Lycium Chinense Fruits Research Articles

Study on Betaine and Growth Characteristics of Lycium chinense Mill. in Different Cultivation Environments in South Korea.

Betaine is a useful compound that has various activities and is the marker compound of Lycium chinense fruit in Korean Pharmacopoeia. we seek to support the stable production of medicinal goji berries, which have significant potential in the pharmaceutical industry due to their high values, and to provide foundational data for consistent quality control. This study's purpose was to examine the correlation among betaine content, environmental variables, and the growth characteristics of L. chinense fruits. The fruits were collected from 25 cultivation sites across South Korea. We investigated five growth characteristics and betaine contents in L. chinense fruits and twelve soil physicochemical properties, and seven meteorological data at cultivation sites. The fruit's growth characteristics included a length of 15.62-26.49 mm, a width of 7.09-11.38 mm, a fresh weight of 0.73-1.62 g, and a sugar content of 11.10-19.62 Brix°. Its betaine content ranged from 0.54% to 0.97%. The betaine content was positively correlated with electrical conductivity (0.327 **), exchangeable potassium (0.314 **), and sodium (0.259 *) and negatively correlated with annual average minimum temperature (-0.256 *) and annual average temperature (-0.242 *). Also, betaine showed a positive correlation with the length of the fruit (0.294 *) and the fresh weight of the fruit (0.238 *). These results can be used to find the best cultivation method and to manage quality control for the highly economical L. chinense fruit.

Photocatalytic Activity of Orchid-Flower-Shaped ZnO Nanoparticles, toward Cationic and Anionic Dye Degradation under Visible Light, and Its Anti-Cancer Potential

Orchid-flower-shaped ZnO nanomaterials were successfully synthesized via green synthesis and an eco-friendly approach using an aqueous extract of Lycium chinense fruit as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized Lycium chinense orchid-flower-shaped ZnO (LC-ZnO/OF) nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using different analytical methods through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL). The FE-TEM analysis revealed the orchid flower shape of the nanoparticles, and the elemental composition was confirmed via XPS analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was determined by the degrading cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and the anionic dye Eosin Y (EY) under visible light irradiation at (400 w) within 180 min time, where it showed a significant ability to degrade both cationic and anionic dye by almost 50%. The LC-ZnO/OF photocatalyst was also used to check the toxicity level in human cancer cells, where it exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity to the human lung cancer (A549 cell line) and human gastric adenocarcinoma hyperdiploid (AGS cell line). The present investigation suggests that LC-ZnO/OF has the potential photocatalytic ability to degrade toxic dye as well as have anti-cancer effects. These preliminary results suggest that LC-ZnO/OF could have a significant impact on the environmental and biomedical fields.

Effect of an extract of Pinus koraiensis leaves, Lycium chinense fruit, and Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. leaves on liver function in excessive drinkers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

• GGT significantly decreased in the women PLC group compared with the placebo group. • TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C significantly decreased in the PLC group after 12-weeks. • Some item of FSS questionnaire improved in PLC group after 12-weeks. • No adverse event and safety issue for 12-week intake PLC. Chronic alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we examined the effect of an extract of Pinus koraiensis leaves, Lycium chinense fruit, and Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. leaves (PLC) on liver function in Korean. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 50 excessive drinkers. The subjects were randomly assigned to PLC (n = 25, 2,000 mg/day) or placebo (n = 25) groups. Blood liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and antioxidant enzymes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. GGT level significantly decreased in women in the test group compared with the placebo group (-2.50 ± 3.54 U/L vs. 3.80 ± 11.23 U/L, P = 0.006). TC (-13.04 ± 25.65 mg/dL, P = 0.020) and LDL-C (-10.33 ± 24.15 mg/dL, P = 0.047) levels reduced in the test group after 12 weeks. Although PLC, appears the possibility of improving liver function in excessive drinkers, however, a larger scale and long-term intervention study should be performed.

Multi-Targeted Metabolic Profiling of Carotenoids, Phenolic Compounds and Primary Metabolites in Goji (Lycium spp.) Berry and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Reveals Inter and Intra Genus Biomarkers.

Metabolic profile is a key component of fruit quality, which is a challenge to study due to great compound diversity, especially in species with high nutritional value. This study presents optimized analytical methods for metabolic profiling in the fruits of three Solanaceae species: Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense and Solanum lycopersicum. It includes the most important chemical classes involved in nutrition and taste, i.e., carotenoids, phenolic compounds and primary compounds. Emphasis has been placed on the systematic achievement of good extraction yields, sample stability, and high response linearity using common LC-ESI-TQ-MS and GC-EI-MS apparatuses. A set of 13 carotenoids, 46 phenolic compounds and 67 primary compounds were profiled in fruit samples. Chemometrics revealed metabolic markers discriminating Lycium and Solanum fruits but also Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense fruits and the effect of the crop environment. Typical tomato markers were found to be lycopene, carotene, glutamate and GABA, while lycibarbarphenylpropanoids and zeaxanthin esters characterized goji (Lycium spp.) fruits. Among the compounds discriminating the Lycium species, reported here for the first time to our knowledge, chlorogenic acids, asparagine and quinic acid were more abundant in Lycium chinense, whereas Lycium barbarum accumulated more lycibarbarphenylpropanoids A-B, coumaric acid, fructose and glucose.

