Lycium Barbarum Fruits Research Articles

Lycium barbarum ethanol extraction: Application as cosmetic product ingredients

Plant seed oils and extracts are widely used in cosmetic industry to provide the skin with a variety of benefits. Due to the paucity of bioactivity studies on Lycium barbarum and its skin care applications, Lycium barbarum seed oil (LBSO) was utilized to create stable oil-in-water emulsions, and Lycium barbarum fruit extract (LBE) was used as a functional ingredient in cosmetic formulations We optimized the biological activity, storage stability, and physicochemical properties of LBSO when added to O/W emulsions (antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-aging). The LBE emulsion [15 % L. barbarum seed oil (F3) and 1 % LBE] showed the highest physical and storage stability (pH 6.02). TPC and TFC had respective values of 2.146 ± 0.013 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 1.099 ± 0.012 mg Rutin equivalent (RE)/g. For anti-aging purposes, LBE emulsion could inhibit hyaluronidase (44.74 ± 2.05 %), elastase protease (26.59 ± 2.56 %), and melanogenesis (34.35 ± 1.77 %). Overall, our current findings speculate the development of anti-aging cosmetic products using L. barbarum.

Slit dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted pulping of Lycium barbarum fresh fruit to improve the dissolution of polysaccharides and in situ real-time monitoring

In this study, the slit dual-frequency ultrasound-assisted pulping of fresh Lycium barbarum fruit was optimized to improve the dissolution of polysaccharides. The microscopic mechanism of polysaccharide dissolution was explored through establishing polysaccharides dissolution kinetics model and visualizing the multi-physical fields during ultrasonic process, and an in situ real-time monitoring model was established by the relationship between the chemical value and spectral information collected by near-infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that, under optimal conditions, treatment with ultrasound (28–33 kHz, 250 W, 30 min) not only significantly promoted the dissolution rate of polysaccharides in Lycium barbarum pulp (LBPPs, increased by 43.64 %, p < 0.01), reduced its molecular weight, but also improved the arabinose molar ratio, the uniformity of polysaccharide particles, and the antioxidant activity of LBPPs. Correlation analysis indicated that ultrasonic treatment is closely related to LBPPs content, particle size and scavenging capacity against superoxide anion radicals (ptotal sugar content < 0.01, pparticle size < 0.05 and psuperoxide anion scavenging < 0.05). Moreover, the in situ real-time monitoring model for the pulping process could quantitatively predict LBPPs dissolution rate and its superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity with good calibration and prediction performance (Rc = 0.9841, RMSECV = 0.0873, Rp = 0.9772, RMSEP = 0.0530; Rc = 0.9874, RMSECV = 0.1246, Rp = 0.9868, RMSEP = 0.0665). These results indicated that slit dual-frequency ultrasound has great potential in improving the quality of Lycium barbarum pulp, which may provide theoretical support for the industrial development of intelligent systems for polysaccharides preparation.

Demonstration of feasibility and effectiveness of deep eutectic solvent-water system extraction of RG-I type pectin from wolfberry based on target polysaccharide, solvent and their interactions

Lycium barbarum fruit (wolfberry) is rich in rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) pectin with favorable prebiotic activity. However, there is currently limited research on the targeted extraction of RG-I type pectin from Lycium barbarum fruit (LBP). DES is widely recognized as an efficient solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from plants. In this study, a mixture of choline chloride (ChCl) and propylene glycol (PG) at the molar ratio 1:2 with 20 wt% water content was optimal to extract LBP. The yield and extent of branching of LBP extracted by ChCl-PG-water system (LBP-P) were 1.74-fold and 2.87-fold higher than those of LBP extracted by water (LBP-W), respectively. Compared with LBP-W, LBP-P exhibited higher total neutral sugar and uronic acid contents, as well as lower molecular weight and viscosity. The proliferative ability of LBP-P on six Bifidobacterial strains was 1.06–1.92-fold greater than that of LBP-W. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and apparent viscosity proved that the role of water was to maintain strong hydrogen bonds of DES with reduced viscosity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations proved that the role of DES was to penetrate cell walls and interact with target substances. The effective extraction mechanism of the DES-water system was based on cell wall cellulose disassembly, side chain exposure, and high-branched LBP dissolution stages. Our results provided a theoretical basis for targeted extraction of RG-I pectin using new solvents.

Total Synthesis of Neuroprotective Agents, (+)-Lycibarbarine A and (-)-Lycibarbarine B.

