# Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and
## 1 Introduction  
_Lycium barbarum_ L., commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has emerged as a prominent \"superfood\" in recent years, captivating the attention of both consumers and researchers alike [1]. This small, bright red fruit (Figure 1), native to Asia, has a rich history deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and culinary practices. For centuries, goji berries have been valued for their perceived health-promoting properties, used to enhance vitality, strengthen the immune system, and promote longevity [2]. The goji plant is a deciduous woody shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family. It typically grows 1-3 m tall, with slender branches adorned with small, light green leaves. The berries themselves are ellipsoid in shape, measuring 1-2 cm in length, and possess a distinctive sweet and slightly tangy flavor. While traditionally cultivated in regions of China, such as Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, goji berry cultivation has expanded globally in recent decades [3], with production now occurring in various countries across Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. To conduct this comprehensive review, we performed an extensive literaturesearch across multiple scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2000 to 2024. Our initial search using keywords such as \"Lycium barbarum\", \"goji berry\" and \"wolfberry\" yielded approximately 3200 articles. After removing the duplicates, we identified 1850 unique publications. These were then screened based on specific inclusion criteria: (1) peer-reviewed articles published in English; (2) original research papers, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses; (3) studies focusing on chemical composition, biological activities, or health benefits of goji berries; and (4) research employing validated analytical methods or well-designed experimental protocols. Articles were excluded if they were conference abstracts, non-peer-reviewed publications, or studies with insufficient methodological details. Following this screening process, 425 articles were selected for detailed review, with 103 key papers ultimately being included in this comprehensive analysis. Priority was given to recent publications and studies that provided novel insights into the biochemical composition, therapeutic potential, or industrial applications of goji berries. The historical significance of goji berries in traditional Chinese medicine cannot be overstated. Ancient texts dating back over 2000 years mention the use of goji berries for various medicinal purposes. They were believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve eyesight, and boost overall well-being [4]. In traditional practices, goji berries were often consumed as a tonic, brewed into teas, or incorporated into herbal formulations. This long-standing cultural belief in the health benefits of goji berries laid the foundation for the modern scientific exploration of their potential therapeutic properties [5]. In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of goji berries in Western countries. This newfound interest can be attributed to several factors, including the growing consumer demand for natural and plant-based products, increased awareness of the potential health benefits of antioxidant-rich foods, and the global trend toward exploring traditional and exotic superfoods [6]. The marketing of goji berries as a nutrient-dense superfood has further fueled their popularity, leading to their incorporation into various products, from dietary supplements to functional foods and beverages. The transition of goji berries from a traditional medicinal ingredient to a globally recognized superfood has sparked intense scientific interest in understanding their nutritional composition and potential health benefits [7]. Researchers have begun to unravel the complex array of bioactive compounds present in goji berries, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other phytochemicals.