Research Paper a Review of Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) in Traditional Chinese Medicine As a Promising Organic Superfood And

Home , Goji, Lycium andersonii, Lycium barbarum, Lycium berlandieri, Lycium brevipes, Lycium fremontii

Research Paper

A review of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) in Traditional Chinese medicine as a promising organic superfood and superfruit in modern industry

Accepted 3rd December, 2018

ABSTRACT

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years by different generations in China and other Asian countries as foods to promote good health and as drugs to treat disease. Goji berry (Lycium barbarum), as a Chinese traditional herb and food supplement, contains many nutrients and phytochemicals, such as polysaccharides, scopoletin, the glucosylated precursor, amino acids, flaconoids, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. It has positive effects on anitcancer, antioxidant activities, retinal function preservation, anti-diabetes, immune function and anti-fatigue. Widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Goji berries can be sold as a dietary supplement or classified as nutraceutical food due to their long and safe traditional use. Modern Goji pharmacological actions improve function and enhance the body ,s ability to adapt to a variety of noxious stimuli; it significantly inhibits the generation and spread of cancer cells and can improve eyesight and increase reserves of muscle and liver glycogens which may increase human energy and has anti-fatigue effect. Goji berries may improve brain function and enhance learning and memory. It may boost the body ,s adaptive defences, and significantly reduce the levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride, it may help weight loss and obesity and treats chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. At Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian1,2, Wenli present, they are considered functional food with many beneficial effects, which is Sun1,2 and Qi Cheng1,2* why they have become more popular recently, especially in Europe, North America and Australia, as they are considered as superfood with highly nutritive and 1 Biotechnology Research Institute, antioxidant properties. Geographical origin of Goji berries is one of the most Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China. important quality parameters in TCM since the differences in climate, soil, and 2Nitroegn Fixation Laboratory, Qi cultivation methods cause differences in the chemical composition of the plants. Institute, Building C4, No.555 Goji berry has huge health benefits that attract good international markets. It is as Chuangye County, Jiaxing 314000, knows as the super fruit and super food in TCM for the claimed health benefits and Zhejiang, China. it should be part of daily diet. *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Key words: Goji berry, TCM, superfood, superfruit.

INTRODUCTION

Goji berry and its cultivation in China and other parts of Solanacaea. Goji berry has different vernacular names; the the world most common name, wolfberry, comes from the character “gou” as it is related to the one that means wolf. The name Goji, which is also called wolfberry has been used as goji is an extrapolation of a number of native words, and it traditional medicinal foods in China and other Asian was originally coined in 1973 by researchers at the countries for centuries (Potterat, 2010). They are very hard, Tanaduk Botanical Research Institute (TBRI) (Amagase and spiny, shrubby vines in the tomato-nightshade family Farnsworth, 2011). Goji plants are native to China, where Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 438