Multivariate statistical analysis of the comparative antioxidant activity of the total phenolics and tannins in the water and ethanol extracts of dried goji berry (Lycium chinense) fruits

Multivariate statistical analysis of the comparative antioxidant activity of the total phenolics and tannins in the water and ethanol extracts of dried goji berry (Lycium chinense) fruits

Standardized Lycium chinense fruit extract enhances attention and cognitive function in healthy young people by a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Background:Lycium chinense fruit (LCF) is widely distributed in East Asia that has been used traditionally for antiaging purposes. This study was performed to examine the effects of LCF on attention and cognitive function in healthy young people.Materials and Methods:An 11-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of 74 patients was conducted and its data were collected on Kyung-Hee University Korean Medical Hospital, Seoul, Korea. In crossover treatment, LCF or placebo was administered three times a day, total 3600 mg as two capsules of 600 mg once for 4 weeks with 3-week washout each. The computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), the Korean version of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder rating scale-IV, the clinical global impression rating scale, and the Frankfurt attention inventory (FAIR) for two groups were conducted 0 week before and 4 week, 11 week after the experiment, and significant mean changes of these tests for within group or two groups were measured by paired t-test or unpaired t-test.Results:The administration of LCF or placebo crossover for 8 weeks in healthy young people presented significant improvement in the verbal learning test, digit span forward test, digit span backward test, auditory continuous performance task of CNT, and FAIR-performance value compared with the placebo group (each group n = 43, P < 0.05).Conclusion:Thus, the consumption of LCF might be beneficial to increase learning and memory through attention and cognitive enhancing effect in normal young people, at an average age of 18 years of age.

Facile synthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles using fruit extract of Lycium chinense and their anticancer activity

A simple green approach for the synthesis of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles was prepared using Lycium chinense (LC) fruit extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by relevant surface plasmon resonance peaks for gold and silver nanoparticles at 536 and 480 nm, respectively, with an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. The confirmation of gold and silver elements in the synthesized NPs with maximum distribution profiles and the crystallographic nature of the synthesized NPs were confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction analysis. LC-prepared silver NPs (LC-AgNPs) antimicrobial activity demonstrated inhibitory activity against pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized LC-prepared gold NPs (LC-AuNPs) did not show inhibitory activity. The LC-AgNPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity to the human breast cancer MCF7 cell line and less cytotoxicity to non-diseased RAW264.7 (murine macrophage) cells, whereas LC-AuNPs showed minimal toxicity to both cell lines. The rapidly synthesized NPs could play a role in the field of nanotechnology and in biomedical applications.

Lycii fructus extract ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity through indirect antioxidant action.

LFE: Lycii Fructus extract; GSH: glutathione; NQO1: NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1; HO-1: heme oxygenase-1; GCLC: glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit; xCT: a component of cysteine/glutamate antiporter (cystine/glutamate exchanger); CYP1A1: cytochrome P450 1A1; GSH: glutathione; AhR: aryl hydrocarbon receptor; Nrf2: nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; CGA: chlorogenic acid; RT-PCR: reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; DTT: dithiothreitol; PMSF: phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; ARE: antioxidant response element; XRE: xenobiotic responsive element.

Antioxidant and proliferative activity of the fruit extract of Lycium chinense in regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy in rats

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity and effect of a hot water extract of Lycium chinense fruit (LFE) on liver regeneration induced by Partial Hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Methods: Antioxidant activity of LFE was determined. Rats were divided into three groups; laparotomized (sham, n=15), 70% PH (control, n=25), and LFE-treated after PH (experimental, n=35). Starting 7 days before PH, rats received DW or LFE (500 mg/kg in DW) orally once a day until sacrifice. Rats were sacrificed on d 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 7 after surgery. Liver regeneration ratio and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) expression were determined through immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: Final extraction yield of LFE was 36.0%. LFE scavenged the DPPH and the ABTS radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 of LFE on DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity was 5.97 mg/ml and 2.53 mg/ml, respectively. The extent of liver regeneration seen in the experimental group (91.29%) at 7 d after PH was greater than that in the control group (89.43%). After PH, the liver reconstruction process involving collapse, re-arrangement and re-modelling of hepatic tissue was observed to happen sooner in the experimental group. The number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes obviously increased in the experimental group. PCNA-positive hepatocyte ratio peaked at 2 and 3 d in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Conclusions: Administration of LFE had beneficial effects on the regenerative capacity of remnant liver tissue after 70% PH in rats, probably owing to its antioxidant and proliferative properties.

