ROLE OF GOJI BERRY IN GLAUCOMA

 

DR. SAHRISH

BUMS, AJMAL KHAN TIBBIYA COLLEGE,

ALIGARH, INDIA

Vascular dysregulation is one of the major risk factors for glaucoma.

The vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its G-protein coupled receptors, namely endothelin receptor A (ET-A) and endothelin receptor B (ET-B), are present abundantly in ocular structures. They play important roles in regulating IOP, ocular blood flow, and neuronal functions.

Dysregulation of ET-1 and its receptors has been associated with clinical glaucoma. Elevated ET-1 levels in plasma, aqueous humor, or following cold-induced vasospasm have been reported in patients with normal tension or open-angle glaucoma.

Lycium barbarum (LB), also known as wolfberry or goji berry has been studied for its retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neuroprotective role.

A study was performed at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of LB glycoproteins (LbGP) in ET-1 induced RGC degeneration.

The animals were given LB extract by mouth under pre- and post-treatment conditions and then intra-vitreal ET was injected. Subsequently, the structural and functional outcomes in the retina were characterized using clinical-based techniques.

ET-1 injection in vehicle control induced transient reductions in arterial flow and retinal functions, leading to significant RNFL thinning and RGC loss.

Although ET-1 induced a transient loss in blood flow or retinal functions in all LbGP groups, LbGP treatments facilitated better restoration of retinal flow and retinal functions as compared with the vehicle control.

The LbGP groups also had significantly preserved retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and RGC densities.

WHAT IS GOJI BERRY?

Lycium barbarum has been used in China for more than 2,000 years as a traditional medicinal herb and food supplement. Lycium barbarum contains abundant Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), betaine, phenolics, carotenoids (zeaxanthin and β-carotene), cerebroside, 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG), β-sitosterol, flavonoids and vitamins (in particular, riboflavin, thiamine, and ascorbic acid). LBPs are the primary active components of Lycium barbarum. 

Lycium barbarum belongs to the family of Solanaceae. The berry is fusiform or oblong shaped with a length ranging from 6-20 mm and a diameter 3-10 mm. The orange or dark red berry has a small stylar scar protruding from the top, and skin having shrunken appearance. The pulp is fleshy and soft with a bitter and sweet taste. The berry is eaten raw, consumed in juice form, or added to tea or wine.

REFERENCES:

Lakshmanan, Y., Wong, F.S.Y., So, KF. et al. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide promotes neuroprotection in ET-1 mediated retinal ganglion cell degeneration. J Transl Med 22, 727 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05526-8.