they are grown from the subtropics in the south to the cold, cultivars (Donno et al., 2015; Mocan et al., 2017; Protti et al., dry climate on Inner Mongolia. Commercial fruit production 2017). Currently, Romania has the biggest cultivated area of is concentrated near Inner Mongolia. The fruit are red like a L. barbarum plants in the European Union (Mocan et al., tomato, with a green calyx near the stem. Seeds are small 2018). Goji plant can handle a wide range of conditions and edible, similar to tomato seeds. The flowers open a (Patsilinakos et al., 2018). They prefer a moderately moist, purple colour which fades to yellow (CPC, 2010; Amagase well-drained soil, but they are also fairly drought tolerant. and Farnsworth, 2011; Amagase, 2014). It has been The berries will produce and ripen the best in full sun. Goji observed that geographical origin is one of the most berry shrubs have long, arching branches that hold up important quality parameters for many foods, since the better with some structural support. The famers can also differences in climate, soil and cultivation methods cause train Gojis onto a trellis, fence or any other solid structure. differences in the chemical composition of the plants Due to their vigorous growth habit, Gojis can be pruned (Bondia-Pons et al., 2014). Cao and Wu (2015) reported anytime to control their height and shape. Yao et al. (2018) that while Ningxia is recognized as the daodi region of Goji, reported that it does not justify superiority of a specific increasing market demands pushed the cultivation into new production area over other areas. Instead, it will be regions in China and Goji fields now stretch over different essential to distinguish Goji from different regions based on geographical and climatic environments between 82oE and the specific morphological and chemical traits with the aim 115oE, 30oN and 45oN. These include temperate monsoon to understand what its intended uses are. Liu et al. (2017) climate (Hebei), temperate continental semi-arid climate postulated that environmental temperature play one of the (Ningxia, Gansu and Inner Mongolia), plateau continental most and important factor influencing on the phenolic climate (Qinghai), and continental arid climate (Xinjiang) compositions and contents in the leaves and stems. From an (Li et al., 2017). These different environmental conditions agronomical point of view, each region produces specific influence both the appearance and the metabolite profile of cultivars that may differ in chemical composition and Goji (e.g., amount of polysaccharides, flavonoids, betaine, biological properties (Wojdylo et al., 2018). For example, and carotenoids) (Zhang et al., 2012; Shen et al., 2016; the differences between Goji berries growing in China and Dermesonlouoglou et al., 2018). Moreover, different species Italy were previously evaluated by Rocchetti et al. (2018) or and cultivars (e.g., Ningqi series) are widely cultivated while in different localization in China (Dong et al., 2012). L. chinese is only cultivated in Hebei (Cao and Wu, 2015). Some important facts about Goji berry in China are: Traditionally, a good Goji quality was defined as: Large berries with red colour, mild texture, few seeds, and sweet 1) The Goji berry is commonly used as a natural form of taste (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 1963). Goji erosion control in China. berry belongs to the division of Magnoliophyta, class of 2) L. barbarum is being researched for Alzheimer',s and Magnoliopsida, order of Solanales, family of Solanaceae and other neurodegenrative diseases. Genus of Lycium. Goji berry or wolf berry is the common 3) L. chinese has shown evidence of growth-inducing effects name of the fruits Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinese, on probiotic cells. which are two closely related species (Chang et al., 2010; 4) Goji berries are celebrated each August in Ningxia during Redgwell et al., 2011). The genus Lycium (Solanaceae) an annual festival coinciding with the yearly berry harvest. consists of about 80 species found worldwide in arid to 5) Theory of how L. barbarum came to bear so many semi-arid environmental condition (Chen et al., 2013; nutrients, due to Yellow River silty, mineral-rich loess Huang et al., 2015). The main centers of diversity for this leftover from the last glaciations period. genus are distributed between Argentina and Chile, Southern Africa and Southwestern North America (Miller Recently, numerous phytochemical and pharmacological and Venable, 2003; Miller et al., 2008). L. barbarum and L. studies focus on its health benefits, and support its use as chinese have been domesticated and widely cultivated in functional food (often sold under the marketing concept of Northwest China for more than 600 years. Lycium an alleged “superfood) (Yao et al., 2011; Chang and So, ruthenicum is endemic to northwestern China and is 2015; Jatoi et al., 2017; Qian et al, 2017; Pedro et al., 2018). regarded as a potential plant to control erosion because of It is also called “superfruit”in Europe and North America its high salt-tolerance (Chen et al., 2013). Some common due to their potentially health-promoting constituents species of wolfberry in Arizona, California and Mexico are (Potterat, 2010; Hempel et al., 2017). Some problems, Wolfberry or Frutilla (Lycium brevipes), Wolfberry or identification and control treatment of Goji berries are Manzanita (Lycium andersonii), Wolfberry or Barchata shown in Table 1. (Lycium berlandieri), Wolfberry or Frutilla (Lycium californicum), Wolfberry or Frutilla (Lycium exsertum), and wolfberry or Frutilla (Lycium fremontii). In recent years, Goji berry and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) there has been a growing trend in introducing Goji cultivation to different pedoclimates in Europe (Italy, Some of the first healers to recognize the power of the Goji Romania, Bulgaria, Portugal), or even developing new Berry were the Himalayan people, who utilized the berries Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 439

Table 1: Some problems, identification and control treatment of Goji berries.

