Optimization of polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum fruit using RSM and its anti-oxidant activity

Extraction of polysaccharide fraction from cadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) fruits and evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities

In this study, polysaccharide fraction (PFFNC) derived from Neolamarckia cadamba fruits showed remarkable antioxidant activity. The PFFNC was successfully extracted from the fruits by the hot water extraction process, followed by decolorization, defatting, and deproteinization. The chemical composition of PFFNC was effectively characterized by the use of UV-Vis, FT-IR, CHN, GC-MS, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The findings indicated that PFFNC had an average molecular weight of 292 kDa and was predominantly composed of carbohydrates (76 %), with notable contributions from uronic acids (37.22 %) and proteins (12.35 %). The primary components of the sugar content were glucose (19.24 %), galactose (10.19 %), mannose (4.09 %), and glucuronic acid (2.8 %). The tertiary structural study verified the existence of a triple-helical structure. PFFNC exhibited a strong reducing power in vitro as determined by ABTS (IC50: 121 ± 0.12 μg/mL), DPPH (IC50: 146.065 ± 0.54 μg/mL), FRAP (677.788 ± 24.189 mM Fe (II)/g), hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50: 78.736 ± 0.32 μg/mL), and phosphomolybdate assay (90.7 ± 0.43 mg AAE/g). In addition, the PFFNC furthermore showed significant in vivo antioxidant capacity, as determined using the brine shrimp (Bsmp) (Artemia salina Leach) model. The PFFNC exhibits significant antioxidant potential, suggesting broad spectrum applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy with herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation: A review of pharmacological studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Chinese medicine believes that kidney deficiency and blood stasis are significant pathogenesis of DR. A characteristic therapeutic approach for this pathogenesis is the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method. By literature retrieval from several databases, we methodically summarized the commonly used kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs for treating DR, including Lycii Fructus, Rehmanniane Radix Praeparata, and Corni Fructus with the function of nourishing kidney; Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with the function of enhancing blood circulation; Rehmanniae Radix with the function of nourishing kidney yin; and Astragali Radix with the function of tonifying qi. It has been demonstrated that these Chinese herbs described above, by tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation, significantly improve the course of DR.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Through literature research, to gain a thorough comprehension of the pathogenesis of DR. Simultaneously, through the traditional application analysis, modern pharmacology research and network pharmacology analysis of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs, to review the effectiveness and advantages of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in treating DR comprehensively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were used to filter the most popular herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood in the treatment of DR. The search terms were "diabetic retinopathy" and "tonifying kidney and activating blood". Mostly from 2000 to 2023. Network pharmacology was applied to examine the key active components and forecast the mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in the treatment of DR.

RESULTS

Kidney deficiency and blood stasis are the pathogenesis of DR, and the pathogenesis is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and hyperglycemia. Scientific data and network pharmacology analysis have demonstrated the benefit of tonifying kidney and activating blood herbs in treating DR through several channels, multiple components, and multiple targets.

CONCLUSIONS

This review first presents useful information for subsequent research into the material foundation and pharmacodynamics of herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood, and offers fresh insights into the treatment of DR.

Advances in the Preparation, Structure and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum Murr.: A Review

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is rich in polysaccharides, and the polysaccharides in Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (LRPS) have various bioactivities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-tumor activity, neuroprotective activity, and immunomodulatory activity. It has broad prospects in the development of functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Researchers have found that the structural characteristics of LRPS, such as molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, primary structure, etc., have a significant impact on their bioactivities. Therefore, studying the structure of LRPS is of great significance in revealing their bioactivities and mechanisms. This study, based on introducing the preparation methods of LRPS, focuses on reviewing the research progress on the main structural characteristics, various bioactivities, and mechanisms of action of LRPS. In addition, the study provides prospects for the development of LRPS in the fields of food and medicine, aiming to provide theoretical support for its deep processing and application.

