An evidence-based update on the pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Abstract

Lycium barbarum berries, also named wolfberry, Fructus lycii, and Goji berries, have been used in the People’s Republic of China and other Asian countries for more than 2,000 years as a traditional medicinal herb and food supplement. L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the primary active components of L. barbarum berries and have been reported to possess a wide array of pharmacological activities. Herein, we update our knowledge on the main pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of LBPs. Several clinical studies in healthy subjects show that consumption of wolfberry juice improves general wellbeing and immune functions. LBPs are reported to have antioxidative and antiaging properties in different models. LBPs show antitumor activities against various types of cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in nude mice through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. LBPs may potentiate the efficacy of lymphokine activated killer/interleukin-2 combination therapy in cancer patients. LBPs exhibit significant hypoglycemic effects and insulin-sensitizing activity by increasing glucose metabolism and insulin secretion and promoting pancreatic β-cell proliferation. They protect retinal ganglion cells in experimental models of glaucoma. LBPs protect the liver from injuries due to exposure to toxic chemicals or other insults. They also show potent immunoenhancing activities in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LBPs protect against neuronal injury and loss induced by β-amyloid peptide, glutamate excitotoxicity, ischemic/reperfusion, and other neurotoxic insults. LBPs ameliorate the symptoms of mice with Alzheimer’s disease and enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone, improving learning and memory abilities. They reduce irradiation- or chemotherapy-induced organ toxicities. LBPs are beneficial to male reproduction by increasing the quality, quantity, and motility of sperm, improving sexual performance, and protecting the testis against toxic insults. Moreover, LBPs exhibit hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, antiviral, and antiinflammatory activities. There is increasing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies supporting the therapeutic and health-promoting effects of LBPs, but further mechanistic and clinical studies are warranted to establish the dose–response relationships and safety profiles of LBPs.

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

“…Recently, LBBs have been described to have apoptotic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo [3]. Based on these results, we investigated the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity of Umbrian LBB extract in HepG2, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.…”

“…The plant is commonly called Goji [1] and active molecules have been isolated from seeds, fruits, and leaves of Lycium barbarum . In vitro and in vivo studies displayed antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, antitumor, antihyperlipidemia, and anti-Alzheimer activities of Lycium barbarum berry (LBB) extract [3]. …”

“…Polysaccharides have been considered the major ingredients responsible for the biological activities of LBB extract. Traditional Chinese medicine considered LBBs to have the ability to maintain the function of eyes and strengthen the activity of liver, kidneys, and lungs [3]. In addition, LBB extract has been historically used as anti-inflammation and antiaging agent for thousands of years [5].…”

“…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].…”

Lycium barbarum Reduces Abdominal Fat and Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

“…These findings may be related to the effect of quercetin, zeaxanthin, and rutin, the main phenolic constituents of GB [20–22] since studies report that the antioxidant effect of phenolic compounds could be associated with prevention in the formation of reactive species or in the improvement of enzyme activity antioxidants [58]. …”