lycium ruthenicum

Lycium ruthenicum is a plant species commonly known as "black goji berry" or "black wolfberry." It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a dietary supplement. The fruit and its extracts are rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, conferring potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies have shown that water extracts of Lycium ruthenicum can protect retinal ganglion cells from degeneration in mouse models of glaucoma by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting microglial activation. Other reported pharmacological effects include potential benefits for cardiovascular disease, inflammation, fatigue, aging-related conditions, cardiac injury, experimental colitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and neuroprotection[1][3]. The mechanism of action appears to involve upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as GPX-4 (glutathione peroxidase 4), Prdx-5 (peroxiredoxin 5), HO-1 (heme oxygenase 1), and SOD-2 (superoxide dismutase 2)[3]. Lycium ruthenicum is not a pharmaceutical drug but rather an herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Other names

black goji berryblack wolfberryLycium ruthenicum Murr.LR