Determination of the adaptation abilities of high-yield and quality goji berry ( Lycium barbarum L.) varieties and lines under different ecological conditions in Türkiye
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Determination of the adaptation abilities of high-yield and quality goji berry ( Lycium barbarum L.) varieties and lines under different ecological conditions in Türkiye
Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) is a functional food rich in phenolic antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Despite global importance, little is known about the adaptability, nutrient content, and biological activities of goji berry lines cultivated under different ecological conditions in Türkiye.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the adaptability of three goji berry lines (Salkım Hanım, Tay, and NQ7) in Sivas, Yozgat, and Tokat regions. Furthermore, the aim also was to evaluate the phenolic composition, enzyme activities, nutrient content, antioxidant capacity, protein interactions, and pharmacokinetic behavior of their bioactive compounds.
Methods
A randomized complete block design with four replicates was employed. Ethanol extracts from leaves and fruits were analyzed for phenolics, nutrient elements, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition, with phenolic compounds identified by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Enzyme activities including catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, and protein content were measured. LC-MS/MS identified chlorogenic acid isomer and rutin as dominant compounds in year one, with caffeic acid derivatives also appearing in year two. In silico analyses included docking studies with protein targets (1CB4, 1HD2, 4Z8D) and ADME/T estimations.
Results
The three lines showed high antioxidant activity, with leaves containing higher nutrient content than fruits. Phenolic analyses highlighted chlorogenic acid isomer, rutin, and caffeic acid derivatives as major compounds. Enzyme assays showed positive correlations between catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and protein content. Docking studies confirmed strong interactions of bioactives with protein targets, while ADME/T analyses indicated promising pharmacokinetic stability.
Conclusions
The Tay, Salkım Hanım, and NQ7 lines adapted successfully to the studied regions, showing strong antioxidant potential. The richness of phenolics, especially in leaves, underscores their value for functional food and pharmaceutical applications. Molecular docking and ADME/T findings further confirm their therapeutic potential as candidates for drug development.
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