Problem Identification Control Goji gall mite Extremely small, difficult to see with naked eye. Pale Sulfur, insecticidial soap, or horticultural oil (0.5% (Aceria kuko) salmon and wormlike mites with six to seven solution) can be used to control. A spray application of 2% generations per year. Small bead-like galls from on horticultural oil, either in the fall (just before leaves drop) leaves. They are yellow/green on the bottom and or in the spring (just as leaves emerge) will be most reddish on top. Each gall holds large numbers of effective. Keep alternative hosts such as pepper, eggplant mites. and black nightshade, clear from the area.

Powdery mildew Fungal disease that forms white patches of powder Prune to improve air circulation and minimize wet foliage. (Sphaerotheca spp.) on leaves and stems. Horticultural oils can help prevent further spreading once present in field.

Blossom end rot Calcium deficiency related abiotic disorder resulting Control by careful irrigation to minimize extreme in a water-soaked spot on the end of fruit. fluctuations in soil moisture (particularly during bloom and fruit sizing)

of the Goji vine which flourished in the valleys of the provide 8 essential amino acids that the body cannot Himalayas for thousands of years. Some sources state that synthesize. One of the most important reason for the wolf berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine popularity of Goji berries is the fact that they contain a high for at least 2000 years (Williamson et al., 2013). Their concentration of an antioxidant called Zeaxanthin. undocumented legend, however, is considerably older, as According to various studies, a diet that contains Goji wolf berries are often linked in Chinese lore to Shen Nung berries can increase a person's Zeaxanthin levels by as (Shennong), China ,s legendary First Emperor, mythical much as 26%. Goji berry is frequently added to soups, hot father of agriculture, and herbalist who lived circa 2800 BC. pots, and herbal teas, and is also popularly soaked in wines The book was named Shennong Ben Cao Jing and was alone or together with other TCM ingredients to make supposed to contain all of the emperor ,s knowledge on the functional wines (Bucheli et al., 2011; Zhang et al., 2015). subject of agriculture. There is another important Chinese Red Goji (L. barbarum L.) is a perennial, deciduous shrub book written by Li Shi-Zhen in the 16th century that also growing northwest China and the Mediterranean region included important information on the subject of the Goji (Zhao et al., 2015). Black Goji is a black colour small berry berry. From a TCM point of view, the nature of Goji berry is fruit from (L. ruthenicum Murr.) natively growing in calm, and its flavour is sweet. According to TCM theory and northwest part of China (Xin et al., 2017). Tang and Giusti practice, Goji berry can act on both the liver channel and the (2018) reported that the fruit, known as black Goji, is kidney channel, and the major health benefits of Goji berry popular in traditional Chinese medicine. On the basis of are its ability to nourish and tonify liver and kidney TCM view, Goji berry is mainly used in treating yin (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2005; Cieslik and gebusia, 2012). deficiency in liver and kidney. The dried fruit (Figure 1) is It should be noted that Goji berry is used not only as a drug commonly used in TCM preparations at a dose of 6-15 g, in TCM prescriptions to treat diseases but also as a popular taken twice or thrice daily (Liu and Tseng, 2005). Goji berry food by Chinese people in their daily life for promotion of can also be a part of a mix of Chinese herbs that is ground to general health. According to the regulations of the China a fine powder and used in honey pills (a traditional TCM State Food and Drug Administration, it is one of the 87 TCM formulation in which honey is used as main excipient to ingredients that can be used as both normal food and make pills) of 15 g each. One of these pills is taken with functional food (Bucheli et al., 2011; Fiorito et al., 2019). bland soup in the morning and another at night on an Goji berry translates to wolfberry. One theory as to the empty stomach (Liu and Tseng, 2005; Wang et al., 2018). origin of the wolfberry name stems from speculation that Goji berry is one of the most popular TCM herbs regulated Chinese farmers saw wolves sheltering among the dense as a foodstuff that is used in nutricosmetic products in Goji berry vines. Most of the world',s Goji berry production China. Nutricosmetics are used for the promotion of skin centers around areas in Northwestern China, where there and hair health. Only angelica and pearl powder are more are 200,000 acres of farmland dedicated to Goji berry frequently found in nutricosmetic products in China cultivation. Goji berry plantations can also be found in Inner (Bucheli et al., 2011). Wojcieszek et al. (2017) reported that Mongolia and Shaanxi (Zhu et al., 2016). Wu et al. (2018) compounds identified in Goji berries are most likely to be also reported that northwest regions of China are the main responsible for better bioaccessibility of elements such as producing area of L. barbarum, including Xinjiang, Tibet, copper and zink to the human organism. The berries are Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai and Gansu. Goji berries also used in traditional Korean medicine, traditional Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 440