Target-guided isolation and purification of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch. by high-speed counter-current chromatography combined with ultrafiltration liquid chromatography

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch. is used extensively in traditional Tibetan medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, six cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were purified from M. integrifolia using high-speed counter-current chromatography guided by ultrafiltration liquid chromatography (ultrafiltration-LC). First, ultrafiltration-LC was performed to profile the COX-2 inhibitors in M. integrifolia. The reflux extraction conditions were further optimized using response surface methodology, and the results showed that the targeted COX-2 inhibitors could be well enriched under the optimized extraction conditions. Then the six target COX-2 inhibitors were separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography with a solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (4:1:4, v/v/v. Finally, the six COX-2 inhibitors, including 21.2 mg of 8-hydroxyluteolin 7-sophoroside, 29.6 mg of 8-hydroxyluteolin 7-[6'''-acetylallosyl-(1→2)-glucoside], 42.5 mg of Sinocrassoside D3, 54.1 mg of Hypolaetin 7-[6'''-acetylallosyll-(l→2)-3''-acetylglucoside, 30.6 mg of Hypolaetin 7-[6'''-acetylallosyll-(l→2)-6''-acetylglucoside and 17.8 mg of Hypolaetin were obtained from 500 mg of sample. Their structures were elucidated by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. This study reveals that ultrafiltration-LC combined with high-speed counter-current chromatography is a robust and efficient strategy for target-guided isolation and purification of bioactive molecules. It also enhances the scientific understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of M. integrifolia but also paves the way for its further medicinal applications.

Biological Properties and Biomedical Applications of Pectin and Pectin-Based Composites: A Review

Pectin has recently drawn much attention in biomedical applications due to its distinctive chemical and biological properties. Polymers like pectin with cell-instructive properties are attractive natural biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration. In addition, bioactive pectin and pectin-based composites exhibit improved characteristics to deliver active molecules. Pectin and pectin-based composites serve as interactive matrices or scaffolds by stimulating cell adhesion and cell proliferation and enhancing tissue remodeling by forming an extracellular matrix in vivo. Several bioactive properties, such as immunoregulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant activities, contribute to the pectin's and pectin-based composite's enhanced applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Tissue engineering scaffolds containing pectin and pectin-based conjugates or composites demonstrate essential features such as nontoxicity, tunable mechanical properties, biodegradability, and suitable surface properties. The design and fabrication of pectic composites are versatile for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. This article reviews the promising characteristics of pectin or pectic polysaccharides and pectin-based composites and highlights their potential biomedical applications, focusing on drug delivery and tissue engineering.

A comprehensive review of goji berry processing and utilization

Goji berry (wolfberry, Lycium), is a genus of Solanaceae, in which the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits are for both food and medicinal uses. In recent years, the demand for health food and research purposes has led to increasing attention being paid to the application of goji berry nutrients and resources. There are three general strategies to process and utilize the goji berry plant. First, the primary processing of goji berry products, such as dried goji berry pulp, and fruit wine with its by-products. Second, deep processing of sugar-peptides, carotenoids, and the extraction of other efficacy components with their by-products. Third, the utilization of plant-based by-products (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit residuals). However, the comprehensive use of goji berry is hampered by the non-standardized production technology of resource utilization and the absence of a multi-level co-production and processing technology systems. On the basis of this, we review some novel techniques that are made to more effectively use the resources found in goji berry or its by-products in order to serve as a guide for the thorough use of these resources and the high-quality growth of the goji berry processing industry.

Target-Guided Isolation and Purification of Antioxidants from Urtica laetevirens Maxim. by HSCCC Combined with Online DPPH-HPLC Analysis

Urtica laetevirens Maxim. is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its potent antioxidative properties. In this study, three antioxidants were purified from U. laetevirens. using HSCCC guided by online DPPH-HPLC analysis. Firstly, the online DPPH-HPLC analysis was performed to profile out the antioxidant active molecules in U. laetevirens. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology and the results showed the targeted antioxidant active molecules could be well enriched under the optimized extraction conditions. Then, the antioxidant active molecules were separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (2:3:5, v/v/v) as the solvent system. Finally, the three targets including 16.8 mg of Isovitexin, 9.8 mg of Isoorientin, and 26.7 mg of Apigenin-6,8-di-C-β-d-glucopyranoside were obtained from 100 mg of sample. Their structures were identified by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

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.

