Neural Regeneration Research (Jan 2023)

Potential role of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in glaucoma management: evidence from preclinical in vivo studies

  • Yamunadevi Lakshmanan,
  • Francisca Siu Yin Wong,
  • Kwok-Fai So,
  • Henry Ho-Lung Chan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.355977
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 12
pp. 2623 – 2632

Abstract

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In recent years, the pharmacological benefits of herbal extracts have been revisited for their potential neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. The polysaccharides extracted from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L., or Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, exert their anti-aging effect through reducing oxidative stress, modulating the immune response, enhancing neuronal responses, and promoting cytoprotection. The therapeutic efficacy of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in preserving retinal ganglion cells and their functions was demonstrated in a range of experimental models of optic neuropathies. These include the acute and chronic ocular hypertension models, the partial optic nerve transection model, and the ischemic-reperfusion injuries model. Based on these findings, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides appear to be a good candidate to be developed as a neuroprotective agent for treating multifactorial diseases. This review aims to present a comprehensive review on the latest preclinical evidence on the pre- and post-treatment benefits of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection. The possible mechanisms of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides mediating retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection will also be described. Moreover, the potential research gaps in the effective translation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides treatment into clinical glaucoma management will be discussed.

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