Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)

This review examines the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits of goji berries (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.). Goji berries contain significant amounts of carbohydrates (46–87% dry weight), proteins (5.3–14.3% dry weight), and dietary fiber (3.63–16 g/1...

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Main Authors: Xin Shi, Xiaojing Wang, Yuhong Zheng, Li Fu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/262
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author Xin Shi
Xiaojing Wang
Yuhong Zheng
Li Fu
author_facet Xin Shi
Xiaojing Wang
Yuhong Zheng
Li Fu
author_sort Xin Shi
collection DOAJ
description This review examines the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits of goji berries (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.). Goji berries contain significant amounts of carbohydrates (46–87% dry weight), proteins (5.3–14.3% dry weight), and dietary fiber (3.63–16 g/100 g fresh weight). They are rich in micronutrients, including vitamin C (2.39–48.94 mg/100 g fresh weight) and potassium (434–1460 mg/100 g fresh weight). The berries’ unique polysaccharides, particularly <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharides (LBPs), exhibit molecular weights ranging from 10 to 2300 kDa. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin (1.0–1.3 mg/g dry weight), and carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin (0.5–1.2 mg/g dry weight), contribute to the berries’ antioxidant properties. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. The review also highlights the impact of geographical origin, cultivation practices, and processing methods on nutrient composition, emphasizing the need for standardization in research and commercial applications. Future research should focus on the bioavailability, metabolism, and potential synergistic effects of goji berry compounds.
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spelling doaj-art-4ecf7b440acd4c1593291cd92b16e4222025-01-10T13:14:58ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-12-0115126210.3390/app15010262Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)Xin Shi0Xiaojing Wang1Yuhong Zheng2Li Fu3Ningxia Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agricultural Products, Yinchuan 750002, ChinaNingxia Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agricultural Products, Yinchuan 750002, ChinaInstitute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing Botanical Garden, Mem. Sun Yat-Sen, Nanjing 210014, ChinaCollege of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, ChinaThis review examines the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits of goji berries (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.). Goji berries contain significant amounts of carbohydrates (46–87% dry weight), proteins (5.3–14.3% dry weight), and dietary fiber (3.63–16 g/100 g fresh weight). They are rich in micronutrients, including vitamin C (2.39–48.94 mg/100 g fresh weight) and potassium (434–1460 mg/100 g fresh weight). The berries’ unique polysaccharides, particularly <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharides (LBPs), exhibit molecular weights ranging from 10 to 2300 kDa. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin (1.0–1.3 mg/g dry weight), and carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin (0.5–1.2 mg/g dry weight), contribute to the berries’ antioxidant properties. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. The review also highlights the impact of geographical origin, cultivation practices, and processing methods on nutrient composition, emphasizing the need for standardization in research and commercial applications. Future research should focus on the bioavailability, metabolism, and potential synergistic effects of goji berry compounds.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/262polysaccharidesantioxidantsphytochemicalsnutraceuticalsfunctional food
spellingShingle Xin Shi
Xiaojing Wang
Yuhong Zheng
Li Fu
Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
Applied Sciences
polysaccharides
antioxidants
phytochemicals
nutraceuticals
functional food
title Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
title_full Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
title_fullStr Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
title_full_unstemmed Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
title_short Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (<i>Lycium barbarum</i> L.)
title_sort advances in the study of bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of goji berry i lycium barbarum i l
topic polysaccharides
antioxidants
phytochemicals
nutraceuticals
functional food
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/262
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AT yuhongzheng advancesinthestudyofbioactivecompoundsandnutraceuticalpropertiesofgojiberryilyciumbarbarumil
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