Figure 1: Fresh and dried Goji berries. It appears red in colour with white seed inside.

Japanese medicine, and traditional Tibetan medicine (Wang further risk/benefit evaluation when used in foods or et al., 2010; Yao et al., 2011; Cho et al., 2016). Goji Berry health promoting formulations. There are many varieties of root bark is used for treating inflammation and certain skin Goji Berry grown in many parts of the world. As the diseases. Song et al. (2011) concluded that the traditional popularity of the berry continues to grow, more and more Chinese medicine, L. barbarum and its taurine component is varieties will likely appear as the vine is cultivated for valuable medicinal herb for the prevention of diabetic commercial purposes. But it is said that the most powerful retinopathy. and nutrient rich Goji Berries in China still come from the vines of Himalayan valleys. Goji is a good source of fiber, protein, carotenoids (Liu et Composition, health beneficial and clinical aspects of al., 2014), and polysaccharides (He et al., 2012). It also has a Goji berries lot of biological activities, including antidiabetes (Lin et al.,

2012), antiproliferative activity (He et al., 2012), preserving Goji berries can provide almost twice vitamin A that a retinal function (Chu et al., 2013), and antioxidant activity person needs in a day (Liu et al., 2018). It has almost a third (Luo et al., 2004; Amagase and Farnsworth, 2011; Song and of the daily recommended vitamin C. Moreover, Goji berries Xu, 2013; Magiera and Zareba, 2015; Zhang et al., 2016). are rich in some important and essential minerals including Donno et al. (2015) mentioned that Goji berry is identified iron and potassium. Potterat (2010) and Endes et al. (2015) as a rich source of antioxidant compounds, with health reported that this crop includes essential oils, vitamins (A, promoting properties as compared with other common A, and C), amino acids, mineral elements (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, fruit species. Recent studies have shown that antioxidant and Na), and betaine. A diet that contains Goji berries can activities of some natural products are correlated with help in the treatment and prevention of various health defence against oxidative stress and different human issues, but the most important ones are: diseases including cancer, arteriosclerosis and aging High blood sugar: Goji berries are said to be able to lower process (Willcox et al., 2004). Compounds of nutritional blood sugar in addition to helping to relieve insulin value of Goji are very diverse, including polysaccharides, resistance which can be able to reduce risk of developing carotenoids, polyphenols, essential oils, betaine, vitamins, diabetes. Goji berries contain high levels of fibre and amino acids and oligo elements (Forino et al., 2016). Goji protein, which means that they can help to provide a feeling berries are rich in sugars (Montesano et al., 2016) and of fullness without the need to take in an inordinate amount lipids (Blasi et al., 2016). Wojdylo et al. (2018) indicated of calories. Regular consumption of Goji berries can that apart from being natural, nontoxic colorants in drinks enhance lymphocyes, which are the red blood cells that and cosmetics, Goji carotenoids show biological activity, e.g. protect the body from harmful bacteria. The nutritional and they act as antioxidants or precursors of vitamin A. Xie et al. functional properties of Goji berries are provided by a rich (2016) reported that L. barbarum can be utilized as variety of components, including amino acids, polyphenols, pharmaceutical for treatment and also as an ingredient in carotenoids, polysaccharides, organic acids and their Chinese cooking. Cheng et al. (2015) reported that Goji derivatives (Zhao et al., 2015; Ducruet et al., 2017; Zhou et berries have long been used to promote fertility and as al., 2017; Bertoldi et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2019). Mocan et potent anti-aging and antioxidant agent. They are rich in al. (2018) reported that Goji berries are a rich source of ascorbic acid (approx. 42 mg/100g) (Llorent-Martinez et bioactive compounds with functional properties that need al., 2013), thiamine, riboflavin and vitamins E, B1, B2 and Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 441

