Comprehensive Review on the Protective Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ischemic stroke, and other related conditions, significantly impact the quality of life, particularly in low-income nations. The pathogenesis of these diseases is driven by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulation of autophagy. To date, no therapies or medications can fully reverse the progression of these diseases. Natural polysaccharides have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Lycium barbarum L., has attracted considerable attentionfor its diverse biological activities, biodegradability, ease of modification, and low toxicity. This review aims to systematically evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and their mechanisms in various neurodegenerative disease models. For this study, we used multiple scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We verified the correct plant name through the website plantlist.org. The search results were interpreted and documented based on the retrieved bibliographic information. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide has shown significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental evidence reveals its neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, including reducing neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating autophagy. The current review established that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide holds promise as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is required to address the limitations identified in previous studies and to guide future experimental investigations and clinical applications.