Goji Berries: Phytochemical Contents, Biological Properties and Food Industry Prospects

Abstract

Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) is commonly known as goji berries or wolfberries. Goji berries are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat diseases including hypertension, diabetes, immunodeficiency and hyperlipidemia. Goji berries have been suggested as a potential source of bioactive compounds to be used for commercial application in pharmaceutical and food industries. The presence of phytochemicals in goji berries has been associated with their health-promoting properties reported in vitro and in vivo studies. These include anti-aging, cardio-protective effect, antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects. Therefore, with the strong development of functional foods as a method to improve and maintain health, the exploration of novel bioactive compounds from goji berries with real beneficial health effects is an intense field of research.