The physiological and genotoxic effects on model organisms of the water and ethanol extracts of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.)

摘要

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