Lycium Research Articles

Fruit ripening in Lycium barbarum and Lycium ruthenicum is associated with distinct gene expression patterns.

Goji berries have been used as food and medicine for millennia. Due to their high morphological similarity, fruits of two distinct species belonging to the family Solanaceae, Lycium barbarum (LB) and Lycium chinense (Chinese boxthorn), are usually marketed together as goji berries, but nearly 90% of all commercially available goji berries belong to the former species. A third closely related species, a wild perennial thorny shrub native to north‐western China, Lycium ruthenicum (LR; known as Russian box thorn, and its fruit as black wolfberry), has become a popular choice for combating soil desertification and for alleviating soil salinity/alkalinity due to its high resistance to the harsh environment of saline deserts. Despite the phylogenetic closeness of LB and LR, their fruits are very different. To identify the genes involved in these distinct phenotypes, here we studied expression patterns of 22 transcriptional regulators that may be crucial drivers of these differences during five developmental stages. BAM1 may contribute to higher sugar content in LB. High expression of BFRUCT in ripe LR is likely to be an evolutionary adaptation to fruit ripening in an arid environment. Two arogenate dehydratase paralogues, CHS and LDOX, are probably crucial elements of the mechanism by which LR accumulates much higher levels of anthocyanin. DXS2 (carotenoid accumulation in LB) and CCD4 (carotenoid degradation in ripe LR fruit) may be crucial drivers behind the much higher content of carotenoids in LB. EIL3 and ERF5 are two transcription factors that may contribute to the higher abiotic stress resilience of LR. GATA22‐like appears to have more important roles in growth than ripening in LB fruit and vice versa in LR. HAT5‐like exhibited opposite temporal patterns in two fruits: high in the 1st stage in LB and high in the 5th stage in LR. PED1 was expressed at a much lower level in LR. Finally, we hypothesise that the poorly functionally characterised SCL32 gene may play a part in the increased resistance to environmental stress of LR. We suggest that BAM1, BFRUCT, EIL3, ERF5, ADT paralogues (for functional redundancy), PED1, GATA22‐like, HAT5‐like and SCL32 warrant further functional studies.

Effects of the mannose, the major component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, and its potential target metabolite inositol on mouse β-TC6 cells

To investigate the effects of mannose, the major component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, and its potential target metabolite, inositol, on mouse islet β-TC6 cells. Different concentrations(0, 4. 6875, 9. 375, 18. 75, 37. 5, 75 and 150 μg/mL) of mannose or inositol were used to intervene β-TC6 cells for 24 hours, and the proliferation activity of cells was determined by CCK-8 method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect insulin secretion after the intervention of the β-TC6 cells from different concentration of the mannose or inositol(0, 18. 75, 75 and 150 μg/mL) combining with glucose stimulation(20 mmol/L) for 60 minutes. Pioglitazone(3. 92 mg/L) was set up as positive group, and after intervention of the mannose or inositol(0, 9. 375, 18. 75, 75 and 150 μg/mL) for 24 h, the expression levels of insulin, glucose kinase(GK), glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) and glycogen synthase(GS) mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Compared with the control group, mannose and inositol promoted the proliferation of β-TC6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner(18. 75-150 μg/mL)(P<0. 05). Although the inositol solution of 4. 6875 μg/mL and 9. 375 μg/mL had a tendency to promote cell proliferation, there was no statistical difference(P>0. 05). After stimulation with 20 mmol/L glucose combining with different intervention concentrations(18. 75, 75 and 150 μg/mL) of mannose or inositol, no significant difference was observed in the insulin secretion of each group(P>0. 05) comparing with the control group. RT-qPCR result showed that 150 μg/mL mannose increased the expression level of GLUT4(P<0. 01) and the expression levels of GK and GLUT4 genes in the 75 μg/mL inositol group were significantly increased(P<0. 01). The expression level of GLUT4 was improved only when the concentration was decreased to 18. 75 μg/mL in inositol group(P<0. 01). Mannose and inositol can improve the expression of GLUT4 mRNA, which may help to increase glucose uptake by peripheral cells. In addition, inositol can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by increasing the expression level of GK mRNA.

Comparison of biological characteristics and fruit quality of anthropogenic lines of Lycium barbarum

Comparison of biological characteristics and fruit quality of anthropogenic lines of Lycium barbarum

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

Composition differences of polyphenolic compounds in fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and Lycium barbarumL.

