Lycium barbarum L. is a species widely used in dietary supplements and natural healthcare products. The berries, also known as goji or wolfberries, mostly grow in China, but recent reports on their outstanding bioactive properties have increased their popularity and cultivation around the world. Goji berries are a remarkable source of phenolic compounds (such as phenolic acids and flavonoids), carotenoids, organic acids, carbohydrates (fructose and glucose), and vitamins (ascorbic acid). Several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and anticancer activities, have been associated with its consumption. Hence, goji berries were highlighted as an excellent source of functional ingredients with promising applications in food and nutraceutical fields. This review aims to summarize the phytochemical composition and biological activities, along with various industrial applications, of L. barbarum berries. Simultaneously, the valorization of goji berries by-products, with its associated economic advantages, will be emphasized and explored.

Lycium barbarum L. berries have a remarkable chemical composition and extensive biological activities, being a valuable component of health and nutraceutical practices. Nevertheless, a deep insight on the intestinal permeation of the pro-healthy bioactive compounds is urgently needed to predict the real effects on human body. This study attempted, for the first time, to optimize the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of goji berries using a Response Surface Methodology approach and establish the intestinal permeation of the principal pro-healthy compounds. The optimal extraction conditions were a solid:liquid ratio of 8.75 % for 56.21 min, using an intensity of 59.05 W/m². The optimal extract displayed a remarkable antioxidant capacity, with LC/DAD-ESI-MS analysis unveiled a diverse phytochemical profile, encompassing different compounds (e.g. glu-lycibarbarspermidine F, 2-glu-kukoamine, rutin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). The intestinal co-culture model demonstrated that glu-lycibarbarspermidine F (isomer 2) (73.70 %), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (52.66 %), and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (49.31 %) traversed the intestinal cell layer, exerting beneficial health-promoting effects.

Sambucus nigra L., popularly known as elderberry, is renowned for its amazing therapeutic properties, as well as its uses as a food source, in nutraceuticals, and in traditional medicine. This study’s aim was to investigate the effects of an elderberry extract (EE) on mice for 29 days, as well as the safety of the extract when used as a natural colorant. Twenty-four FVB/n female mice (n = 6) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, 12 mg/mL EE (EE12), 24 mg/mL EE (EE24), or 48 mg/mL EE (EE48). The predominant anthocyanins detected were cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Food and drink intake were similar between groups, with the exception of EE48, who drank significantly less compared with the Control. Biochemical analysis of the liver showed that the changes observed in histological analysis had no pathological significance. The EE, at doses of 24 and 48 mg/mL, significantly reduced the oxidative DNA damage compared with the non-supplemented group. The S. nigra extract showed a favorable toxicological profile, affording it potential to be used in the food industry.

Actinidia arguta leaves have gained notoriety over the past years due to their rich bioactive composition with human pro-healthy effects, particularly in relation to antioxidants. Nevertheless, antioxidants are well known for their chemical instability, making it necessary to develop suitable delivery systems, such as microparticles, to provide protection and ensure a controlled release. The aim of this work was to produce polymeric particles of A. arguta leaves extract by spray-drying that may improve the oral mucositis condition. Microparticles were characterized by size, shape, antioxidant/antiradical activities, swelling capacity, moisture content, and effect on oral cells (TR146 and HSC-3) viability, with the aim to assess their potential application in this oral condition. The results attested the microparticles’ spherical morphology and production yields of 41.43% and 36.40%, respectively, for empty and A. arguta leaves extract microparticles. The A. arguta leaves extract microparticles obtained the highest phenolic content (19.29 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant/antiradical activities (FRAP = 81.72 µmol FSE/g; DPPH = 4.90 mg TE/g), being perceived as an increase in moisture content and swelling capacity. No differences were observed between empty and loaded microparticles through FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the exposure to HSC-3 and TR146 did not lead to a viability decrease, attesting their safety for oral administration. Overall, these results highlight the significant potential of A. arguta leaves extract microparticles for applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are extremely rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which contribute to the strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, positioning them as a promising candidate for nutraceutical applications. However, due to some limitations such as poor bioavailability and instability, encapsulation via spray drying with polymeric carriers provides a practical strategy to improve their stability, bioavailability, and applicability in the health sector. In this study, goji berry extract (GBE) was obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and encapsulated using spray drying with four different polymers: alginate, pectin, Eudragit E100 and RS30D. GBE-loaded microparticles showed improved production yields (e.g., 40.3% for Alginate + GBE vs. 13.9% for Alginate alone) and varying particle sizes (1.9–4.4 µm). The antioxidant/antiradical activities were retained to different extents, depending on the carrier, with RS30D + GBE displaying the highest TPC (15.51 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g), FRAP (59.83 µmol FSE (ferrous sulphate equivalents)/g), and DPPH activities (3.50 mg TE (Trolox equivalents)/g). Biocompatibility was confirmed in HT29-MTX cell lines for all produced microparticles. These findings support the use of spray-dried polymeric carriers to enhance the functional performance and stability of goji berry bioactive compounds in future nutraceutical applications.