Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum) in Rats Subjected to Inflammation by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

• Published in: Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology 2020-01, Vol.63
• Main Authors: Ávila, Caroline Nickel, Trindade, Fernanda Moura Ribeiro, Penteado, Júlia Oliveira, Janke, Fernanda, Schneider, Janaína Pereira, Uecker, Júlia Neitzel, Rincón, Joao Alveiro Alvarado, Barros, Carlos Castilho de, Andreazza, Robson, Pieniz, Simone
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: palatable die; proinflammatory cytokines; systemic inflammation
• ISSN: 1516-8913; 1678-4324
• DOI: 10.1590/1678-4324-2020180612

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of a Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit extract in Wistar rats submitted to a palatable diet presenting systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Forty-two Wistar female rats (Rattus Novergicus) were used with 60 days old. The animals were feed for 60 days and divided in six groups (n=7): standard diet+water; standard diet+L. barbarum; palatable diet+water; palatable diet+L. barbarum; standard diet+water+LPS; standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS. A significant difference was shown between the analyzed groups concerning C-reactive protein, with the standard diet+water+LPS group presenting the highest inflammatory response in comparison to the other groups. Decreased inflammatory response was observed in the group administered a palatable diet along with the fruit extract when compared to the group that received only a palatable diet. Significant decrease in glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity was observed in the standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS group compared to the standard diet+water group, as well as in the palatable diet+L. barbarum group compared to the palatable diet+water group. A significant increase in creatinine in the standard diet+water+LPS group was observed in according to the L. barbarum administration groups. The gene expression of the inflammatory markers genes in the liver showed a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 genes in the group treated with standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS when compared to the standard diet+LPS group. Thus, the administered L. barbarum extract displays the potential to reduce inflammatory responses induced by LPS and a palatable diet.