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.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.