Research progress of Lycium barbarum L. as functional food: phytochemical composition and health benefits

Lycium genus has been recognized as a favorable source of novel bioactive compounds with a variety of biological activities. Until date, numerous studies have focused on the chemical constituents and biological functions of the L. barbarum L. berries in the area of traditional medicine mainly focusing on its phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. Besides medicinal use, L. barbarum L. berries and derived food products can be classified as dietary supplement or 'superfood' without explicit toxicity based upon their immense health potential. We applied the holistic approach for the nutritional characterization and functional evaluation of L. barbarum L. berries. We aim to provide recent data on the chemical ingredients and their structural characterization; while placing greater emphasis on their wide-ranging in vitro and in vivo health effects.

Automated summary

Lycium genus is recognized as a promising source of novel bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Research has mainly focused on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of L. barbarum L. berries in traditional medicine. Apart from its medicinal use, L. barbarum L. berries and related food products are regarded as dietary supplements or 'superfoods' due to their significant health potential without explicit toxicity. Through a holistic approach, this study provides recent data on the chemical ingredients, their structural characterization, and emphasizes the extensive in vitro and in vivo health effects of L. barbarum L. berries.