A review of the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum fruit

Abstract

The anticancer effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have attracted the attention of the public vis-à-vis existing cancer therapies with various side effects. Lycium barbarum fruit, commonly known as Gou Qi Zi in China, is a potential anticancer agent/adjuvant. Its major active ingredients, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), scopoletin and 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG), are found to have apoptotic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines. Moreover, LBP also contributes to body's immunomodulatory effects and enhances effects of other cancer therapies. It is not known whether there are any undesirable effects. Further studies on its pharmacological mechanisms and toxicology could facilitate a safe usage of this TCM herb.

Lycium�barbarum polysaccharides attenuates the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by sevoflurane

“…Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), the main effective component of Lycium barbarum , possess a variety of beneficial effects in anti-aging, anti-cancer, immune modulation and neuroprotection (14–17). LBP is found to decrease oxidative stress in hippocampus, promote cell proliferation and neurons differentiation (18,19).…”

In VitroProtective Effects ofLycium barbarumBerries Cultivated in Umbria (Italy) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

“…Additionally, in the last few years, LBBs have been described to modulate the aging by acting on cp53-mediated pathway [7] and on the resistance to the generation of lipid peroxide and other substances, which damage cell membrane lipid [8]. LBB extract has been also described for its immune enhancing [9], antioxidant and anticancer [3], and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective [10] properties. Moreover, it has been highlighted that LBB extract has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects by reducing significantly blood glucose levels and serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations [11].…”

Chemical properties and bioactivities of Goji (Lycium barbarum) polysaccharides extracted by different methods

“…Nowadays, Goji berries are being used not only in China but also worldwide as a popular health food ingredient in various forms such as soups, drinks and a variety of solid foods (Amagase & Farnsworth, 2011;Potterat, 2010). Goji berry has shown a wide range of health benefits such as the functions and activities associated with the liver, kidney, eyesight, sex, immune system, circulation and longevity (Tang et al, 2012). L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) represent a major class of bioactive ingredients of Goji berries which have multiple health effects such as immunomodulation (Gan, Zhang, Liu, & Xu, 2003), anticancer (Gan, Zhang, Yang, & Xu, 2004) and antioxidant activities (Lin, Wang, Chang, Inbaraj, & Chen, 2009;Niu, Wu, Yu, & Wang, 2008).…”