The Physiological and Genotoxic Effects of Water and Ethanol Extracts of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.) on Model Organisms

Year 2017, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 76 - 84, 30.09.2017

Hülya ÖZPINAR Necati ÖZPINAR Savas KARAKUS

https://doi.org/10.5799/jcei.343190

Abstract

Objectives: Herbal treatments in particular have a place which cannot be ignored in current
alternative medicine. One of these plants, which has become very well-known recently and
which is widely consumed in Turkey is the Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.). To investigate the
effects of Goji berry, on fertility when used by individuals in their 20s and on physical growth
when used by those of a younger age. It was also aimed to test the genotoxic effects of the Goji
berry on Allium cepa L. meristem stem cells.
Materials and Methods: Goji berry water and ethanol extracts were tested on a model
organism of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in respect of fertility and physical growth.
Allium cepa L. meristem stem cells exposed to Goji berry extract were examined for genotoxic
effects.
Results: A significant dose-related reduction was determined in fertility, physical growth and
mitotic index in ethanol extract. In the water extract, a reduction in fertility was determined at
high doses and an increase with the lowest dose used in the study. No significant effect was
found on physical growth of water extract at any dose.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed negative effects on cell division, fertility and
physical growth of Goji berry, which has been used since ancient times in Chinese medicine and
for which several benefits have been claimed in literature. It must be emphasised that doserelated
side-effects may develop with the use of plants for medicinal purposes. 

Keywords

Goji Berry, Caenorhabditis elegans, Fertility, Physical growth, Genotoxic effects

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