Supplementation with Lycium chinense fruit extract attenuates methionine choline-deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice

Previous studies have reported that Lycium chinense fruit extract (LFE) attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity. Here, we investigated whether dietary LFE supplementation prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development induced by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. C57BLS/J-m mice were fed a normal chow diet or an MCD diet with or without LFE for 4weeks by daily oral gavage. MCD-diet-fed mice exhibited significantly lower body weights and a higher degree of steatohepatitis with increased steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis, which were partially or totally prevented by dietary supplementation with LFE. The efficacy of LFE was comparable to the effect elicited by treatment with betaine, a main constituent of LFE. Mechanistically, the hepatoprotective effects were associated with reduced JNK and increased ERK activities. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of dietary LFE supplementation for preventing the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with higher risk factors for NASH.

Identification of new pyrrole alkaloids from the fruits of Lycium chinense.

Three new minor pyrrole alkaloids, 3-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]pentanedioic acid (1), (2R)-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]-1-methoxy-1-oxobutanoic acid (2), and methyl (2R)-[2-formyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]-4-methylpentanoate (3) were isolated from the fruits of Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae), along with the known compound, methyl (2R)-[2-formyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]-3-(phenyl)propanoate (4). The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by analysis of their 1D- and 2D-NMR and HRMS data. The absolute configurations of 2-4, possessing a stereogenic center in each structure, were determined by comparison of their experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) with those of calculated ECD values.

약용식물 메탄올 추출물의 항산화 및 항당뇨 활성

The purpose of this study was to measure total phenolic compounds as a measure of antioxidant activity as well as α-amylase inhibitory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as a measure of anti-diabetic efficacy in methanol extracts from 23 kinds of medicinal plants. Extracts of three medicinal plant species showing high total polyphenol contents were selected (Euonymus alatus stem, Taxus cuspidata fruit, and Eucommia ulmoides leaf). Extracts of six medicinal plant species showing over 60% DPPH radical scavenging activity were also selected [Eucommia ulmoides barks (80.10%), Lycium chinense roots (64.25%), Euonymus alatus stem (73.59%), Lespedeza cuneata (78.20%), Taxus cuspidata fruits (70.52%), and Tilia taquetii leaf and stem (67.81%)]. Regarding α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities acarbose showing approximately 80% inhibitory activity was selected as a control group, and six species (Eucommia ulmoides heartwood, Eucommia ulmoides bark, Euonymus alatus stem, Dioscorea batatas, Coix lachryma-jobi, and Phaseolus radiatus) showed greater than 80% α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Extracts of nine medicinal plant. species showing over 80% α-amylase inhibitory activity (Pueraria thunbergiana root, Eucommia ulmoides bark, Eucommia ulmoides leaf, Lycium chinense fruits, Euonymus alatus leaf and stem, Euonymus alatus stem, Sasa borealis whole, Dioscorea batatas leaf and stem, and Tilia taquetii leaf and stem). Based on these results, medicinal plants showing high antioxidant and antidiabetic activities can be used as fundamental products in developing new medicines, as well as functional foods to prevent adult disease.

Salicylic acid treatment enhances expression of chalcone isomerase gene and accumulation of corresponding flavonoids during fruit maturation of Lycium chinense

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is a key gene involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonoids are important active ingredients in goji berries. Goji berry is a fruit with multi-nutrients consumed all over the world. Up to now, expression patterns of CHI gene and the regulation of flavonoid accumulation in goji berries still remain unknown. In this work, a CHI gene was cloned from fruits of Lycium chinense and was given the name LcCHI. Its relative expression and accumulation of total corresponding flavonoids during fruit maturation were investigated. During the fruit maturation, the expression of LcCHI gene increased gradually, and the accumulation of total flavonoids showed an overall upward trend. This study also showed that the expression of LcCHI gene and the content of total flavonoids in the goji berries could be up-regulated by exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment. A reactive oxygen species-dependent signaling pathway was suggested to be involved in this process. This research showed that the expression of LcCHI gene was positively correlated with total flavonoid accumulation and the regulation of them by SA could be a potential approach to produce more desired and valuable flavonoids in goji berries.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of new constituents from the fruits of Lycium chinense

Two new compounds as labd-7,11-dien-3β, 13α-diol-3α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c → 1d)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2d → 1e)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2f → 1g)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), and 5 (6), 11 (12), 15 (15′), 5′ (6′), 11′ (12′)-decadehydro-β-carotenyl-4β,4′β-diol-4-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c → 1d)-β-l-arabinopyranosido-4′-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2f → 1g)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2g → 1h)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2h → 1i)-β-l-arabinopyranoside (2) along with known compound have been isolated from the methanol extract of fruits of Lycium chinense. Their chemical structures were established with the help of physical, chemical, and spectroscopic methods. The compounds 1 and 2 were investigated for scavenging of the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and the phosphomolybdenum activity, and the results demonstrate that the compound (1) has potential as a natural antioxidant whereas the compound (2) exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.

