Medicine, Food or Commodity: The Significance of Chinese Lycium Barbarum in Daily Life

Wang Zihao1 Ma Jianfu 아시아사회과학학회 2021 Jornal of Asia Social Science Vol.3 No.3

Lycium barbarum has been eaten by people for more than 4, 000 years in Chinese history, according to medical classics and biographical records that can be verified. In this long development process, people’s understanding of Lycium barbarum has experienced three changes. That is, the changing process from medicine to food to commodity. The purpose of this paper is to study the changes of Lycium barbarum. From the perspective of Lycium barbarum, by presenting the significance of Lycium barbarum in people’s daily life in Ningxia, we can understand how Lycium barbarum is used as a link to influence people’s communication in Ningxia, and how Lycium barbarum spreads and communicates with the outside world through its commodity attributes.

붉은 열매 구기자와 검은 열매 구기자의 이화학적 특성 비교 연구

양민이,강명화,Yang, Min-Yi,Kang, Myung-Hwa 한국식품조리과학회 2017 한국식품조리과학회지 Vol.33 No.1

Purpose: Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is a nutritional food that has been used widely for treatment of heart disease, abnormal menstruation, and menopause. Methods: In this study, the crude protein, crude lipid and crude ash contents of two different Lycii fruits with different colors were investigated, and their color values, total sugar, pH, total anthocyanins and total carotenoids were analyzed. Results: Regarding crude ash, crude fat and crude protein contents, the L. barbarum showed higher in crude fat and crude protein contents than black fruits, whereas L. ruthenicum showed higher contents than black fruits. Regarding mineral composition, mineral contents were in the other of K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, and Fe. The K content was high in all of the samples, and the contents of Cr and Cu were not measured. The pH values of L. ruthenicum and L. barbarum were $5.00{\pm}0.01$ and $5.08{\pm}0.02$, respectively. The total sugar content of L. ruthenicum was 45.45% while that of L. barbarum was 45.43%. Ascorbic acid content of L. barbarum was $50.86{\pm}3.63%$ while that of L. ruthenicum was $6.3{\pm}1.40%$. The total anthocyanin content of L. ruthenicum was $462.22{\pm}0.41mg/100g$, although no anthocyanin was detected in L. barbarum. The total carotenoids content was $812.25{\pm}6.01mg/100g$ in L. barbarum, although that of L. ruthenicum was not measured. Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that there is a large difference in the composition of functional ingredients of L. ruthenicum and L. barbarum. There is a strong possibility of L. ruthenicum to be developed into color food sources.

Variation of Nutritional and Antioxidant Characteristics of Extract of Lycium barbarum produced by using Different Extraction Processes

유호종 한국응용과학기술학회 2024 한국응용과학기술학회지 Vol.41 No.2

Lycium barbarum extract has a high potential to be developed as a health functional food due to the various health-promoting effects of Lycium barbarum. This study analyzed changes in nutritional and functional components depending on the extraction solvent (purified water and a mixture of purified water and alcohol) and the condition of the sample. The nutritional components (carbohydrates, protein, fat, ash), organic acids, amino acids, total phenolic compounds, and total flavonoids of the extract produced during the extraction process were analyzed. The nutritional composition and functional substances of the extracts showed some differences depending on the type of solvent and the condition of the sample. The amounts of crude protein (7.61%), crude fat (1.63%), carbohydrate (90.22%), and ash (0.54%) of dried Lycium barbarum extract using purified water as a solvent were similar to those of the powder sample extract. The highest content of citric acid was 4.31 mg/mL, similar to the case of acetic acid, when the powder sample used a mixture of purified water and alcohol as a solvent. The highest amino acid content was 357.39 mg/mL when the powder sample was mixed with purified water and alcohol as a solvent. The total amount of phenolic compounds was 686.16 g/L when the powder sample was extracted with a mixture of purified water and alcohol as a solvent. The highest total flavonoid content was 111.32 g/L when the powder sample was extracted with a mixture of purified water and alcohol as a solvent.

