Phytochemicals and bioactivities of Goji (Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill.) leaves and their potential applications in the food industry: a review

Goji leaves, including Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. leaves, have been used as traditional Chinese medicine materials for nourishing kidneys and enhancing eyesight but are mostly discarded at present. The nutritional composition of Goji leaves is similar to that of Goji berries even some components are more plentiful in the former, such as flavonoids. This paper firstly reviews the main phytochemicals of Goji leaves. Also, updated information on the biological activities of Goji leaves is narrated. Based on the long use history and existing bioactivity data on Goji leaves, we propose their potential applications in the food industry and encourage further investigation on Goji leaves.

Automated summary

Goji leaves, traditionally used in Chinese medicine for nourishing kidneys and enhancing eyesight, are currently mostly discarded. The nutritional composition of Goji leaves is similar to that of the berries, with some components even more abundant in the former. Researchers propose potential applications of Goji leaves in the food industry and advocate for further research.