We describe the convergent total syntheses of lycibarbarines A and B which are potent neuroprotective agents recently isolated from the fruits of Lycium barbarum. The synthesis highlights the construction of a unique spiro oxazine heterocyclic motif imbedded in these natural products. The synthesis is accomplished from the commercially available 8-hydroxyquinaline and 2-deoxy-d-ribose as key starting materials. The synthesis features a Reimer-Tiemann reaction, selective amine alkylation with a keto tosylate derivative, and spiroketalization to form an oxazine core.

Potential role of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in glaucoma management: evidence from preclinical in vivo studies.

In recent years, the pharmacological benefits of herbal extracts have been revisited for their potential neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. The polysaccharides extracted from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L., or Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, exert their anti-aging effect through reducing oxidative stress, modulating the immune response, enhancing neuronal responses, and promoting cytoprotection. The therapeutic efficacy of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in preserving retinal ganglion cells and their functions was demonstrated in a range of experimental models of optic neuropathies. These include the acute and chronic ocular hypertension models, the partial optic nerve transection model, and the ischemic-reperfusion injuries model. Based on these findings, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides appear to be a good candidate to be developed as a neuroprotective agent for treating multifactorial diseases. This review aims to present a comprehensive review on the latest preclinical evidence on the pre- and post-treatment benefits of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection. The possible mechanisms of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides mediating retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection will also be described. Moreover, the potential research gaps in the effective translation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides treatment into clinical glaucoma management will be discussed.

Structure-activity relationship of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

As a traditional Chinese herb and functional food, the fruits of Lycium barbarum has been widely used for thousands of years in China. L. barbarum polysaccharides(LBPs) are predominant active components, which have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, and prebiotic activities. The molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond, branching degree, protein content, chemical modification, and spatial structure of LBPs are closely related to their biological activity. Based on the previous studies of this research team, this paper systematically combed and integrated the research progress of structure, function, and structure-activity relationship of LBPs. At the same time, some problems restricting the clarification of the structure-activity relationship of LBPs were considered and prospected, hoping to provide references for the high value utilization of LBPs and in-depth exploration of their health value.

Effect of combined ultrasonic and enzymatic assisted treatment on the fermentation process of whole Lycium barbarum (goji berry) fruit

The aim of this study was to optimize the conditions for combined ultrasonication and enzymatic treatment of whole fruit Lycium barbarum. The synergistic effects of ultrasonication and enzymatic treatment on the fermentation process, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity were investigated. Optimal combination of sonication time, enzyme ratio (cellulase: pectinase: protease), and enzyme concentration was determined by optimization experiments to be 10 min, 1:1:1, and 0.75%, respectively. Under these conditions, the fermentation process greatly accelerated, the viable cell count of the lactic acid bacteria after fermentation for 36 h reached (5.57 ± 0.38) × 108 CFU g−1 compared with (8.63 ± 0.29) × 107 CFU g−1 for samples without pretreatment. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of Lycium barbarum with pretreatment after fermentation for 36 h increased by 10.69% and 19.62%, respectively, compared with samples without pretreatment. The highest antioxidant activities, as measured by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, and superoxide anion scavenging assay, were obtained for the treated Lycium barbarum.

LBP1C-2 from Lycium barbarum alleviated age-related bone loss by targeting BMPRIA/BMPRII/Noggin

Age-related bone loss is unavoidable and effective safe drugs are in great need. The fruit of Lycium barbarum was recorded to strengthen bones in the “Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica)”. However, there lacks scientific explanation. Herein, we investigated L. barbarum water extract (LBE), L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and the homogeneous polysaccharide LBP1C-2 on the bone loss in adult mouse, aging mouse and ovariectomized mouse models. LBE, LBP and LBP1C-2 all markedly increased bone mass and bone strength in these models and promoted osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and ossification. Mechanistic studies showed that LBP1C-2 binds directly to the BMP receptors (BMPRIA and BMPRII) and noggin, activates the phosphorylation of Smad and disrupts the interaction between noggin and BMPs. Our results clearly elucidate the mechanism, the critical component and the direct targets of L. barbarum and provide potentially safe natural products and new drug candidate against age-related bone loss.

Immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide on influenza a virus infection

Influenza is caused by a respiratory virus and has a major global impact on human health. Influenza A viruses in particular are highly pathogenic to humans and have caused multiple pandemics. An important consequence of infection is viral pneumonia, and with serious complications of excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Therefore, simultaneously reducing direct damage caused by virus infection and relieving indirect damage caused by excessive inflammation would be an effective treatment strategy. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) is a mixture of five highly branched polysaccharide-protein conjuncts (LbGp1-5) isolated from Lycium barbarum fruit. LbGp has pro-immune activity that is 1–2 orders of magnitude stronger than that of other plant polysaccharides. However, there are few reports on the immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of LbGp. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of LbGp in vivo and in vitro and investigated its therapeutic effect on H1N1-induced viral pneumonia and mechanisms of action. In vitro, cytokine secretion, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and CD86 mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were constrained by LbGp treatment. In A549 cells, LbGp can inhibit H1N1 infection by blocking virus attachment and entry action. In vivo experiments confirmed that administration of LbGp can effectively increase the survival rate, body weight and decrease the lung index of mice infected with H1N1. Compared to the model group, pulmonary histopathologic symptoms in lung sections of mice treated with LbGp were obviously alleviated. Further investigation revealed that the mechanism of LbGp in the treatment of H1N1-induced viral pneumonia includes reducing the viral load in lung, regulating the phenotype of pulmonary macrophages, and inhibiting excessive inflammation. In conclusion, LbGp exhibits potential curative effects against H1N1-induced viral pneumonia in mice, and these effects are associated with its good immuno-regulatory and antiviral activities.

A purified fraction of polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. improves glucose homeostasis and intestinal barrier function in high-fat diet-fed mice.

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption can induce intestinal barrier dysfunction and disrupt glucose metabolism. Our previous studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides obtained from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (LBPs) could suppress acute experimental diabetes as well as colitis in mice. In the present study, the modulating effects of a purified fraction of LBPs, named LBPs-4, on glucose homeostasis and intestinal barrier function in mice fed with a HFD were investigated. Our results indicated that the oral administration of LBP-4 (200 mg per kg per day) improved hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and islet β-cell hyperplasia in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, LBPs-4 intervention enhanced the intestinal barrier integrity by increasing the expression levels of zonula occludens 1 and claudin-1 and the number of goblet cells in the colon. LBPs-4 also modulated the composition of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of butyrate producer Allobaculum and acetate producer Romboutsia. The results of fecal transplantation experiments, transferring of microbiota from LBPs-4-fed donor mice to HFD-fed recipient mice, validated the cause-effect relationship between LBPs-4-evoked changes in the gut microbiota and improvement of glucose homeostasis and intestinal barrier function. Collectively, these findings suggested that LBPs-4 might be developed as promising prebiotics to improve glucose metabolism and gut health.

Technologies of cultivation and processing of Lycium chinense Mill. and Lycium barbarum L. fruits in the conditions of Uzbekistan

The scientific article presents the study results of the effectiveness production of Goji berries in the conditions of Uzbekistan. The agrobiological features and cultivation technology of L. Chinense Mill and L. barbarum L. were studied. Planting of 2-3 year old seedlings is effective compared to annual plants. After planting of seedlings, irrigation was carried out 400-450 m3. Improving the efficiency of plant development depends on the introduction of humus, phosphorus and potash fertilizers. The fruit of L. chinense is 2 nested, syncarpous. The walls of the outer epidermis are thickened and cutinized. This explains that the plant can be grown in arid conditions. The yield is determined by the increase in soil quality, you can get 540 kg/ha. The amino acid composition of the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. is represented by 16 amino acids, including 9 essential ones. The technology of drying Goji fruits in the shade is considered the most acceptable, as it does not lose taste and juiciness. Introduced environmentally friendly methods of production and storage of products. The preparation of compote, conserve, jam and dried products is recommended. The plants were fed. Economic efficiency and production volume on plantations are shown.

Water extract of goji berries improves neuroinflammation induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet based on the bile acid-mediated gut-brain axis pathway.

The high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) is a common diet in westernized societies, which worsens disturbances in gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of Lycium barbarum fruits (LBE) on gut microbiota and BA metabolism in mice with HFFD-induced neuroinflammation. The results showed that supplementation of LBE for 14 weeks remarkably ameliorated weight gain and insulin resistance and suppressed microglial activation and neural neuroinflammation induced by HFFD. The results of Morris water maze and Y-maze tests demonstrated that LBE attenuated HFFD-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, LBE elevated hepatic BA biosynthesis and excretion of BAs and increased elimination of BAs via the feces. Notably, LBE supplementation resulted in the enrichment of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that LBE could modulate the structure of gut microbiota, and in the meantime decrease the relative abundance of Clostridium_XlVa, which is associated with BA homeostasis. Additionally, LBE exerted neuroprotective effects involving the increment of Lactococcus, known as a potentially beneficial bacterium. These results demonstrated that LBE could ameliorate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in HFFD-induced mice through the gut-liver-brain axis, which might be due to the regulation of BA homeostasis and gut microbiota in mice.