클로로필을 제거한 영하구기엽 에탄올 추출물의 항산화 활성

김지은,배수미,남유리,배은영,이선영 한국영양학회 2019 Journal of Nutrition and Health Vol.52 No.1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the antioxidant activities of 50%, 70%, and 100% ethanol extracts of Lycium barbarum leaf and chlorophyll removal extract. Methods: The antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring total polyphenol content and by assays of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA fragmentation, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities of the extracts were measured in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stressed HepG2 cells. Results: The total polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP value of the extracts increased in an ethanol concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activities of the chlorophyll-removal extracts were much higher than those of the chlorophyll-containing extracts. Cytotoxicity was not observed in HepG2 cells with extracts up to 1,000 μg/mL. All extracts inhibited ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner from 31.3 μg/mL and inhibited DNA damage at 250 μg/mL. The SOD and catalase activities of cell lines treated with the extracts and H2O2 were similar to those of normal cells, indicating a strong protective effect. Conclusion: Lycium barbarum leaf extracts had high antioxidant activities and protected H2O2-stressed HepG2 cells. Since the chlorophyll-removal extract exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the chlorophyll-containing ones and the cytoprotective effect was similar, chlorophyll removal extract of Lycium barbarum leaf could be developed as ingredients of functional food and cosmetics.

염증유도 RAW264.7 세포와 동물모델에서 구기자와 구기엽의 항염 효능

배수미,김지은,배은영,김경아,이선영 한국영양학회 2019 Journal of Nutrition and Health Vol.52 No.2

Purpose: Medicinal herbs have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and source materials for drug development. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracts of Lycium’s fruits and roots have a range of physiologically active substances. The extract of Lycium’s leaves has been reported to have excellent anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity, but its anti-inflammatory efficacy is not known. The chlorophyll present in the leaves can act as an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant depending on the presence of light. Therefore, this study analyzed the anti-inflammatory effects of Lycium’s fruit extract (LFE), leaf extract (LLE), and leaf extract with chlorophyll removal (LLE with CR). Methods: This study examined the inhibitory effects of LFE, LLE, and LLE with CR on pro-inflammatory mediator production as well as on the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. Results: LFE, LLE, and LLE with CR inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the administration of LLE and LLE with CR inhibited the serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and suppressed DNA damage in BALB/c mice. In particular, LLE with CR exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that the fruit and leaves of Lycium are potential therapeutic agents against inflammation.

The effect of cyfluthrin on testis inhibin B in rats and the intervention of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide

Guo Xin,Xie Yong-Xin,Guo Chen,Wei Jing-Lin,Yang Hui-Fang 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2021 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.17 No.2

Background In recent years, studies have shown that cyfluthrin is harmful to the reproductive system. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide may be a protective agent. Objective To investigate the effect of cyfluthrin (Cy) on testosterone B (inhibin B, INHB) in male rats and the intervention of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP). Results Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of INH α and INH βB in the testis tissue decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The LBP intervention group can significantly increase the expression level, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The decrease of INHα and INHβB expression caused by Cy exposure indicates that Cy has a toxic effect on the testis of rats, and the addition of LBP has a certain protective effect on the testis of rats. Background In recent years, studies have shown that cyfluthrin is harmful to the reproductive system. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide may be a protective agent. Objective To investigate the effect of cyfluthrin (Cy) on testosterone B (inhibin B, INHB) in male rats and the intervention of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP). Results Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of INH α and INH βB in the testis tissue decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The LBP intervention group can significantly increase the expression level, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The decrease of INHα and INHβB expression caused by Cy exposure indicates that Cy has a toxic effect on the testis of rats, and the addition of LBP has a certain protective effect on the testis of rats.

Immunomodulatory Effects of a Standardized Lycium barbarum Fruit Juice in Chinese Older Healthy Human Subjects

Harunobu Amagase,Bixuang Sun,Dwight M. Nance 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.5

Lycium barbarum has been traditionally used in combination with several herbs for medicinal properties, but systematic modern clinical evaluation as a single herb has not been reported. To examine the systematic effects of L. barbarum on immune function, general well-being, and safety, we tested the effects of a standardized L. barbarum fruit juice (GoChi®, FreeLife International, Phoenix, AZ, USA) at 120mL/day, equivalent to at least 150g of fresh fruit, the amount traditionally used, or placebo for 30 days in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in 60 older healthy adults (55–72 years old). The GoChi group showed a statistically significant increase in the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G compared to pre-intervention and the placebo group, whereas the number of CD4, CD8, and natural killer cells or levels of interleukin-4 and immunoglobulin A were not significantly altered. The placebo group showed no significant changes in any immune measures. Whereas the GoChi group showed a significant increase in general feelings of well-being, such as fatigue and sleep, and showed a tendency for increased short-term memory and focus between pre- and post-intervention, the placebo group showed no significant positive changes in these measures. No adverse reactions, abnormal symptoms, or changes in body weight, blood pressure, pulse, visual acuity, urine, stool, or blood biochemistry were seen in either group. In conclusion, daily consumption of GoChi significantly increased several immunological responses and subjective feelings of general well-being without any adverse reactions.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Lycium barbarum Hot Water Extract and Optimization of Production Using Response Surface Methodology

