Isorhamnetin from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities in vitro via regulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and AKT signaling

Abstract

Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) has been recognized for its immune-regulating and anti-cancer potentials, but its key active components and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we applied LC–MS/MS to characterize the metabolite profile of L. ruthenicum and performed in vitro assays to evaluate its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. A total of 149 metabolites were identified, with organic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acid derivatives as the dominant components. Isorhamnetin was identified as a representative flavonoid. In LPS-stimulated Calu3 cells, isorhamnetin reduced the secretion and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta). In cancer cells, isorhamnetin induces ROS accumulation, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis, with modulation of the AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that isorhamnetin may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of L. ruthenicum observed in vitro, providing preliminary experimental evidence for its potential as a functional food ingredient. However, this study is limited by the use of a single cell line (Calu3) and the absence of in vivo validation and pharmacokinetic evaluation; further studies are needed to confirm these observations.