Exploring the effect of in vitro digestion on the phenolics and antioxidant activity of Lycium barbarum fruit extract

To assess the effect of the digestive system on the phenolics and antioxidant capacity of Lycium barbarum fruit, its extract was digested and analyzed in vitro. The results revealed that the phenolics/flavonoids contents and antioxidant capacity in the pH-treated group and digested group generally decreased by 4.39%–21.22% in the oral and intestinal digestions but increased by 1.26%–16.14% in the gastric digestion. The phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were highly correlated in digested groups (r > 0.899, p < 0.01). Five main phenolics including rutin, p-coumaric acid and its hexoside derivatives were identified and quantified, and these phenolics displayed higher stability during the digestion, implying that they may be the potential functional phenolics of L. barbarum fruit.

Characterization of carotenoids in Lycium barbarum fruit by using UPC2-PDA-Q-TOF-MSE couple with deep eutectic solvents extraction and evaluation of their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity.

Carotenoids from Lyciu m barbarum fruits have possessed pharmacological efficacy against eye diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the efficient extraction, rapid characterization and activities evaluation of Lycium carotenoids remains a challenge. To concentrate and characterize Lycium carotenoids, we have developed ultrasound-assisted extraction methods with different deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and analyzed carotenoids by ultra-performance convergence chromatography coupled with photo diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPC2-PDA-Q-TOF-MSE). DESs containing choline chloride and malonic acid presented better extraction efficiency and were more environmentally friendly than other extraction methods. Carotenoids were more quickly profiled (in 11min) by UPC2 compared to by UPLC (in 35min), with seventeen main peaks were characterized in the MS fragmentation patterns. The in vitro 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of DESs extracts, fractions and components were subsequently assessed, and the predominant component zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Our study provides a chemical and pharmacological basis for the further development of potential new drugs based on Lycium carotenoids.

Neuroprotective Effects of Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract on Pink1B9Drosophila Melanogaster Genetic Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Lycium barbarum (LB) is a famous traditional Chinese medicinal plant as well as food supplement possessing various pharmacological functions such as anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The Parkinson's disease (PD)-related kinase Pink1 plays vital role in maintaining the neuron cell homeostasis, having been recognized as a potential target for the development of anti-PD drugs. In this work, the neuroprotective effects of methanol extract of LB fruit (LBFE) were investigated using a Drosophila PD model (PINK1B9) and a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. We found that when LBFE was supplied to the PINK1B9 flies at 6, 12, and 18 days of age, it raised the ATP and dopamine levels at all ages, extended life span, improved motor behavior, and rescued olfactory deficits of the PINK1B9 flies. In addition, histopathological examinations indicated that muscle atrophy in thoraces of the mutant flies was significantly repaired. Finally, LBFE was able to rescue the SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity. This work reports for the first time the anti-PD potential of L. barbarum fruit extract in PINK1 mutant fruit flies, presenting a new viewpoint for studing the mechanism of action of LBFE.

Structural properties and hypoglycaemic activity of polysaccharides extracted from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. using various extraction media

The physical and chemical changes that occur during the preparation of polysaccharides are accompanied by changes in structure and biological activity. Different extraction media can affect the bioactivity of polysaccharides by altering their structural properties, including 1D composition, 2D conformation, and 3D morphology. In this study, polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. were comparatively extracted using water (LBPs-W), 0.1 M HCl (LBPs-Ac), 0.1 M NaOH (LBPs-Al), 0.1% enzyme (LBPs-E), and 6% ionic liquid (LBPs-ILs) aqueous solution, respectively. The physicochemical properties and structures of the five LBPs were compared, and significant differences existed in their chemical components, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution, glycosidic bond ratio, molecular conformation, and morphology. Of note, LBPs-ILs had the highest α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activities, which may be related to the different monosaccharide compositions, high branching degrees, rich porous structure, and triple helix structure. These results indicated that different media induce differences in structure and function in the process of polysaccharide extraction and dissolution. In addition, ILs are a promising and practical medium to extract hypoglycaemic LBPs from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. and may be used to extract polysaccharides from other plant resources. ● LBPs extracted from different extraction media showed different structural properties and physiological activity. ● LBPs-ILs had highest α-glucosidase, α-amylase and aldose reductase inhibitory activity. ● ILs was a most suitable media for the extraction of hypoglycemic LBPs from Lycium barbarum L.

