Comparison of Functional Components and Antioxidant Activity of Lycium barbarum L. Fruits from Different Regions in China

Abstract

The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (FLB) has been used as medicines and functional foods for more than 2000 years in East Asia. In this study, carotenoid, phenolic, flavonoid, and polysaccharide contents as well as the antioxidant activities of FLB from 13 different regions in China from a total of 78 samples were analyzed. The results showed that total carotenoid contents ranged from 12.93 to 25.35 mg β-carotene equivalents/g DW. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate was the predominant carotenoid (4.260–10.07 mg/g DW) in FLB. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total polysaccharide contents ranged from 6.899 to 8.253 mg gallic acid equivalents/g DW, 3.177 to 6.144 mg rutin equivalents/g DW, and 23.62 to 42.45 mg/g DW, respectively. Rutin content ranged from 0.1812 to 0.4391 mg/g DW, and ferulic acid content ranged from 0.0994 to 0.1726 mg/g DW. All of these FLB could be divided into two clusters with PCA analysis, and both individual carotenoids and total carotenoid contents could be used as markers for regional characterization. The phenolic components were the main substance for the antioxidant activity of FLB. Considering the functional component and antioxidant activities, FLB produced in Guyuan of Ningxia was the closest to Daodi herbs (Zhongwei of Ningxia), which is commercially available high quality FLB. The results of this study could provide guidance for comprehensive applications of FLB production in different regions.

Multi-Targeted Metabolic Profiling of Carotenoids, Phenolic Compounds and Primary Metabolites in Goji (Lycium spp.) Berry and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Reveals Inter and Intra Genus Biomarkers

“…It is classically carried out with a water/alcohol mixture. Comparisons of different extraction solvents, durations and temperatures have been reported [ 31 , 37 , 47 , 48 ]. Increases in temperature increase the solubility of the phenolic compounds, allowing for shorter extraction times, likely to reduce the decomposition of phenolic compounds [ 37 ].…”

“…Increases in temperature increase the solubility of the phenolic compounds, allowing for shorter extraction times, likely to reduce the decomposition of phenolic compounds [ 37 ]. These authors recommend an extraction of 162 min at 45 °C, whereas Lu et al [ 47 ] note a degradation as soon as 40 min at 30 °C and thus recommend an extraction of 40 min at 50 °C to obtain the best yield. Wang et al [ 49 ] even go up to 90 °C for 2 h. We chose a two-step extraction with a final solvent composition of MeOH:water:formic acid (80:20:4, v / v / v ) for 10 min at a temperature of 70 °C.…”

Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Metabolite Profiling of the Lycium barbarum L. Fruit

“…Recently, the beneficial effects of goji berry have been gradually recognized by people, and the fruit is rapidly becoming an indispensable food supplement. Previous studies have shown that total phenolics, total flavonoid, and total polysaccharide contents of goji fruits from 13 different regions in China ranged from 6.899–8.253 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (DW), 3.177–6.144 mg rutin equivalents/g DW, and 23.62–42.45 mg/g DW, indicating that the goji berry from Guyuan of Ningxia was most similar to Daodi herbs [6]. Liu et al reported a comparative analysis of carotenoid accumulation in red fruit of Lycium barbarum L. and black fruit of Lycium ruthenicum L., finding more extensive contents of carotenoids in red fruit than in black fruit [7].…”

“…Although many reports have identified the pharmacological properties [22], biological activity [2,23], and nutrient benefits of goji berry [5,6,7,24], the relationship between fertilization and the goji berry metabolome is still under-reported. In this study, we utilized an integrated UPLC-ESI-MS/MS detection system to study the effects of different nitrogen fertilizations on the yield and metabolites of goji berry and provided a theoretical model for the regulation of goji berries’ nutrient compounds by fertilization.…”

Zeaxanthin Dipalmitate in the Treatment of Liver Disease

“…In TCM, goji berry treats kidney yin and liver blood deficiencies and their related symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred or decreased vision [1]. Modern research has shown that goji berry protects against oxidative damage [2] and is a rich source of phenolics, linoleic acid, minerals such as potassium and phosphorus [3], flavonoids, as well as polysaccharides [4], such as arabinogalactan [5], and monosaccharides [6]. Goji berry also contains the highest concentration of the antioxidant xanthophyll carotenoid zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) [7].…”