<i>Lycium barbarum</i>&#39;s diabetes secrets: A comprehensive review of cellular, molecular, and epigenetic targets with immune modulation and microbiome influence

Zeshan Ali; Aqsa Ayub; Yawen Lin; Sonam Anis; Ishrat Khan; Shoaib Younas; Rana Adnan Tahir; Shulin Wang; Jianrong Li

doi:10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101130

Volume 15 Issue 5

Jun. 2025

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Article Navigation > Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis > 2025 > 15(5): 101130

Zeshan Ali, Aqsa Ayub, Yawen Lin, Sonam Anis, Ishrat Khan, Shoaib Younas, Rana Adnan Tahir, Shulin Wang, Jianrong Li. Lycium barbarum's diabetes secrets: A comprehensive review of cellular, molecular, and epigenetic targets with immune modulation and microbiome influence[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025, 15(5): 101130. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101130

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Zeshan Ali, Aqsa Ayub, Yawen Lin, Sonam Anis, Ishrat Khan, Shoaib Younas, Rana Adnan Tahir, Shulin Wang, Jianrong Li. Lycium barbarum's diabetes secrets: A comprehensive review of cellular, molecular, and epigenetic targets with immune modulation and microbiome influence[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025, 15(5): 101130. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101130

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Lycium barbarum's diabetes secrets: A comprehensive review of cellular, molecular, and epigenetic targets with immune modulation and microbiome influence

doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101130

a. College of Food Science and Technology, Bohai University, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Storage, Processing and Safety Control Technology for Fresh Agricultural and Aquatic Products, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121013, China;
b. Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Punjab, 57000, Pakistan;
c. Yashfeen College of Pharmacy, Yashfeen Education System, Shahdra, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan;
d. School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China;
e. School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China;
f. Department of Biology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, 123, Oman;
g. College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, China

Funds:

This study is supported by the Kunlun Mountain Scholar Project of Qinghai Province, China (Project No.: 2021–13).

Received Date: May 26, 2024
Accepted Date: Oct. 22, 2024
Rev Recd Date: Sep. 04, 2024
Publish Date: Oct. 28, 2024

Abstract

Abstract

Diabetes, a metabolic disease stemming from impaired or defective insulin secretion, ranks among the most severe chronic illnesses globally. While several approved drugs exist for its treatment, they often come with multiple side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing need for safe and effective anti-diabetic medications. Traditional Chinese medicine has recognized Lycium barbarum (LB; goji berry) plant, commonly known as “wolfberry fruit” in China, for over 2,000 years. Natural compounds derived from LB show promise in reducing diabetes levels. Although research on the impact of LB on diabetes is still limited, our review aims to explore the potential of LB in reducing the risk of diabetes and examine the underlying mechanisms involved. LB can modulate diabetes through various pathways, such as inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, promoting β-cell proliferation, stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, LB improves gut flora and immunomodulation, further aiding diabetes management. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of LB in managing diabetes and its complications within the framework of evidence-based modern medicine.
- Bioactive substances,
- Glucose metabolism,
- Gut flora,
- Immunomodulation,
- Traditional Chinese medicine,
- Wolfberry fruit

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