B6 (Wojdylo et al., 2018). Further, they contain (2018) also concluded that the purified components of the carbohydrates (arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, Goji berry may be potentially useful as adjuvants in the mannose and glucose) (Montesano et al., 2016), organic treatment of diabetes and its correlated illnesses. Wolfberry acids (malic acid, citric acid, shikmic acid and fumaric acid) polysaccharides were reported to have shown antioxidant (Mikulic-Petkovsek et al., 2012), and many minerals activity in vitro. A glucopyranoside and phenolic amides (potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, isolated from wolfberry root bark have also been found to zinc, and selenium) (Cieslik and Gebusia, 2012; Llorent- have an inhibitory activity in vitro against human Martinez et al., 2013; Nile and Park, 2014). Goji berries pathogenic bacteria and fungi. A human supplementation comprise also fatty acids (hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid trial showed that daily intake of wolfberries increased and myristic acid) (Blasi et al., 2017), and amino acids plasma levels of zeaxanthin (Karioti et al., 2014; Hempel et (proline, betaine and taurine) (Potterat, 2010). Xin et al. al., 2017). On the contrary, it is also reported in some (2017) reported that the pulp of the Goji had the highest literature that in the west, none of this research has been concentration of phytochemicals [TPC (Total phenolic scientifically verified, confirmed in clinical studies, and content, TFC (Total flavonoid content, MAC (Monomeric accepted by regulatory authorities. Some health benefits of anthocyanin content, and CTC (Condensed tannin content)] Goji berry are boosted immune system and flu protection, as compared with the seeds and whole fruits. They have potential weight loss aid, antioxidants for eyes and skin, also found that the antioxidant activities order is like maintenance of blood sugar, increased testosterone, pulp>seeds>whole fruits. restoration of body homeostasis and strengthening of body Yan et al. (2014) in their experiment indicated that the energy (Chang et al., 2010; Chu et al., 2013; Protti et al., contents of nutritional components in the different tissues 2017). The findings of Pehlivan Karakas et al. (2016) study were significantly different. The ratios of essential amino showed the methanol extract of L. barbarum on low levels acids/total amino acids and ratios of essential amino of anxiety and depression like behaviours. Their results also acids/non-essential amino acids for the leaf, pollen, and indicating that females seem to benefit from the methanol flower were all higher than the criteria provided by extract of L. barbarum more than males in terms of anxiety FAO/WHO. The pollen and the fruit contained highly and depression like behaviours, as well as spatial learning unsaturated fatty acids. All the tissues were good sources of behaviour (Pehlivan Karakas et al., 2016). Some researchers mineral elements, polysaccharides and phenolic reported that the carotenoid profile of Goji berries is the compounds. Furthermore, they have found that Ningxia subject of different reports, where zeaxanthin-dipalmitate