Health Benefits and Food Applications of Bioactive Constituents From Different Medicinal Parts (Bark, Leaf, and Fruit) of Lycium barbarum

Abstract

Lycium barbarum is a plant that is a member of the Solanaceae family. Different tissues and organs from this plant are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine because of their abundant functional ingredients. Recently, Lycium barbarum has been the subject of several ethnopharmacological studies. With the deepening research and development of products utilizing functional ingredients, the edible value of Lycium barbarum has been gradually explored, attracting the attention of scholars due to its excellent nutritional properties. In 1988, the fruits of Lycium barbarum were officially included in the list of “both medicine and food” by the Chinese Ministry of Health. Additionally, the bark and leaves of Lycium barbarum are edible. Owing to its dual-use characteristics in medicine and food, Lycium barbarum has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food worldwide. However, a comprehensive summary focused on the functional ingredients, pharmacological effects, food research and development status, and safety of Lycium barbarum is lacking. Therefore, we reviewed the major functional ingredient categories, structural characteristics, and nutritional value. Furthermore, we summarize the pharmacological effects of the functional ingredients to support their further application as therapeutic agents. Food research and the development of functional ingredients from Lycium barbarum are also systematically reviewed. Finally, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the safety and future development of products derived from Lycium barbarum, exploring potential applications in the fields of cosmetics, agriculture, functional foods, and nutritional supplements of its bioactive constituents, with the aim of facilitating further extensive investigations into its utilization.