Abstract
Since the fruits of Lycium L. species (Fructus lycii, goji berries) are promoted as a “superfood” with plenty of health benefits, there is extensive research interest in their nutritional and phytochemical composition. In the present study, the nutritional value, minerals, fatty acid composition, and bioactive compounds of L. barbarum L., red, yellow, and black goji berry (L. ruthenicum Murray.) cultivated in Serbia were investigated. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their methanol extracts were assessed. Red goji berry had the highest content of fats, dietary fiber, iron, total carotenoids, and 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG). The yellow goji berry extract showed the highest level of flavonoids and the most prominent antimicrobial (especially against Gram-negative bacteria) properties. The highest total phenolic content and the most potent antioxidant activity were observed for the extract of black goji berry. Therefore, all goji berries could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Highlights
The genus Lycium (Solanaceae) comprises around 100 species, widely distributed in arid to semi-arid regions of North and South America, Africa, and Eurasia
Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) contents were determined by the enzymatic-gravimetric procedure according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method 991.43 [18], following the procedure described by Le et al [19], using the enzymatic Total Dietary Fiber Assay Kit (K-TDFR; Megazyme International, Wicklow, Ireland)
Regarding total carotenoids, red goji berry contained significantly higher amounts compared with yellow goji berry and no Total Carotenoid Contents (TCC) content was detected in black goji berry
Summary
The genus Lycium (Solanaceae) comprises around 100 species, widely distributed in arid to semi-arid regions of North and South America, Africa, and Eurasia. Based on the results of many studies, goji berries have been shown to possess antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects; the incorporation of goji berries into a regular diet may help to prevent many aging-related diseases [2,10]. These health-promoting properties of goji berries are attributed to polysaccharides, carotenoids, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds [11]. This study reports the chemical composition and biological activities of black goji berry originated from Serbia for the first time
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