Chapter 35 - Lycium barbarum (goji berry), human breast cancer, and antioxidant profile

Abstract

Lycium barbarum (goji berry) belongs to the group of plants that exhibit human health benefits such as antioxidant and anticancer effects. These effects are the results of high levels of polysaccharides, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and their derivatives in these plants. These compounds are able to neutralize free radicals, impacting cellular homeostasis maintenance, and intracellular signaling pathways. Extracted fractions from goji berries, depending on their types and abundance of individual compounds, show antiproliferative properties against different types of cancer, including breast carcinoma, whereas their cytotoxic effect on human normal cells has not been demonstrated. A pectin-free fraction of goji berry extract induces growth inhibition of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, while ethanol extract inhibits proliferation of T47D cell line in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum (LBPs) modulates estrogen metabolism, activates the extracellular signal-reduced kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) pathway, and increases the expression level of p53. Taken together, goji berries seem to be a highly promising natural medicine in anticancer prevention and treatment because of their high content of active compounds.