wolfberry pollen, leaf and flower can be a potential was confirmed as the major carotenoid of Goji berries (Peng resource of nutrients for humans and animals. It has also et al., 2005; Inbaraj et al., 2008; Hempel et al., 2017; effectiveness in aging, increased metabolism, immune Fratianni et al., 2018). Fratianni et al. (2018) mentioned system, liver function and glycemic control (Silva et al., that the dried samples of Goji berries could be used as a 2017). However, their benefits are attributed to the dietary source of carotenoid and be worthy of development bioactive component polysaccharide-protein complex 4 and utilization. (LBP4), which is composed of six monosaccharides Dried fruits can be eaten raw and used in confectionary (galactose, glucose, rhmnose, arabinose, goods or in bakery products, added to trail mix, cereals, mannoseandxylose) (Amagase and Nance, 2008; Ming et al., muffins, energy bars or soups (Gao et al., 2008; Rosa et al., 2009; Amagase et al., 2009; Lu and Zhao, 2010; Carnes et 2017). According to the findings, the dried fruits are red- al., 2013). Soares deSousa et al. (2016) noted that Goji has a orange, seeded, rich in vitamins of group B, C, E, contain 21 complex rich vitamins and minerals that protect the central microelement including anticancer germanium (Llorent- nervous system, reduces the risk of glaucoma and has Martinez et al., 2013), 18 amino acids, 8 of which the antitumor activity, prevents chronic diseases such as human body does not produce, and 4 irreplaceable hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hepatitis, and also helps in polysaccharides which do not exist in products of food. Goji reducing fatigue and greater resistance in exercise, being a berries contain not only high amounts of antioxidants, strong ally in the prevention of aging. It has been found that carotenoids, vitamin A and zeaxanthin, but also rich in the flavonoids from wolf berries protect the blood cells and vitamins B and C and polysaccharides (Ionica et al., 2012; mitochnodria against oxidative damages (Luo et al., 2004). Senica et al., 2018; Skenderidis et al., 2018). In addition, Jin et al. (2013) demonstrated that L. barbarum flavonoids such as rutin, gentistic acid and quercetin are the polysaccharides has various important biological activities, main active compounds present in the leaves of L. barbarum such as antioxidant, immunomodulation, antitumor, (Dong et al., 2009; Duan et al., 2010; Chen et al., 2013; neuroprotection, radioprotection, anti-diabetes, Dermesonlouoglu et al., 2018). Lopatriello et al. (2017) hepatoprotection, anti-osteoporosis and antifatigue. Gao et found L. barbarum flowers and pruned stems as sources of al. (2008) also mentioned that Goji berries have a long beneficial compounds. The most important health benefits history of use for the treatment of eye problems, skin of Goji berry are shown in Table 2. rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, L. barbarum extracts were proven to possess prosperity diabetes, tuberculosis, and kidney disorders. Masci et al. biological activities, e.g. anti-ageing effects, increased Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 442