Plant Polyphenols Attenuate DSS-induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice via Antioxidation, Anti-inflammation and Microbiota Regulation

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalance. Although most researchers have demonstrated the antioxidant bioactivity of the phenolic compounds in plants, their UC-curing ability and underlying mechanisms still need to be further and adequately explored. Herein, we studied the antioxidation-structure relationship of several common polyphenols in plants including gallic acid, proanthocyanidin, ellagic acid, and tannic acid. Furthermore, the in vivo effects of the plant polyphenols on C57BL/6 mice with dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced UC were evaluated and the action mechanisms were explored. Moreover, the interplay of several mechanisms was determined. The higher the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups, the stronger the antioxidant activity. All polyphenols markedly ameliorated the symptoms and pathological progression of UC in mice. Furthermore, inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased and the intestinal barrier was repaired. The process was regulated by the antioxidant-signaling pathway of nuclear-erythroid 2-related factor 2. Moreover, the diversity of the intestinal microbiota, Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides ratio, and relative abundance of beneficial bacteria were increased. An interplay was observed between microbiota regulation and oxidative stress, immunity, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, intestinal barrier repair was found to be correlated with inflammatory responses. Our study results can form a basis for comprehensively developing plant-polyphenol-related medicinal products.

Advances in Polysaccharide Production Based on the Co-Culture of Microbes

Microbial polysaccharides are natural carbohydrates that can confer adhesion capacity to cells and protect them from harsh environments. Due to their various physiological activities, these macromolecules are widely used in food, medicine, environmental, cosmetic, and textile applications. Microbial co-culture is an important strategy that is used to increase the production of microbial polysaccharides or produce new polysaccharides (structural alterations). This is achieved by exploiting the symbiotic/antagonistic/chemo-sensitive interactions between microbes and stimulating the expression of relevant silent genes. In this article, we review the performance of polysaccharides produced using microbial co-culture in terms of yield, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to the advantages and application prospects of co-culture. Moreover, the potential for microbial polysaccharides to be used in various applications is discussed.

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.

Multifaceted applications of ulvan polysaccharides: Insights on biopharmaceutical avenues

Ulvans are water-soluble sulfated polysaccharides predominantly found in the cell wall of green algae. They hold unique characteristics that are attributed to their 3D conformation, functional groups along with the presence of saccharides and sulfate ions. Traditionally, ulvans are widely used as food supplements and probiotics owing to the high content of carbohydrates. Despite their widespread usage in food industry, an in-depth understanding is required for extrapolating their potential application as a nutraceutical and medicinal agent which could be beneficial in promoting human health and well-being. This review emphasizes novel therapeutic avenues where ulvan polysaccharides can be used beyond their nutritional applications. A collection of literature points towards multifarious applications of ulvan in various biomedical fields. Structural aspects along with extraction and purification methods have been discussed. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with its biomedical potential in different therapeutic fields like oncology, infectious diseases, inflammation, neuroprotection and tissue engineering, etc. have been unravelled. Challenges associated with clinical translation and future perspectives have been deliberated.

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.

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.

Biological activity of pectic polysaccharides investigated through biomembrane models formed at the air-water interface

Pectin, a polysaccharide with potential bioactivity, was inserted in the aqueous subphase of monolayers of the selected lipids DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and DPPE (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), representing mammalian and bacterial membranes, respectively. Pectin condensed both monolayers but made the DPPC monolayer more fluid, while for DPPE, it made its monolayer more rigid, as detected with dynamic interfacial rheology. Complementary data using surface potential, infrared spectroscopy, and Brewster angle microscopy also showed distinctive effects of pectin on DPPE and DPPC. We believe these data can be correlated with the action of this polysaccharide with biological lipidic surfaces with different polar heads, which may be relevant, generally speaking, to understanding the molecular mechanism of this bioactive compound for pharmaceutical purposes.

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.