유호종 한국응용과학기술학회 2023 한국응용과학기술학회지 Vol.40 No.6

This study is concerned with the optimization of the manufacturing process of a hot water extract containing antioxidant activity from Lycium barbarum, traditionally known to have various physiological activities. For the establishment of the optimization process, the central composite design of response surface methodology(RSM) was used. Thirteen extraction processes were performed by encoding the independent variables, extraction temperature (65.9oC–94.1oC) and extraction time (2.59 hr–5.41 hr). As a result of the experiment, the optimal manufacturing conditions for the extract were 340.0 mg/100 g of GAE at an extraction temperature of 94.1oC and an extraction time of 5 hr. The maximum yield of flavonoids was 22.44 mg/100 g of HES at an extraction temperature of 94.1oC and an extraction time of 4 hr. The conditions for producing the extract with the maximum antioxidant capacity (DPPH 92.12%) were 90oC and 4.5 hr extraction time. Therefore, the optimal manufacturing process conditions for extracts containing total phenol content, flavonoid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which are dependent variables, were extraction temperature of 90-95oC and extraction time of 4 hr, which were not significantly different from the actual values. Therefore, Lycium barbarum extract rich in total phenol and flavonoid content related to antioxidant function is expected to be used as a functional food and cosmetic material.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Induce Apoptosis in Human Prostate Cancer Cells and Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth in a Xenograft Mouse Model of Human Prostate Cancer

Qiong Luo,Zhuoneng Li,Jun Yan,Fan Zhu,Ruo-Jun Xu,Yi-Zhong Cai1 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.4

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are important functional constituents in red-colored fruits of L. barbarum (Guo Qi Zi, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant commonly known as Goji berry or wolfberry). The influence of LBP on human prostate cancer cells was systematically investigated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro effects of LBP on two cell lines (PC-3 and DU-145) were examined by using trypan blue exclusion staining, single-cell gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, terminal dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and immunohistochemical assay (assessment of Bcl-2 and Bax expression). The in vivo effect of LBP on PC-3 cells was assessed in the nude mouse xenograft tumor model. The in vitro results showed that LBP can dose- and time-dependently inhibit the growth of both PC-3 and DU-145 cells. LBP caused the breakage of DNA strands of PC-3 and DU-145 cells; the tail frequency and tail length were significantly higher than that of control cells. LBP also markedly induced PC-3 and DU-145 cell apoptosis, with the highest apoptosis rates at 41.5% and 35.5%, respectively. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein expression following LBP treatments decreased significantly with a dose–effect relationship, which suggested that LBP can regulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax to induce apoptosis of PC-3 and DU-145 cells. The in vivo experimental results indicate that LBP might significantly inhibit PC-3 tumor growth in nude mice. Both the tumor volume and weight of the LBP treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group.

클로로필 제거 구기엽 추출물의 비알코올성 지방간 보호 효과

이한솔,배은영,김경아,이선영 한국영양학회 2023 Journal of Nutrition and Health Vol.56 No.2

Purpose: This study was conducted to establish whether an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves (LLE) and an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves from which chlorophyll has been removed, denoted as LLE(Ch−), have a protective effect against hepatic fat accumulation. Methods: The inhibitory effects of LLE and LLE(Ch−) on liver fat accumulation were examined in C57BL/6 mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by an methionine and choline deficient diet and in HepG2 cells with palmitic acid-induced fat accumulation. Results: The plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in the LLE(Ch−) group, whereas the plasma ALT activity decreased significantly in the LLE group. In both the LLE and the LLE(Ch−) groups, the triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the hepatic tissue were significantly reduced. A greater inhibitory effect on tissue fat accumulation was observed in the LLE(Ch−) group than in the LLE group. In HepG2 cells, LLE and LLE(Ch−) were non-toxic up to a concentration of 1,000 μg/mL. Compared to the control group, intracellular fat accumulation in the LLE and LLE(Ch−) groups were significantly reduced at concentrations of 200 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase in both LLE groups increased at the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL. The fatty acid synthase expression was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner at 10 μg/mL. Conclusion: The examined two ethanol extracts of LLE inhibit hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD. This effect was more pronounced in the LLE(Ch−) group. Therefore, these 2 extracts have an anti-steatosis effect and can be used for NAFLD treatment.