Introduction
Lycium barbarum L., known as Goji, is widely used as a medicinal and functional food. Besides the positive therapeutic properties it possesses, it can inhibit enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and it can cause herb-drug interactions (HDIs).
Aim
The aim of the study is evaluation of the potential of polysaccharide and polyphenolic fractions isolated from L. barbarum fruits to inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9
Materials and Methods
The inhibitory effects of polysaccharide and polyphenolic fractions isolated from L. barbarum on CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity were determined using Vivid® CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 Green Screening Kits.
Results
The both fractions inhibit the activity of investigated CYP isoenzymes. The polyphenolic fraction was more potent with IC50 values of 0.119 mg/ml and 0.048 mg/ml against CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 respectively. The polysaccharide fraction has inhibited CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 with IC50 values of 2.244 mg/ml and 4.094 mg/ml respectively.
Conclusion
The usage of beverages based on L.barbarum can lead to herb-drug interactions (HDIs). Further research in this direction will assess the significance of these interactions.
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