Chemical and Biological Properties of Three Poorly Studied Species of Lycium Genus—Short Review

Abstract

The genus Lycium belongs to the Solanaceae family and comprises more than 90 species distributed by diverse continents. Lycium barbarum is by far the most studied and has been advertised as a “superfood” with healthy properties. In contrast, there are some Lycium species which have been poorly studied, although used by native populations. L. europaeum, L. intricatum and L. schweinfurthii, found particularly in the Mediterranean region, are examples of scarcely investigated species. The chemical composition and the biological properties of these species were reviewed. The biological properties of L. barbarum fruits are mainly attributed to polysaccharides, particularly complex glycoproteins with different compositions. Studies regarding these metabolites are practically absent in L. europaeum, L. intricatum and L. schweinfurthii. The metabolites isolated and identified belong mainly to polyphenols, fatty acids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids, tocopherols, and alkaloids (L. europaeum); phenolic acids, lignans, flavonoids, polyketides, glycosides, terpenoids, tyramine derivatives among other few compounds (L. schweinfurthii), and esters of phenolic acids, glycosides, fatty acids, terpenoids/phytosterols, among other few compounds (L. intricatum). The biological properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic against some cancer cell lines) found for these species were attributed to some metabolites belonging to those compound groups. Results of the study concluded that investigations concerning L. europaeum, L. intricatum and L. schweinfurthii are scarce, in contrast to L. barbarum.

Production of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and lupeol by Lycium schweinfurthii suspension cultures in shake flasks and a rocking-motion bioreactor

“…Its berry, known as the goji berry, is widely used as a "superfood" with medicinal properties. In contrast, L. schweinfurthii, although used by various ethnic groups, has been studied only rarely so far (Miguel, 2022).…”

A comprehensive review on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of the genus Lycium in China

“…To date, ninety-seven species and six varieties are known and are mainly distributed in the arid to semi-arid environments of North and South America, Africa and a few in Eurasian temperate zones. 1 Among these, seven species and three varieties of Lycium are distributed in China, and they are mostly cultivated in the northwest or north of China. These are good wind-proof and sand-fixing pioneer plants that solve the problem of soil salinization because of their strong salt toler-ance and biological drainage.…”

“…In China, Lycium fruits are traditionally distinguished by the plant characteristics, including spines on the stem, the length of the stamens and corolla, the shape and size of leaves as well as the colour and taste of the fruits, their size and the number of seeds. 1 Nevertheless, commercial Lycium fruits do not always have a sharp distinction, for example, the fruits of LBL and LCM, the two most commonly used “goji berries”, are difficult to distinguish by eye. 14 Nowadays, a series of new technologies and methods have been applied to identify and evaluate Lycium fruits.…”

Distinguishing features of Lycium L. species (family Solanaceae) distributed in Egypt based on their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics

“…Moreover, L. europaeum and L. schweinfurthii have been reported to be poorly studied species of the genus Lycium worldwide, although they are distributed in several countries. In the last 5-8 years of research, they have attracted attention for their chemical constituents, especially their probable production of valuable secondary products (Miguel, 2022). The importance of L. schweinfurthii as a source of phenolics and flavonoid compounds with high antioxidant activity has been reported (Mamdouh et al, 2021).…”