Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide treatment in 3T3-L1 cultures

BACKGROUND: Lycium barbarum (also called wolfberry), a famous Chinese traditional medicine and food ingredient, is well recognized for its significant role in preventing obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its preventive effects on fat accumulation are not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MTT was used to detect the proliferation of 3T3-Ll preadipocytes. Oil red O staining and colorimetric analysis were used to detect cytosolic lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology was used to detect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor c (PPARc), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein a (C/EBPa), adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression. RESULTS: The concentration of LBP from 25 to 200 lg/mL showed a tendency to inhibit the growth of preadipocytes at 24 h, and it inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In the preadipocytes treated with 200 lg/mL LBP, there were reduced lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, and its effect was opposite to that of rosiglitazone (ROS), which significantly reduced the PPARc, C/EBPa, aP2, FAS, and LPL mRNA expression of adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: LBP exerts inhibitive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreases the cytoplasm accumulation of lipid droplets during induced differentiation of preadipocytes toward mature cells. Above phenomenon might link to lowered expression of PPARc, C/EBPa, aP2, FAS, and LPL after LBP treatment. Thus, LBP could serve as a potential plant extract to treat human obesity or improve farm animal carcass quality via adjusting lipid metabolism.

Protective Effect of Wolfberry Extract on Acetic Acid-induced Colitis in Rats

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the protective effect of wolfberry (WB) against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups with eight rats in each group: the control group, WB group, colitis group and WB + colitis group. Distal colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid. Wolfberry + colitis group received 100 mg/kg of WB extract dissolved in saline through the intraperitoneal route for 7 days. Acute colitis was created on the 8th day, and the rats were sacrificed 48 hours later. Colonic damage was assessed by macroscopic and histological criteria as well as biochemical markers. Results: Mean total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the colitis group compared with the control and WB groups (p < 0.05). The WB + colitis group had significantly lower TAC, TOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared with the colitis group (p < 0.05). The analyses of the histopathological findings indicated that the colitis group had a significantly higher histopathological damage score than the control group (3.12 ± 0.45, 0 ± 0.00, respectively; p < 0.05). Histopathological damage score was significantly higher in the WB + colitis group than in the control group and statistically significantly lower than the colitis group (1.62 ± 0.44, 0 ± 0.00, respectively; 3.12 ± 0.45, respectively; p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Conclusion: Wolfberry extract is an agent that is effective for preventing acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Genetic diversity and genetic structure evaluation of cultivated Chinese wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) based on microsatellite population genetics / 中国中药杂志

A total of 178 Chinese wolfberry individuals from 17 populations were detected by 7 pairs of SSR primers to evaluate genetic diversity and structure, using software GenALEx 6.5,NTSYS,STRUCTURE, the effects of cultivation on genetic diversity and structure were clarified aiming to find the strategies for genetic management and sustainable use. The results showed that the genetic diversity of cultivated Chinese wolfberry was low. The average number of alleles N_A, expected heterozygosity H_E, observed heterozygosity H_O, and Shannon's information index H' was 3.9, 0.443 7, 0.556 6, 0.788 1, respectively. STRUCTURE, UPGMA clustering and PCA test indicated that Chinese wolfberry varieties were severely intermixed but no differentiation among varieties. Mantel test showed no significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. AMOVA analysis showed that genetic variation mainly occurred among individuals within the population(84.58%, P<0.001), and there was almost no genetic differentiation between varieties(3.63%, P<0.001) and between populations(11.79%, P<0.001). The cultivation has caused a significant decline in the genetic diversity of Chinese wolfberry, which may cause inbreeding decline. New germplasm resources should be sought from the wild to improve the existing cultivars. On the other hand, there are obvious homogenization and germplasm intermixing between cultivated varieties and populations. Meanwhile, Chinese wolfberry cultivars should be purified and prevented from flowing into the wild population, in case of causing pollution of the wild germplasm.

Analysis of characteristics and problems of international trade of wolfberry in China / 中国中药杂志

Wolfberry has important unique medical values as well as edible and commerce values. In this paper,we analyze the characteristics and problems of international trade of wolfberry based on the customs data between 2008 and 2017. During periods of these ten years,the wolfberry was mainly exported with a small proportions of imports. The total export volume increased steadily,reached 82 182. 08 tons and 696. 622 million dollars respectively. Wolfberry came from 31 provinces/autonomous regions and exported to 105 countries and regions through 21 ports. Most of the total exports of wolfberry flew to markets of Asia and Europe,the Ningxia autonomous region was the major export province. Large amount of wolfberry exported through Tianjin port. Compared with the export volume,the import is almost negligible,mainly coming from North Korea,almost all through Changchun port,Jilin province to enter the domestic market. There is a situation of"import of domestic goods". To enhance the international competitiveness of wolf berry industry,we must rely on the fundamental research of wolfberry,speed up the standardization process,strengthen the scientific and technological innovation in wolfberry products,improve the added value and profit of wolfberry.

Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Wolfberry and Dietary Exposure Risk Assessment / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of pesticide residues in Wolfberry and evaluate the intake exposure of pesticide residues. METHODS: A total of 332 kinds of pesticides in 40 samples collected from different areas were determined and dietary intake exposure risks were assessed. Risk assessment was conducted by using deterministic approach for the pesticides with detection rate over 20%. RESULTS: The analysis showed that 94% of the samples contained low levels of pesticide residues, and 85% of the samples contained five or more kinds of pesticide residues. Totally 31 pesticides were detected, most of which have low or moderate toxicity. However, carbofuran which is forbidden in Chinese herbs was detected. Risk assessment found that carbofuran had the highest acute risk and chronic risk, with risk probabilities of 89.523% and 2.000%, respectively. As the values were below 100%, it was indicated that the threat of this pesticide in Wolfberry to human health is acceptable. CONCLUSION: The maximum residue limit of carbofuran in Wolfberry should be established as soon as possible. In this study, deterministic model is used to assess the risk of pesticide residues in Chinese Wolfberry, with the aim to propose an appropriate assessment model for traditional Chinese medicine and provide data for maximum residue limit.

Hypoglycemic effect of the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam to diabetic rats / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and its mechanism of pathogenicity of streptozotocin diseased rats treated by the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam. Methods Streptozotocin-diabetic rat model were taken the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry and Chinese yam with the ratio of 1:1:1 by intragastric administration. positive control group was fed metformin of 83.5mg/kg, the control group and the model group were given the same amount of distilled water. The safety of high dose (1500 mg) of the mixture therapy for the normal rat were evaluated, their blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, body weight and insulin levels were observed and its possible mechanism were analyzed. Results Compared with the model group, the disease diabetic rats of the administered group (250mg/kg,500mg/kg,1500mg/kg) were significantly alleviated. First of all, coat color was more shiny, the behavior were more physical agility. Followed by the decrease of blood glucose levels and AUC, and body weight and insulin levels were elevated. In cell experiments, the number of islet cells was increased in the administered group by the mixture in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion The mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam had obvious hypoglycemic effect. The hypoglycemic activity of the mixture may be attributed to increase insulin secretion through inhibit apoptosis of islet β-cells.

Variation of Sweet Chemicals in Different Ripening Stages of Wolfberry Fruits / 中草药·英文版

Objective To evaluate the variation of sweet chemicals (sugars and betaine) in fruits of six species in genus Lycium L. i.e. Lycium truncatum, L. cylindricum, L. dasystemum, L. dasystemum var. rubricaulium, L. chinense, and L. barbarum harvested at three different ripening stages. Methods A simple and effective method based on UPLC-ELSD was developed for the simultaneous determination of two monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), two disaccharides (sucrose and maltose), one sugar alcohol (xylitol), and betaine in wolfberry fruits (goji berries) of genus Lycium L. Results The six species of wolfberry fruits harvested at the three different ripening stages were evaluated in sugars and betaine contents. Fructose and glucose were the predominant sugars in mature wolfberry fruits. Fructose, glucose, and betaine, as well as total sugar contents, increased continually over the ripening process. L. truncatum and L. dasystemum had higher contents of sugars and betaine than the other species. Conclusion UPLC-ELSD is a simple, reliable and effective method for analysis of the sweet chemicals in wolfberries. Wolfberry fruits at the different ripening stages were significant different in sweetness. L. truncatum and L. dasystemum could be the potential sources of wolfberry fruit sources.

Preliminary studies on critical control point of traceability system in wolfberry / 中国中药杂志

As a traditional Chinese medicine, wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) has a long cultivation history and a good industrial development foundation. With the development of wolfberry production, the expansion of cultivation area and the increased attention of governments and consumers on food safety, the quality and safety requirement of wolfberry is higher demanded. The quality tracing and traceability system of production entire processes is the important technology tools to protect the wolfberry safety, and to maintain sustained and healthy development of the wolfberry industry. Thus, this article analyzed the wolfberry quality management from the actual situation, the safety hazard sources were discussed according to the HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) and GAP (good agricultural practice for Chinese crude drugs), and to provide a reference for the traceability system of wolfberry.

Dissipation dynamics of spirodiclofen in wolfberry fruit / 中国中药杂志

The dissipation of spirodiclofen in fresh fruit and dry fruit of wolfberry was detected in this study to provide a reference for its safe application.According to Pesticide Residue Test Criteria of China, the open-field experiment was conducted in Zhongning courty of Ningxia province, and the dissipation of spirodiclofen was studied by acetonitrile extraction and HPLC-MS/MS detection. The results showed that the half-lives of spirodiclofen in fresh wolfberry fruit and dry wolfberry fruit were 6.9-11.2 days and 8.5-10.4 days, respectively. Spirodiclofen belongs to the easily degradable pesticide type. According to the maximum residue limits (0.5 mg•kg⁻¹) of spirodiclofen of EU for wolfberry, after recommended dosage being sprayed for once, fresh wolfberry fruit was safe to eat after 5 days, and dry wolfberry fruit was safe to eat after 21 days.