Table 2: The most important health benefits of Goji berry.

Helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells Helps to improve gastrointestinal functions Aids in improving eyesight and protects skin against UV rays Effective in increasing semen quantity and improving sperm quality Beneficial in reducing stress and fatigue Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases Contains high level of anti-oxidant Helps to protect liver against infections Helps to reduce high cholesterol Aids in controlling diabetes Protects brain cells from damage Help lower blood sugar level Boosts immune system Promote restorative sleep

metabolism, antioxidant properties, anti-diabetes and 1). 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals glucose control, immunomodulation, anti-glaucoma, 2). 18 amino acids neuroprotection, anti-fatigue/endurance, cytoprotection 3). 6 essential vitamins and antitumour activity (Potterat, 2010). Numerous studies 4). 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty indicated the powerful antioxidant potentialities achieved acids, linoleic acid, and alpha-liolenic acid from L. barbarum molecules, to act as promotions 5). Beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols forvarious health protective effects (Wu et al., 2004; 6). 5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin Abdennacer et al., 2015). It is well documented that several (below), lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll traditional herb and plant extracts have antioxidant 7). Numerous phenolic pigments (phenols) associated with properties and are potential candidates for the prevention antioxidant properties. and treatment of ROS-induced diseases (reactive oxygen species) (Li et al., 2007; Leontopoulos et al., 2017). Dried It is also reported that 100 grams of dried contain the Goji fruits (L. Chinese) has the highest content of total following minerals: polyphenols and vitamin C based on the cellular juice concentration due to fruits dehydration. Extraction with 1). Calcium: Wolfberries contain 112 mg/100 g serving, alcohol 80% as well as with hydrochloric acid 2% have providing about 8-10% of the Dietary Reference Intake resulted in the highest values of the polyphenols content (DRI). while the highest antioxidant activity was found by using as 2). Potassium: Wolfberries contain 1132 mg/100 g dried solvent the hydrochloric acid 2%, normally used for vitamin fruit, giving about 24% of the DRI. C determination. The DPPH method was affected by the 3). Iron: Wolfberries have 9 mg iron/100 g (100% DRI). content of vitamin C (Ionica et al., 2012; Rocchetti et al., 4). Zinc: 2 mg per 100 g dried fruit (18% DRI) 2018). Yu et al. (2006) mentioned that the pharmacological 5). Selenium: 100 g of dried wolfberries contain 50 activities associated with L. barbarum include micrograms (91% DRI). hypoglycemic, immunomodulation, anti-hypertension, 6). Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)- At 1.3 mg, 100 g of dried lipotropic, protecting hepatic function, anti-aging, anti- wolfberries provide 100% of DRI. fatigue, antioxidant and so on. Some Researches indicated 7). Vitamin C: Vitamin C content in dried wolfberries has a that components of berry fruits especially Goji berry may wide range (from different sources) from 29 mg/100 g to as inhibit replication of the virus both directly and indirectly, high as 148 mg/100 g (respectively, 32 and 163% DRI). e.g. by blocking surface flycoproteins of influenza virus and stimulating immune system of the organism; in consequence to its properties, Goji berry are raw materials Wolfberries also contain numerous phytochemicals, such of potential use in the prevention and treatment of as: influenza (Gramza-Michalowska et al., 2017). Macronutrients include carbohydrates, protein, fat, and 1). Beta-carotene: 7 mg/100 g dried fruit. dietary fiber. 68% of the mass of dried wolf berries exists as 2). Zeaxanthin: Reported values for zeaxanthin content in carbohydrate, 12% as protein, and 10% each as fiber and dried wolfberries vary considerably, from 25 to 200 fat, giving a total caloric value in a 100 g serving of 370 mg/100 g. The higher values would make wolfberry one of (kilo) calories, of which 272 come from carbohydrates and the richest edible plant sources known for zeaxanthin 90 of which come from fat. content. Up to 77% of total carotenoids present in Micronutrients include the following: wolfberry exist as zeaxanthin (Fratianni et al., 2018). Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants; Shahrajabian et al. 443

CONCLUSION (2015). Determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts obtained from the fruit and leaves of Tunisian Lycium Known in Asia as an extremely nutritious food, Goji berry intricatum Boiss. Food Chem. 174: 577-584. Amagase H, Nance DM (2008). A randomized, double-blind, placebo- fruits have been extensively eaten raw, consumed as juice or controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized lycium wine, brewed into herbal tea or prepared as a tincture, barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi. J. Altern. Complement Med. 4: 403-412. eaten as salads and used widely in other culinary Amagase H, Sun B, Borek C (2009). Lycium barbarum (Goji) juice improves preparations. Its leaves are made into tea. Besides its uses in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of health adults. Nutr. Res. 29: 19-25. in food and culinary, wolfberries have long played Amagase H, Farnsworth NR (2011). A review of botanical characteristics, important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), phytochemistry, clinical relevance in efficacy and safety of Lycium where they are believed to enhance immune system barbarum fruit (Goji). Food Res. Int. 44(7): 1702-1717. function, improve eyesight, protect liver, boost sperm Amagase H (2014). Antioxidants in Goji Berry juice (Lycium barbarum) and effects of processing step A2. In V. Preedy, Processing and impact on production and improve circulation, among other effects. It antioxidants in beverages (chap. 16, pp. 155-163). San Diego: Academic has been widely used in Asian countries such as China, Press. Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand for many years. Goji Bertoldi D, Cossignami L, Blasi F, Perini M, Barbero A, Pianezze S, berry is widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions Montesano D (2019). Characterisation and geographical traceability of Italian goji berries. 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