Composition differences of polyphenolic compounds in fruits of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and Lycium barbarumL.

Efecto de la fragmentación del bosque sobre las fuentes potenciales de alimento para aves en Córdoba

Fil: Verga, Ernesto Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal; Argentina

The protective effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on oxidative stress in cavernous tissue of diabetic rats

Objective To investigate the protective effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP) on oxidative stress in cavernous tissue of diabetic rats. Methods After mating confirmed normal sexual function at 20 months of diabetes of 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=30) and control group (n=30), there were 1 rats each died off in the two groups. The rats in the experimental group were subjected to intragastric administration of LBP, and the rats in control group were given the same amount of normal saline. Rats were killed 6 weeks after administration. Experimental rats of two groups were observed in general, including mental status, appetite, drinking, body weight, hair color and other activities. Rat corpus cavernosum tissue superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase were compared between the two groups. Results The rats in control group were aging, polyphagia, polyuria and weight loss, and there was relatively active, strong appetite, good mental state, increased body weight in experimental group. the rat corpus cavernosum superoxide dismutase activity of experimental group was (152.35±8.48) mgprot/mL, significantly higher than the control group (134.42±10.71) mgprot/mL, the MDA content was (5.41±0.26) nmol/mgprot, significantly lower than the control group (6.69±0.95) nmol/mgprot, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Enzyme activity and the content of nitric oxide were observed in the penis of rats were (17.73±1.45) U/mgprot, (6.93±1.18) mol/mgprot, significantly higher than the control group (14.56±1.84) U/mgprot and (4.72±1.49) mol/mgprot, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions LBP has protective effect on oxidative stress in penile injury in diabetic rats, and oxidative stress injury of erectile tissue by supplement of LBP and improves erectile ability. Key words: Diabetes Mellitus; Penis; Oxidative Stress; Disease Models, Animal; Lycium; Rats

Anthocyanins of Wild and Cultivated Lycium ruthenicum Murr.by Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction Process

Anthocyanins of Wild and Cultivated Lycium ruthenicum Murr.by Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction Process

Compounds from Lycium ruthenicum

Compounds from Lycium ruthenicum

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide improves erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats by protecting cavernous endothelial function

Objective To observe the effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP) on the function of cavernous endothelial function in diabetic erectile dysfunction rats. Methods The rats were treated with LBP and devided into DMED and normal control group. The erectile function and electric stimulation of corpus cavernosum were measured, and the intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis of corpus cavernosum. The number of cavernous body was detected by paraffin section and HE staining. Results In the LBP treatment group, the erectile rate, the ICP, ICP / MAP and the cavernous cell apoptosis rate of the DMED group were significantly different from those of the normal control group (P<0.05), the LBP treatment group (P<0.05). Compared with DMED group, the number of cavernous capillaries in the DMED group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The number of cavernous capillaries in DMED group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with DMED group, the number of cavernous capillaries in rats treated with LBP was significantly different (P<0.05). Conclusions LBP on diabetic rats can significantly improve function of cavernous endothelial and has a good therapeutic effect for erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats. Key words: Erectile Dysfunction; FRUCTUS LYCII; Polysaccharides; Endothelium; Rats

Application of case teaching in genetics courses to students majoring in forestry.

Undergraduate students majoring in forestry generally reflect that genetics is one of the most difficult compul-sory courses, because the traditional teaching method is difficult to satisfy their needs. According to the theoretical charac-teristics of forestry and actual demands of the students, in the light of teaching and research experience in recent years, we adopted a series of typical genetic cases such as 'opening coffin to identify relatives', stem-throne of Lycium ruthenicum Murr, and magic powers in Harry Potter. Our practices revealed that the case teaching in genetics could train good personality traits, learning abilities and creativity of the students, stimulate their interests and initiatives in learning, and increase systematic learning.

Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor-1α in ultraviolet B-radiated HaCaT cells

Objective To evaluate effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in ultraviolet B (UVB) -radiated HaCaT cells. Methods Conventionally cultured HaCaT cells were divided into control group and LBP groups, which were firstly treated with DMEM, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100 μg/ml LBP solution respectively for 4 hours, and then were irradiated by UVB at different intensity of 0, 20, 40, 60 mJ/cm2 separately. After 24-hour continuing culture, CCK-8 assay was performed to determine the cell survival rate, and an enzymatic-biochemical method to estimate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) . RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF respectively. Results Compared with the control group at the same UVB radiation dose, the 12.5-, 25.0-and 100.0-μg/ml LBP groups showed different extents of increase in survival rates of UVB-radiated cells (P < 0.05) , and the 50.0-μg/ml LBP group showed the highest cell survival rate (P < 0.01) . Among all the LBP groups, SOD activity was highest in the 50.0-μg/ml LBP group (P < 0.01) . Along with the increase of UVB radiation dose, the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF all gradually increased. Compared with the control group, the 50.0-μg/ml LBP group could effectively reduce the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in HaCaT cells (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion LBP may play a role in protecting cells from UVB radiation-mediated damage, likely by influencing the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in HaCaT cells. Key words: Ultraviolet rays; Lycium barbarum; Polysaccharides; Endothelial growth factors; Hypoxia inducible factor 1α; HaCaT cells

Comparison of morphology and structure of stem and leaf of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. under different soil conditions.

Comparison of morphology and structure of stem and leaf of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. under different soil conditions.

Protective effect of polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum Murray against ultraviolet B radiation-induced photodamage in HaCaT cells

Objective To evaluate preventive effect of polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum Murray against photodamage in HaCaT cells, and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to extract polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum Murray in Qaidam Basin. In vitro cultured HaCaT cells were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group receiving no treatment, ultraviolet B (UVB) group irradiated with 30 mJ/cm2 UVB alone for 1 hour, experimental group pretreated with 2 g/L Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharide solution followed 6 hours later by 30 mJ/cm2 UVB radiation for 1 hour. At twelve hours after UVB radiation, an inverted microscope was used to observe cell morphology. Then, MTS assay was performed to estimate cell proliferation, flow cytometry to detect cell apoptosis, an enzyme-labeled antigen method to detect levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) , as well as to evaluate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) , and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in HaCaT cells and their culture supernatant. Results Compared with the control group, the UVB group showed obscure cell morphology, cell death and floating phenomenon, while cells became swollen but remained morphologically distinct in the experimental group. MTS assay revealed that the cell proliferative activity significantly differed among the above 3 groups (F= 48.88, P 0.05) . Conclusion Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharide has protective effects against photodamage in HaCaT cells, likely by reducing the synthesis and secretion of inflammatory substances as well as free radicals. Key words: Lycium barbarum; Polysaccharides; Keratinocytes; Ultraviolet rays; Oxidative stress; Interleukin-1; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Evaluation of the Stability of Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murr.from Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Evaluation of the Stability of Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murr.from Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Comparative Study on Three Pretreatment Methods for Atomic Absorptive Spectrophotometry Determination of Metal Elements in Lycium Barbarum.

A simple, fast and accurate method was explored to determine the mineralelements in Lycium barbaru.Three different pretreatment methods, including dry ashing method, HNO3-H2O2 and HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion, method were employed for digestion of the samples of Lycium barbaru. The concentrations of Na，K，Ca，Mg，Fe，Cu，Zn，Ni，Pb and Cd were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The experimental results showed that the recovery rates of dry ashing method, HNO3-H2O2 and HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method were in the ranges from 89.88% to 102.15%, 92.34% to 103.21% and 94.52% to 102.10% respectively; the relative standard deviation (RSD) of dry ashing method, HNO3-H2O2 and HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method were lower than 3.037%, 2.751% and 2.496% separately. The RSD and recovery of three pretreatment methods were all satisfied with the analysis requirements. But compared with dry ashing method and HNO3-H2O2 wet digestion method, the recovery of HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method was better, and the precision was higher. Besides, compared with three pretreatment methods, the average value of Na, K, Ca, Fe and Cd had statistical difference (p<0.05), and HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method was significantly higher than others.In addition, HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method taken a shorter time and less consumption of reagents. Therefore, HNO3-HClO4 wet digestion method can be used as the preferably pretreatment method for the determination of the contents of metal elements by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.