Extraction Optimization of Mucilage from Seeds of Mimosa pudica by Response Surface Methodology

Mimosa pudica seed mucilage (MPM) is composed of glucuronoxylan, which is a swellable, pH-responsive and non-toxic biomaterial. Herein, we aimed to extract MPM from M. pudica seeds (MP seeds) to ascertain optimization of extraction conditions to get highest yield by response surface methodology, via Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD). MPM was extracted from MP seeds by a hot water extraction method. The effects of four different parameters on the extraction yield of MPM were evaluated: pH of the extraction medium (1–10), seed/water contact time (1–12 h), the temperature of extraction medium (30–90 °C), and seed/water ratio (1:5–1:35 w/v). The maximum yield of MPM obtained by Design-Expert software was 10.66% (10.66 g/100 g) at pH 7, seed/water contact time of 6 h, extraction temperature of 50 °C, and seed/water ratio of 1:20 w/v. The p values of ANOVA were found to be less than 0.0001, which indicated that the extraction yield of MPM was significantly affected by all the study parameters. The results revealed that pH and extraction temperature were the most significant factors affecting the yield of MPM. MPM in compressed tablet form showed pH-responsive on–off switching behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2 in a reversible manner. MPM in compressed tablet form sustained the release of itopride for 16 h following a super case-II transport mechanism and zero-order release kinetics.

Optimization of the extraction conditions of Nypa fruticans Wurmb. using response surface methodology and artificial neural network

In this study, we conducted response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to predict and estimate the optimized extraction condition of Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (NF). The effect of ethanol concentration (X₁; 0-100%), extraction time (X₂; 6-24 h), and extraction temperature (X₃; 40-60 °C) on the antioxidant potential was confirmed. The optimal conditions (57.6% ethanol, 19.0 h extraction time, and 51.3 °C extraction temperature) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) resulted in a maximum value of 62.5%, 41.95 and 48.39 µM, 143.6 mg GAE/g, and 166.8 CAE/g, respectively. High-resolution mass spectroscopic technique was performed to profile phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Upon analyzing, total 48 compounds were identified in NF. Altogether, our findings can provide a practical approach for utilizing NF in various bioindustries.

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 structure elucidation of novel arabinogalactan LRP1-S2 against pancreatic cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murr is used as traditional medicine and functional food. Previously we reported that one RG-I pectin from this fruit might inhibit pancreatic cancer cells growth. We further hypothesized that there might be other type of polysaccharides in this fruit also have anti-tumor effect. Here, we showed novel structure of a homogeneous polysaccharide named LRP1-S2 from this fruit and its anti-pancreatic cancer effect. Structure analyses suggested that LRP1-S2 was a novel arabinogalactan with the molecular weight (Mw) of 17.0 kDa. Bioactivity test showed that LRP1-S2 might attenuate the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo without significant cytotoxicity to normal pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells and LO2 liver cells. Mechanism study indicated that it might induce apoptosis of BxPC-3 by inactivating P38 MAPK/NF-κB and GSK-3β/β-Catenin signaling pathways. These results suggested that LRP1-S2 could be a potential anti-tumor leading compound for functional food and new drug development. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS: arabinogalactan, pectin, galactan, arabinan, RN-1, HH1-1, LRP1-S2, LRP3-S1.

Nitraria tangutorum Bobr.-derived polysaccharides protect against LPS-induced lung injury

Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. is suggested to be active in immunoregulation and antioxidation. However, the in vivo bioactivity of N. tangutorum Bobr.-derived polysaccharides (NTP) and their anti-inflammatory activity have not been addressed. In the present study, we extracted and purified polysaccharides from N. tangutorum Bobr. and determined their anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. HPGPC, UHPLC/DAD, and NMR analyses identified that the monosaccharide components of NTP were Man, Rha, GalUA, Glu, Gal, and Ara, with relative contents of 3.52%, 15.08%, 10.00%, 26.73%, 38.08%, and 6.59%, respectively. In mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Acute Lung Injury (ALI), NTP treatment attenuated tissue damage, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, and promoted the anti-oxidative response. The supposed mechanism may be via suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests a protective role of NTP in LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting inflammatory damage.