New Acyclic Triterpenoid Glycoside Constituent from the Fruits of Lycium chinense

New Acyclic Triterpenoid Glycoside Constituent from the Fruits of Lycium chinense

P208 Évaluation des effets d’Han Hepa® sur les fonctions hépatiques : une étude contrôlée, randomisée et menée en double aveugle vs placebo

Potential biologically active new constituents labd-3β, 9β-diol-3α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2c → 1d)-α-d-arabinofuranosyl-2d-p-hydroxybenzoate (1) and α-d-glucuronopyranosyl (2 → 1′)-α-d-glucuronopyranosyl (2′ → 1″)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-2″-n-octadec-9‴-enoate (2) along with β-sitosterol-β-d-glucoside were isolated from the fruits of Lycium chinense. Their chemical structures were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic studies. The structure assignments are based on two-dimensional (2D)-NMR techniques including COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY experiments. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for antioxidant activities with three assay protocols such as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum activity, compound 2 showed more potential as compared with 1.

New polyglucopyranosyl and polyarabinopyranosyl of fatty acid derivatives from the fruits of Lycium chinense and its antioxidant activity

Four new compounds 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid 3-octadecanoyl-4-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl (2a→1b)-2a-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), 2,6,10-trimethyl-n-dodec-2-en-1-oyl-1-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2d→1e)-2d-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e→1f)-2e-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2f→1g)-2f-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (2), n-docos-9,12-dienoyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2d→1e)-2d-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2e→1f)-2e-O-α-d-glucopyranoside (3), β-d-glucopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-β-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-β-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-β-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2d→1e)-2d-O-β-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e→1f)-2e-O-β-l-arabinopyranoside (4) along with some know compounds, were isolated and identified from a methanol extract Lycium chinense fruits. Their structures were determined of the new compounds using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies in combination by IR, FAB/MS and HR-FAB/MS. The compounds 1–4 were investigated for the antioxidant potential using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum activity and the results demonstrate that the compounds (2 and 3) has potential as a natural antioxidant whereas the compound (4) exhibited moderate activity and the compound (1) exhibited weak antioxidant activity.

New glycosidic constituents from fruits of Lycium chinense and their antioxidant activities

Potential biologically active new constituents labd-3β, 9β-diol-3α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-α-d-arabinofuranosyl-2d-p-hydroxybenzoate (1) and α-d-glucuronopyranosyl (2→1′)-α-d-glucuronopyranosyl (2′→1″)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-2″-n-octadec-9‴-enoate (2) along with β-sitosterol-β-d-glucoside were isolated from the fruits of Lycium chinense. Their chemical structures were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic studies. The structure assignments are based on two-dimensional (2D)-NMR techniques including COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY experiments. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for antioxidant activities with three assay protocols such as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and the phosphomolybdenum activity, compound 2 showed more potential as compared with 1.

New tetraterpene glycosides from the fruits of Lycium chinense

Two new compounds lyciumtetraterpenic hexaarabinoside (1) and tetraterpenyl hexaarabinoside (2), along with two known compounds, were isolated from the methanol extract of the fruits of Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae), and their structures have been elucidated as 6-(1,1,5-trimethyl-5α-hydroxycyclohexanyl)-6′-(1′,1′,5′-trimethyl-2′β-hydroxycyclohexanyl)-9,13,9′,13′-tetramethyloctadec-7,9,11,13,15,7′,9′,11′,13′-nonene-5α-D-arabinopyranosyl(2a → 1b)-β-D-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-β-D-arabinopyranosyl-2′-β-D-arabinopyranosyl-(2d → 1e)-α-D-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-α-D-arabinopyranoside (1) and 1(6),11(12),13(14),1′(6′),11′(12′),13′(14′)-dodecahydro-β-caroten-4β,4′β-diol-4β-L-arabinopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-β-D-arabinopyranosido-4′β-L-arabinopyranosyl-(2d → 1e)-β-L-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-β-D-arabinopyranoside (2) on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.

Glycerol Derivatives of Fatty Acids from the Fruits of Lycium chinense

Glycerol Derivatives of Fatty Acids from the Fruits of Lycium chinense