Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum) in Rats Subjected to Inflammation by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of a Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit extract in Wistar rats submitted to a palatable diet presenting systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Forty-two Wistar female rats (Rattus Novergicus) were used with 60 days old. The animals were feed for 60 days and divided in six groups (n=7): standard diet+water; standard diet+L. barbarum; palatable diet+water; palatable diet+L. barbarum; standard diet+water+LPS; standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS. A significant difference was shown between the analyzed groups concerning C-reactive protein, with the standard diet+water+LPS group presenting the highest inflammatory response in comparison to the other groups. Decreased inflammatory response was observed in the group administered a palatable diet along with the fruit extract when compared to the group that received only a palatable diet. Significant decrease in glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity was observed in the standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS group compared to the standard diet+water group, as well as in the palatable diet+L. HIGHLIGHTS  Lycium barbarum extract displays the potential to reduce inflammatory responses.  L. barbarum promotes the reduction of the inflammatory response in the palatable diet.  L. barbarum reduced glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity in the both diets.  L. barbarum increase the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes in the standard diet. 2 Ávila, C.N.; et al.

Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Berry Seed Protects against TNF-α-Stimulated Neuroinflammation by Inducing HO-1 and Suppressing NF-κB Mechanism in BV-2 Microglial Cells

“…Interestingly, CNSE at 25 μg/mL did not significantly decrease IL-6 mRNA and protein expression. Similarly, some berry fruits, such as the goji berry, did not reduce the level of serum IL-6 in healthy subjects and increased IL-6 expression in LPS-treated rats [ 48 , 49 ]. Additionally, a previous study demonstrated that IL-6 could also act as an anti-inflammatory cytokine involved in neurogenesis [ 48 ].…”

“…In contrast, pretreating cells with CNSE could attenuate TNF-α-induced MAPKs activation in BV-2 cells ( Figure 8 B,C). Numerous data showed that the antineuroinflammatory effects of the plant extracts have been reported against all three MAPK members (ERK, p38MAPK, and JNK) [ 20 , 25 , 49 , 51 ]. However, the effects of CNSE on JNK activation should be further investigated in the next study.…”

Unveiling the Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Chemical Compositional Information of an Invasive Plant: Lycium ferocissimum Miers

“…The anti-inflammatory potential of L. ferocissimum has been clarified for the first time, but L. barbarum has been the subject of numerous anti-inflammatory activity investigations [29]. L. barbarum fruit extracts have been shown to inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in rats by reducing the TNF-α and IL-6 levels [30]. In another study, it was stated that in the COX-2 peroxidase assay, a greater inhibition capacity was found with L. ruthenicum fruit extracts compared to L. barbarum extract.…”

Regulatory Effects of Lycium barbarum Extract and Isolated Scopoletin on Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Inflammation

“…It is a red fruit that looks a small pepper, is used medicinally in oriental medicine, and is also consumed in large amounts as a tea for the purpose of health promotion. L. barbarum has been reported to have many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [ 2 ], including inhibition of PC3 cell proliferation in vitro [ 3 ] and prevention of UVB-induced skin damage [ 4 ]. In addition, a component of L. barbarum attenuated type II collagen-induced arthritis [ 5 ].…”