Plant/algal polysaccharides extracted by microwave: A review on hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, prebiotic, and immune-stimulatory effect

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is an emerging technology to obtain polysaccharides with an extensive spectrum of biological characteristics. In this study, the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, prebiotic, and immunomodulatory (e.g., antiinflammatory, anticoagulant, and phagocytic) effects of algal- and plant-derived polysaccharides rich in glucose, galactose, and mannose using MAE were comprehensively discussed. The in vitro and in vivo results showed that these bioactive macromolecules with the low digestibility rate could effectively alleviate the fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity, acute hemolysis, and dyslipidemia status. The optimally extracted glucomannan- and glucogalactan-containing polysaccharides revealed significant antidiabetic effects through inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, improving dynamic insulin sensitivity and secretion, and promoting pancreatic β-cell proliferation. These bioactive macromolecules as prebiotics not only improve the digestibility in gastrointestinal tract but also reduce the survival rate of pathogens and tumor cells by activating macrophages and producing pro-inflammatory biomarkers and cytokines. They can effectively prevent gastrointestinal disorders and microbial infections without any toxicity.

Pectic polysaccharides from edible halophytes: Insight on extraction processes, structural characterizations and immunomodulatory potentials

The preparation, chemical properties and bio-activities of polysaccharides derived from halophytes have gained an increasing interest in the past few years. Phytochemical and pharmacological reports have shown that carbohydrates are important biologically active compounds of halophytes with numerous biological potentials. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in these bio-activities are due to the modulation of immune system. The main objective of this summary is to appraise available literature of a comparative study on the extraction, structural characterizations and biological potentials, particularly immunomodulatory effects, of carbohydrates isolated from halophytes (10 families). This review also attempts to discuss on bioactivities of polysaccharides related with their structure-activity relationship. Data indicated that the highest polysaccharides yield of around 35% was obtained under microwave irradiation. Structurally, results revealed that the most of extracted carbohydrates are pectic polysaccharides which mainly composed of arabinose (from 0.9 to 72%), accompanied by other monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose and xylose), significant amounts of uronic acids (from 18.9 to 90.1%) and some proportions of fucose (from 0.2 to 8.3%). The molecular mass of these pectic polysaccharides was varied from 10 to 2650 kDa. Hence, the evaluation of these polysaccharides offers a great opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents that presented especially beneficial immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, reports indicated that uronic acids, molecular weights, as well as the presence of sulfate and unmethylated acidic groups may play a significant role in biological activities of carbohydrates from halophyte species.

Encapsulation Preserves Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Cactus Acid Fruit Bioactive Compounds under Simulated Digestion Conditions

Cactus acid fruit (Xoconostle) has been studied due its content of bioactive compounds. Traditional Mexican medicine attributes hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic and immunostimulant properties among others. The bioactive compounds contained in xoconostle have shown their ability to inhibit digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Unfortunately, polyphenols and antioxidants in general are molecules susceptible to degradation due to storage conditions, (temperature, oxygen and light) or the gastrointestinal tract, which limits its activity and compromises its potential beneficial effect on health. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the stability, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of encapsulated extract of xoconostle within double emulsions (water-in-oil-in-water) during storage conditions and simulated digestion. Total phenols, flavonoids, betalains, antioxidant activity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were measured before and after the preparation of double emulsions and during the simulation of digestion. The ED40% (treatment with 40% of xoconostle extract) treatment showed the highest percentage of inhibition of α-glucosidase in all phases of digestion. The inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase related to antidiabetic activity was higher in microencapsulated extracts than the non-encapsulated extracts. These results confirm the viability of encapsulation systems based on double emulsions to encapsulate and protect natural antidiabetic compounds.

Polysaccharide from Lycium arabicum: Structural Features, in Vitro Antioxidant Activities and Protective Effect against Oxidative Damage in Human Erythrocytes

In this research work, a water-soluble polysaccharide (LAP) isolated from the fruits of Lycium arabicum was investigated. LAP contains carbohydrates (82.45±1.23 %), protein (1.56±0.21 %), and uronic acids (3.56±0.34 %). The analysis of the monosaccharide composition revealed the presence of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose in a molar ratio of 4.7 : 1.5 : 1 : 8.7 : 16.4 : 5.6. The extracted polysaccharide (PS) was considered as heterogeneous and highly branched by interpreting its GC/MS, FT-IR and NMR data. Crystallinity of LAP was inferred from its X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. LAP exhibited an interesting stability at high temperatures (∼254 °C) and in a wide range of pH (3-9) deduced, respectively, from its DSC and zeta potential analysis. LAP displayed a strong antioxidant activity at low concentrations evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging, ferric reducing activity power (FRAP), free radical scavenging ability, superoxide radical-scavenging and hydroxyl radical-scavenging abilities. Inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation was also assessed. In 5 h, LAP treatment allowed the protection of the damaged erythrocytes caused by AAPH (2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride), to reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as to increase the reduced glutathione (GSH) level.