In vitro antiviral activities of fruit extract from Lycium barbarum and methylxanthines extracted from Pu-erh and Bancha tea leaves.

Based on traditional medicine, many countries use various plant products (fruits, leaves and other plant parts) as food supplements or in the form of tea. The use of these plant sources has been established through the years of use and the proven benefits of their ingredients to improve human health.

The polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. modify the gut community profile and alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

In the present study, the effects of a purified fraction of polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (LBPs), named LBPs-4, on the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice were evaluated. The results showed that LBPs-4 decreased disease activity index score, prevented colon shortening and reduced plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and prostaglandin E2) in mice with colitis. LBPs-4 could increase the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium in gut microbiota, and it also mitigated the intestinal barrier damage by upregulating the level of tight junction protein ZO-1 and the number of goblet cells in colon. Moreover, the results of in vitro culture indicated that the growth of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CCX 19042 was promoted by LBPs-4, whereas the culture media of LBPs-4 by Bacteroides ovatus with or without addition of mucin could enhance the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. Collectively, these results suggested that LBPs-4 should be potential prebiotics for the treatment of colitis.

Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide prevents the development and progression of acute colitis by regulating the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in mice.

In most cases, recurrent chronic colitis is caused by the recurrence of acute colitis after incomplete recovery and re-exposure to irritating factors, and the gut microbiome, which is the largest micro-ecosystem in the human body, plays a crucial role in the development of colitis. Plant polysaccharides have always been reported to have the ability for anti-inflammation, and they are closely related to the gut microbiome. Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide (LbGP), the most potent component obtained by further isolation and purification from Lycium barbarum fruit, has been shown to inhibit inflammation in animal models. However, its therapeutic efficacy in colitis and its mechanism in gut microbiota regulation have not been fully studied. In our study, the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model was used to dynamically evaluate the effect of LbGP in the treatment of acute colitis and the mechanism from the perspective of the gut microbiome through the 16S rDNA sequence. The results showed that LbGP treatment significantly alleviated acute colitis and improved the gut microbiome compared with that in the model group. Harmful bacteria, such as Lachnoclostridium spp. and Parabacteroides_distasonis, were inhibited and probiotics, such as Bacteroides_acidifaciens, Lactobacillus spp., Turicibacter spp., and Alistipes spp., were increased by LbGP treatment. Further, a Random Forest analysis with 10-fold cross-validation identified a family named Muribaculaceae representing colitis development and recovery upon LbGP treatment. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the capability of LbGP to prevent the development of acute colitis by regulating the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota and highlighted the dynamic process of gut microbiota with the colitis progression. Further, it provides evidence to develop LbGP as a functional food supplement and future drug acting on intestinal disease.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide promotes proliferation of human melanocytes via activating the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway by inducing autophagy in vitro.

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by lack of functional melanocytes. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has been demonstrated to preserve keratinocytes and fibroblasts against oxidative stress. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of LBP on autophagy in H2 O2 -damaged human melanocytes. Cellular viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and electron microscopy were performed to detect autophagy. The protein expression level of Nrf2 and p62 were assessed by western blotting. Plasmid transfection and lentiviral infection were used to overexpress and silence Nrf2 in PIG1 cells. LBP promoted the proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of H2 O2 -damaged PIG1 cells. LBP increased the proliferation of H2 O2 -damaged PIG1 cells via induction of autophagy, and Nrf2 shRNA experiment confirmed that LBP activated the Nrf2/p62 signal pathway. These results suggest that LBP may be used for the treatment of vitiligo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Goji berry is the mature and dried fruit of Lycium barbarum L., which is a common food with a long history in China, as well as a Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our previous research found that LBP could activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway in an ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage model of keratinocytes, and increase the levels of phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes. We firstly confirmed the anti-vitiligo effects of L. barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) by inducing autophagy and promoted proliferation of human melanocytes, and LBP induced autophagy via activating the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway in this study. These results proved that LBP can be an effective therapy for vitiligo treatment.