable and has only about 3 days of shelf life. Drying could prolong the shelf life of LRF. However, it could imply physical changes and chemical modification. This study evaluated the effect of sun drying (SD), hot air drying (HD), and freeze drying (FD) on the appearance characteristics, moisture content, bioactive compounds, amino acid composition, and antioxidant activity of LRF. The results showed that LRF dried by FD was round, expansive, fragile, and maintained the largest amount of appearance traits among the three drying methods. Drying methods had a significant effect on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of LRF (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that procyanidin content (PAC), asparagine (Asn), total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and moisture content were the main sources of the difference in LRF dried by different methods. The characteristic of LRF in FD was low moisture content, and high TPC, Asn, PAC, and TAC. Sun drying was opposite to FD. Hot air drying was high TPC and low TAC content. The quality of LRF was in the order of FD > HD > SD based on comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical component content and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the water temperature and soaking time had different antioxidant activity effect on LRF dried by different methods. These findings will provide useful information for production and utilization of LRF.

Bioactive phenylpropanoid derivatives from the fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murr

Eight new (1-7 and 15) and 18 known (8-14 and 16-26) phenylpropanoid derivatives were isolated from the fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (black wolfberry). Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, chemical methods, and comparisons of spectroscopic data. Four known compounds (16, 17, 24, and 26) were firstly isolated from the genus Lycium. Interestingly, compounds 1/2 and 4/5 were isolated as two pairs of inseparable anomers owing to the tautomerism of the free hemiacetal at C-1'' in solution. The antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of compounds 1-26 were evaluated. Some compounds possessed DPPH radical scavenging activity, and all compounds (1-26) exhibited different levels of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). One compound displayed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with potency close to that of the positive control (acarbose).