A low-molecular-weight ascophyllan prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum: Optimization, analysis and biological activities

In this study, a low-molecular-weight saccharide fragment (LMWAs-L) was prepared from alginate lyase (EC 4.2.2.3) hydrolyzed ascophyllan by ultra-filtration separation method. LMWAs-L was a homogeneous saccharide fraction with an average molecular weight of 6.96 kDa. Enzymolysis process optimization experiments revealed that the optimum process parameters for preparing LMWAs-L were the enzyme concentration 0.02 U/mL, initial pH 6.8, and enzymolysis temperature 43 °C. After optimization, the yield of LMWAs-L was increased to 9.74% higher than that without optimization. Interestingly, LMWAs-L exhibited stronger enhancing activities on the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts cells in vitro and better antibacterial activities as compared to native ascophyllan at the same mass concentration. Our study establishes a simple way to prepare low-molecular-weight saccharide with beneficial bioactivities from ascophyllan efficiently. This is the first report to reveal that ascophyllan and its low-molecular-weight saccharide have the potentials to be developed as natural biological dressing and antibacterial agents.

Ultrasonic extraction of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and its antioxidant activity

The ultrasonic extraction (UE) technology, possessed the advantages of effective, energy-saving, and environmental-friendly, was applied to extract the anthocyanin from Lycium ruthenicum (LR). The extraction parameters of UE were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD). Anthocyanin composition in LR fruits grown in China was systematically identified and quantified by HPLC-ESI-MS. The result showed that PRG was the major anthocyanin, and delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin were the major anthocyanidins in LR fruits. There was the same anthocyanin composition of LR and great variation in anthocyanins content of LR from different areas in China. However, there was no significant difference between wild and cultivated LR in the same region. A clear separation of LR according to geographical origins was revealed by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and the discrimination model for the anthocyanin concentrations were developed using these two analysis methods. Furthermore, on-line HPLC-DPPH assay and scavenging activity of three kinds of radicals (DPPH·, ·OH, and O 2 - · ) in vitro were well applied to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the LR anthocyanin extract (LRAE). And its results indicated the LRAE could be a credible antioxidant agent for applications in cosmetics, food, and medicine.

Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Ephedra alata Stems: Structural Characterization, Functional Properties, and Antioxidant Activity

In this study, the physicochemical characterization, functional properties, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides extracted from Ephedra alata (EAP) were investigated. EAP were extracted in water during 3 h with a liquid/solid ratio of 5 in a water bath at 90 °C. The structure of the extracted EAP was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The functional properties and biochemical activities of EAP were determined. The chemical analysis revealed that the contents of carbohydrates, uronic acid, and proteins were 73.24% ± 1.24%, 6.82% ± 0.57%, and 6.56% ± 0.36%, respectively. The results showed that the extracted EAP essentially contain three functional groups: C=O, C-H, and O-H. SEM images showed that EAP present numerous high porosity particles. The monosaccharide composition revealed a polymer composed of glucose (43.1%), galactose (36.4%), mannose (14.9%), arabinose (3.7%), and gluconic acid (1.7%). EAP showed interesting functional properties (solubility, oil holding capacity, foaming and emulsion properties). Finally, the results revealed that EAP displayed excellent antihypertensive and antioxidant activities. Overall, EAP present a promising natural source of food additives, antioxidants, and antihypertensive agents.

Lycium ruthenicum Murr polysaccharide protects cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a complex condition that remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among infants. Polysaccharide has been reported to possess diverse biological activities, however, the neuro-protective activity of polysaccharide isolated from Lycium ruthenicum remains unknown so far. However, the role of Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharide 3 (LRP3) in HIE has not been evaluated. Herein, we investigated the effect of LRP3 on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced primary cortical neurons. Our results demonstrated that LRP3 significantly improved the cell viability of OGD/R-induced cortical neurons. The OGD/R-caused increase in ROS production and decrease in the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were mitigated by LRP3. Besides, the caspase-3 activity in OGD/R-induced cortical neurons was markedly decreased after LRP3 treatment. The increased bax expression and decreased bcl-2 expression caused by OGD/R stimulation were alleviated by pretreatment with LRP3. In addition, LRP3 significantly induced the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in OGD/R-induced cortical neurons. However, inhibition of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway through transfection with siRNA targeting Nrf2 reversed the protective effects of LRP3. In conclusion, LRP3 exerts a neuroprotective effect against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury in rat primary cortical neurons.