FIRST REPORT OF POWDERY MILDEW, CAUSED BY ARTHROCLADIELLA MOUGEOTII, ON GOJI BERRY IN TURKEY

Lycium barbarum, known as Goji berry or wolfberry, is a Chinese medicine plant in the family Solanaceae, and has been recently cultivated in Bolu, Turkey. During autumn 2015, severe powdery mildew symptoms were observed on Goji berry plantation area. White to grayish white fungal mycelia were shown on leaves and stems. Also, brownish discolorations and defoliation were exhibited. Microscope examination showed that conidia were formed in chains, hyaline, short-cylindrical and their length and width ranged from 19 to 31 (mean=26.2) μm and from 10 to 14.5 (mean=13.2) μm, respectively. Apothecial structures were not observed. The fungus was identified as Arthrocladiella mougeotii on the basis of morphological characteristics and the host specialization (Braun, 1987). To verify the identification, DNA isolation was performed by using the conidia collected by scraping from surface of infected leaves. The rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including 5.8S rDNA was amplified using primers ITS5 (White et al., 1990) and p3 (Kusaba and Tsuge, 1995) and sequenced. The amplified 640 bp product (GenBank accession No. KX017568) revealed 99% genetic similarity with the sequences of an A. mougeotii isolate previously reported (AB022380). Pathogenicity was performed by gently pressing diseased leaves onto young leaves of one-year-old healthy plants. Non-inoculated Goji berry plants were used as control. All plants were transferred to a greenhouse. A month later, the fungus having identical morphological features was observed only on infected plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. mougeotii on Goji berry in Turkey.

Chromosomal changes and recent diversification in the Andean genusJaborosa(Solanaceae)

Fil: Chiarini, Franco Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biologia Vegetal; Argentina

Decellularized nerve xenograft combined with lycium barbarum polysaccharide for repair of sciatic nerve defect in rats

Objective To explore the effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and decellularized nerve xenograft combination on nerve regeneration and recovery in repairing rat sciatic nerve defects. Methods Xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffolds were prepared by chemical extraction of tibial nerves from rabbits. A 10 mm left sciatic nerve defect model was created in 90 healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats who were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank group (n=18), model group (n=18), LBP group (n=18), scaffold group (n=18), LBP and scaffold combination group (n=18). Two weeks after model creation. The sciatic nerve defect in LBP, scaffold and combination groups was repaired either by LBP, by scaffold, or by the LBP xenograft combination. After the second surgery, the rats survived for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. Gross observation of the scaffold, nerve conduction study to measure sciatic nerve motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), and neuromorphometry analysis of the graft were carried out at these three time points. Results Neuroma formation at the proximal nerve end was observed in the model group and LBP group. Adhesion of nerve ends to the surrounding tissue was more severe in the model group than in the LBP group. The sizes of the nerve grafts in the scaffold group and combination group were comparable. Proficient vascularization on the surface of these grafts was seen. There was only slight adhesion to the surrounding tissue. The regenerated nerve fibers in the combination group were denser and better oriented. Motor nerve conduction velocity recovery and the number of myelinated nerve fibers in the grafts were measured at 12 weeks postoperatively for blank, model, LBP, scaffold and combination groups, respectively. The differences among the groups were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of LBP and xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffold enhances peripheral nerve regeneration and recovery when used to repair nerve defects. Key words: Sciatic nerve; Nerve regeneration; Xenogeneic acellular nerve scaffold; Lycium barbarum polysaccharide

Effect of abrasive pretreatment on hot dried goji berry

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a Solanaceous deciduous shrub that grows in China, Tibet and other parts of Asia. Nowadays, goji berries are known as being very rich in nutrients with high antioxidant capacity, fact for which they were included in the novel category of “superfruits”. Goji berries contain high amounts of antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin A and zeaxanthin. Most of goji berries produced are dried because they are very delicate fruits. Drying process improves fruit stability, since it decreases considerably the water activity of the food, reduces microbiological and enzymatic activity and minimizes physical and chemical reactions during storage. However, drying of goji berries can be difficult due to the wax layer surrounding the fruit and the health properties may be reduced by long exposure to high temperatures.In this study, a physical wax abrasive pretreatment was used to carefully remove the wax layer and reduce drying time. The abrasion of the goji peel was carried out in a motorized drum lined inside with sandpaper. The rotating time was optimized to reduce the damage to the fruits. The drying characteristics of pretreated and untreated fruits were studied using a convective oven at 60 °C and air velocity of 2.1 m/s.The drying kinetics and fruit quality parameters such as colour, sugars and antioxidant activity were evaluated before and after drying. The results showed that the dried fruit were obtained in less time when they were pretreated (from 21 h for untreated samples to 15 h for pretreated samples), preserving better the colour, increasing the antioxidant activity and maintaining the same sugar content with respect to the untreated case.