Comparative evaluation of four Lycium barbarum cultivars on NaIO₃-induced retinal degeneration mice via multivariate statistical analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry) is a traditional Chinese medicine and is often used to improve vision. While various goji cultivars may differentially treat retinal degeneration, however their comparative effectiveness remains unclear.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the protective effects of four goji cultivars on NaIO₃-induced retinal degeneration mouse model and identify the most therapeutically potent cultivar.

Materials and methods: The principal compounds in the extracts of four goji cultivars were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. A retinal degeneration mouse model was established via NaIO₃ injection. Dark-light transition and TUNEL assays were used to assess visual function and retinal apoptosis. The levels of antioxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic markers in serums and eyeballs were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis were used to objectively compare the treatment responses.

Results: Sixteen compounds were identified in goji berry extracts. All goji berry extracts could reverse NaIO₃-induced visual impairment, retinal damage and apoptosis. The samples from the cultivar of Ningqi No.1 significantly modulated oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels, which are more effectively than the other cultivars based on integrated multivariate profiling.

Conclusion: Ningqi No.1 demonstrated a stronger protective effect on mouse retina than other goji cultivars, and is a potential variety for further research on the treatment of retinal degeneration.