A Review of the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Lycium Barbarum Fruit

Overview

Journal Inflammopharmacology

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2011 Dec 23

PMID 22189914

Citations 45

Authors

Wai-Man Tang

Enoch Chan

Ching-Yee Kwok

Yee-Ki Lee

Jian-Hong Wu

Chun-Wai Wan

Robbie Yat-Kan Chan

Peter Hoi-Fu Yu

Shun-Wan Chan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The anticancer effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have attracted the attention of the public vis-à-vis existing cancer therapies with various side effects. Lycium barbarum fruit, commonly known as Gou Qi Zi in China, is a potential anticancer agent/adjuvant. Its major active ingredients, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), scopoletin and 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG), are found to have apoptotic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines. Moreover, LBP also contributes to body's immunomodulatory effects and enhances effects of other cancer therapies. It is not known whether there are any undesirable effects. Further studies on its pharmacological mechanisms and toxicology could facilitate a safe usage of this TCM herb.

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