An evidence-based update on the pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Cheng J, Zhou Z, Sheng H, He L, Fan X, He Z, Sun T, Zhang X, Zhao RJ, Gu L, Cao C, Zhou S · Drug Design, Development and Therapy · 2014 December 17

DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S72892

Objective

To investigate the pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs).

Conclusions

Consumption of wolfberry juice improves general wellbeing and immune functions, LBPs have antioxidative, antiaging, antitumor, hypoglycemic, insulin-sensitizing, retinal ganglion cell-protective, liver-protective, immunoenhancing, neuroprotective, Alzheimer's disease-symptom ameliorating, reproductive health-improving, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, antiviral, and antiinflammatory activities.

Critical Appraisal

Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.

This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.

Learn more about Critical Appraisal

Insights

A mixture of active polysaccharides from Goji berries have shown multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-aging, antioxidative, anti-fatigue, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, radioprotective, anti-osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating effects.

The mechanisms for these beneficial effects are multifaceted, involving a number of signaling molecules and pathways. A better understanding of how LBPs act on these signaling pathways and molecules can improve our knowledge on glycobiology. Further studies using systems pharmacology approaches such as proteomic and metabolomic analysis are needed to uncover the molecular target networks of LBPs. Despite the importance of Goji in the traditional Chinese medicine and increased popularity in Western countries, clinical safety data on LBPs are sparse. A safe and optimal use of herbal medicines like LBPs requires a full understanding of their pharmacokinetics, side effects, and mechanisms of action. The dose–response and dose–toxicity relationships of LBPs should be established in animal and human studies. It is essential to develop new formulations to ensure the maximum efficacy and effectiveness and minimum side effects of LBP-related health products.