Moroccan Lycium intricatum Berries: Therapeutic Insights, Phytochemical Profile, and Biological Activities

This study focuses on examining the chemical composition of Lycium intricatum berries, a plant historically used by the Moroccan population but not extensively studied. Using HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis, we identified significant levels of bioactive compounds. Quercetin and its derivatives were found to be the most abundant compounds across all extracts. The fruit was also found to contain two major carotenoids, 8-Apo-b-carotenal and alloxanthin, and notable levels of phenolic and chlorogenic acids, well-regarded for their therapeutic effectiveness in treating eye conditions, substantiating the fruit's historical use. Quantification of phenolic compounds revealed a high content of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins in all extracts, with solvent-water mixtures proving to be the most effective for extraction. In terms of biological activities, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide tests, showing the ethanol: water (50:50) extract to exhibit strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 273.90 ± 0.96 μg/mL, IC₅₀ = 30.96 ± 1.95 μg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, the acetone: water (80:20) extract demonstrated the most potent antiprotein denaturation effect, assessed using BSA and egg albumin tests. A comparison of extraction methods highlighted that ultrasound-assisted extraction was more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional maceration, especially when using solvents such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, and water. Interestingly, ethyl acetate and hexane were found to facilitate superior extraction through maceration, providing valuable insights into effective extraction strategies.