Residue degradation dynamics of spinetoram in wolfberry / 中国中药杂志

The safety interval period and residue dynamics of two main components (XDE-175-J and XDE-175-L) of spinetoram in wolfberry were measured. Field experiment design and sampling method were carried out according to the "Guideline on pesticide residue trials". The wolfberry samples were extracted with acetonitrile by ultrasonic, and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. The wolfberry was sprayed with 6% spinetoram suspension concentrate (SC) at recommended dosage (1 500 times) and doubling dosage (750 times) (one time) at fructescence of wolfberry. The half-lives of spinetoram residue under recommended dosage treatment was 3.65-4.25 d, and all the fresh and dried fruits conform to first order kinetics equation. The dissipation rate was over 95% in fresh and dried fruits at 14 d after application. In conclusion, spinetoram belongs to the easily degradable pesticide type.

Analysis of genetic diversity for wolfberry germplasms by AFLP technology / 中草药

Objective: To study the genetic relationships of fifteen wolfberry germplasm, including seven wild species, three varieties, and five cultivars and lines. Methods: Data were analyzed by the technology of genomic DNA-AFLP markers and the NTSYS average similarity cluster analysis. Results: The statistics showed that 432 bands were amplified using eight pairs of primers, polymorphic bands had account of 360 numbers, and polymorphic rate was 83.3%. All germplasm were classified into nine groups, five groups and three groups as different coefficient of 0.72,0.79, and 0.85. Conclusion: This study reveals a diverse basis and their genetic relationship of Chinese wolfberry at the molecular level. The male sterility YX-1 is clustered together with a white flowers wolfberry and a round fruit wolfberry, and YX-1 is more close to the two kinds of wolfberry but farther to the Ningxia wolfberry in the genetic distant. In addition, the classification is obviously different with the traditional morphological one about three variants.

Effect of Ginger Fruit and Vegetable Beverage in Anti-fatigue / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To study effect of anti-fatigue of a ginger fruit and vegetable beverage. Methods The blood lactic acid (LAC), malondialdehyde (MAD) and BUN of the mice were determined after loading swimming, hypoxia endurance experiments to observe anti-fatigue effect.Results The beverage can enhance the body's aerobic metabolism and reduce the blood LAC, MDA and BUN. Conclusion The ginger fruit and vegetable beverage has anti-fatigue effect.

Antagonistic Effects of Organic Extracts of Fruit of Chinese Wolfberry on Chromium (Ⅵ)-induced Mutation in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To study the antagonistic effect of organic extracts of Fruit of Chinese Wolfberry (FCW) on chromium (Ⅵ) _induced mutation. Methods Using unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay, the effects of 0.02 g/ml, 0.01 g/ml and 0.005 g/ml organic extracts of FCW on UDS induced by potassium bichromate [0.31 ?g/ml Chromuim (Ⅵ)] in human peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined. The effects of the order of adding organic extract of FCW and potassium bichromate into cultured lymphocyte suspension on UDS were observed at the same time. Results The value of CPM revealed a significantly higher level in positive control group exposed to 0.31 ?g/ml chromium (Ⅵ) compared with that in negative control group exposed to disstilled water (P

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF COMPOUND EXTRACT OF SOYBEAN,WOLFBERRY AND HAWTHORN ON CHEMICAL LIVER INJURY IN MICE / 营养学报

Objective: To study the protective effect of compound extract of soybean, wolfberry and hawthorn on chemical liver injury in mice respectively. Methods:The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:control(A), liver injury control(B)and 0.06(C)?0.20(D)?0.60(E) g/(kg?bw) compound extract group. The liver injury models were induced by CCl 4 and ethanol in mice respectively. After 4 weeks, for the former, the serum ALT and AST content were measured and the liver pathological change was observed. For the latter, the liver MDA, GSH, and TG content were measured and fat droplets staining in the ice pathological slice were observed . Results: 1.CCl 4 liver injury models:the content of serum ALT of group D and the AST of group D and E were decreased. Compared with normal group, the hepatic pathological changes of the compound extract group was mainly fatty and ballon degeneration, and that of the CCl 4 group was mainly hepatic cytoclasis. 2.Ethanol liver injury models: the content of liver MDA of group C, E and the TG of group C, D, E were all decreased, and the fatty degeneration scores of group C, D were lower, both compared with ethanol group. Conclusion: Compound extract of soybean, wolfberry and hawthorn has the protective effect on liver injuries induced by both CCl 4 and ethanol in mice.