Simultaneous Optimization of the Ultrasonic Extraction Method and Determination of the Antioxidant Activities of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Anhydrosafflor Yellow B from Safflower Using a Response Surface Methodology

An evaluation of the ultrasonic extraction process and the antioxidant activities of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) from safflower are presented herein. Using response surface methodology (RSM), based on a four-factor-three-level Box–Behnken design (BBD), the extraction parameters, namely, temperature, extraction time, solvent-to-material ratio, and extraction power, were optimized for maximizing the yields of HSYA and AHSYB. The maximum yield was obtained at a temperature of 66 °C with an extraction time of 36 min, solvent-to-material ratio of 16 mL/g, and the extraction power of 150 W, which was adjusted according to the actual conditions. The HSYA and AHSYB contents were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The yield and the comprehensive evaluation value of HSYA and AHSYB were calculated. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined using a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) kit and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The results suggested that the safflower extracts possessed obvious ferric reducing and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The antioxidant activity increased with increasing concentration. The results suggested that optimizing the conditions of ultrasonic extraction using RSM can significantly increase the yields of HSYA and AHSYB from safflower. The safflower extracts showed better antioxidant activity. This study can encourage future research on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Developing deep learning based regression approaches for determination of chemical compositions in dry black goji berries (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) has great commercial and nutritional values. Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) was used to determine total phenolics, total flavonoids and total anthocyanins in dry black goji berries. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) were designed and developed to predict the chemical compositions. These CNN models and deep autoencoder were used as supervised and unsupervised feature extraction methods, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) and least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) as modelling methods, successive projections algorithm and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) as wavelength selection methods, and principal component analysis (PCA) and wavelet transform (WT) as feature extraction methods were studied as conventional approaches for comparison. Deep learning approaches as modelling methods and feature extraction methods obtained good and equivalent performances to the conventional methods. The results illustrated that deep learning had great potential as modelling and feature extraction methods for chemical compositions determination in NIR-HSI.

Extraction optimization and purification of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and evaluation of tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the anthocyanins

The aim of this study was to extract and purify anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and evaluate their tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Response surface methodology was devoted to optimize enzyme-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits. Extraction at 38 °C for 37 min using water-containing pectinase (52.04 mg/100 g dried fruit) rendered an anthocyanin extraction yield of 19.51 ± 0.21 mg/g. The purified anthocyanins were separated from the extract by macroporous resin XDA-6. Antioxidant tests in vitro suggested that the extract and the purified anthocyanins exhibited a potent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity, hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, superoxide radical scavenging capacity, and total reducing power. Thirteen anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits were analyzed by HPLC-MS. Moreover, the purified anthocyanins had inhibitory effect on tyrosinase monophenolase (IC₅₀ = 1.483 ± 0.058 mg/mL), and the type of inhibition was competitive inhibition (K_i = 39.83 ± 1.4 mg/mL). The maximum inhibitory activity of the purified anthocyanins (3.00 mg/mL) on tyrosinase diphenolase was 42.16 ± 0.77%, and the type of inhibition was anticompetitive inhibition (K_is = 2.387 ± 0.10 mg/mL). PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits can be used as tyrosinase inhibitors in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation industries.

Polyethylene glycol-based ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction, characterization, and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo of polysaccharides from Lonicerae japonica leaves

In this paper, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) was employed in polysaccharides extraction from Lonicerae japonica leaves (LJLP). The optimal extraction conditions (extraction time of 33 min, PEG concentration of 30%, and ultrasonic power of 191 W) were obtained by Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under this condition, the LJLP yield was 14.76%. Furthermore, LJLP was identified as a typical heteropolysaccharide considering the main constitutive monosaccharides include galactose (32.3%), glucose (20.9%), and ribose (15.2%). Moreover, LJLP exhibited high total reducing power and considerable scavenging activities on superoxide radicals, in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. In addition, antioxidant analysis in vivo revealed that for the LJLP-treated mice, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were significantly increased, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in both serum and liver.

