Mechanism of glycometabolism regulation by bioactive compounds from the fruits of Lycium barbarum: A review

Abstract

Diabetes is a major public health concern with a high risk of onset. It can lead to glycometabolism disorders. Improvement in diet is an effective way to regulate metabolic disorders. The fruits of Lycium barbarum, an ancient tonic and a traditional Chinese medicine, have shown beneficial effects against chronic metabolic diseases. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids and amino acids are the major natural bioactive compounds in the fruits of Lycium barbarum. They have many physiological activities and medicinal value and have shown significant anti-diabetic effects. This article reviews the effective actions of the main bioactive compounds in Lycium barbarum fruits in reducing blood glucose, intestinal and renal inflammation, retinal damage and other complications, discusses the possible metabolism of these bioactive compounds in the pathogenesis of diabetes, and explains the basic mechanism of regulation of blood glucose. Although the current research is limited to animal experiments and in vitro cell experiments, we have provided reliable evidence for our reports based on previous studies. Lycium barbarum fruits is a beneficial food that can interfere with carbohydrate metabolism in vivo, a significant direction for the development of Lycium barbarum, and can be used as a potential target for treating diabetes.