Antidiabetic Activity of Cactus Acid Fruit Extracts: Simulated Intestinal Conditions of the Inhibitory Effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase

Acid cactus fruits “xoconostle” have been used since the pre-Columbian period as a treatment against diverse diseases. In this study, bioactive compounds (phenols and flavonoids) and the in vitro inhibition effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were evaluated. Four different extracts of cactus acid fruits were prepared from (1) endocarp, (2) mesocarp, (3) pericarp and (4) whole fruit (WFE). The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between extracts. Pericarp extracts had 2.23 ± 0.01 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram GAE/g of phenol content and 0.84 ± 0.14 mg quercetin equivalents per gram QE/g flavonoid content, while WFE presented 1.52 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g and 0.84 ± 0.14 mg QE/g; however, the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were higher with WFE. It was found by using 25 mg/mL of WFE an α-amylase inhibition of 63. ± 1.53% and with 30 mg/mL of WFE an α-glucosidase inhibition of 46.5 ± 1.45% after simulated intestinal conditions. The WFE could be used as a therapeutic strategy in controlled diets of diabetic patients due to its low cost, natural origin, and effect after simulated intestinal conditions.

Extraction, Structural Characterization, and Biological Functions of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides: A Review

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), as bioactive compounds extracted from L. barbarum L. fruit, have been widely explored for their potential health properties. The extraction and structural characterization methods of LBPs were reviewed to accurately understand the extraction method and structural and biological functions of LBPs. An overview of the biological functions of LBPs, such as antioxidant function, antitumor activity, neuroprotective effects, immune regulating function, and other functions, were summarized. This review provides an overview of LBPs and a theoretical basis for further studying and extending the applications of LBPs in the fields of medicine and food.

Potassium Transporter LrKUP8 Is Essential for K+ Preservation in Lycium ruthenicum, A Salt-Resistant Desert Shrub

Salt stress is a major constraint for many crops and trees. A wild species of Goji named Lycium ruthenicum is an important economic halophyte in China and has an extremely high tolerance to salinity. L. ruthenicum grows in saline soil and is known as a potash-rich species. However, its salt adaptation strategies and ion balance mechanism remains poorly understood. Potassium (K+) is one of the essential macronutrients for plant growth and development. In this study, a putative salt stress-responsive gene encoding a HAK (high-affinity K+)/KUP (K+ uptake)/KT (K+ transporter) transporter was cloned and designated as LrKUP8. This gene belongs to the cluster II group of the KT/HAK/KUP family. The expression of LrKUP8 was strongly induced under high NaCl concentrations. The OE-LrKUP8 calli grew significantly better than the vector control calli under salt stress conditions. Further estimation by ion content and micro-electrode ion flux indicated a relative weaker K+ efflux in the OE-LrKUP8 calli than in the control. Thus, a key gene involved in K+ uptake under salt condition was functionally characterized using a newly established L. ruthenicum callus transformation system. The importance of K+ regulation in L. ruthenicum under salt tolerance was highlighted.

Optimization of Alkali Extraction and Properties of Polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Residue

Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao is a plant widely cultivated in the Yellow River Basin of China. It has nutritional and healthcare functions, in which polysaccharides are the main components of its bio-functions. In order to make effective use of Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao residue resources and explore new functional food ingredients, the polysaccharide (ZJRP) from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao residues were extracted by sodium hydroxide, and the optimal extraction conditions of ZJRP were obtained by the response surface method. The basic composition and antioxidant effects of ZJRP were determined. The results showed that ZJRP has significant antioxidant activity, mainly reflected in the high DPPH radical scavenging rate, which may be related to their high content of galacturonic acid and the extraction method. In addition, the rheological and thermal properties of ZJRP were respectively determined by a rheometer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), indicating that they have shear thinning properties and good thermal stability. Results showed that the alkaline extraction method can be used as a potential technique for extracting ZJRP with high antioxidant activity, and ZJRP can be further explored as a functional food ingredient.