# Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and
## 4 Health Benefits and Nutraceutical Properties
Cancer cells often evade apoptosis, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Studies have shown that extracts from goji berries can induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D) [94]. This is achieved through the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and the suppression of anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby restoring the balance towards cell death in cancerous cells. In addition, by boosting NK cell activity, goji berries help improve the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells [87]. Research suggests that the combination of different bioactive compounds in goji berries may have synergistic effects, enhancing their overall anticancer potential. This means that the combined action of these compounds is more effective than the sum of their individual effects. This synergy is particularly beneficial in preventing and treating cancer, as it can target multiple pathways involved in cancer development and progression [92,93]. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the anticancer potential of goji berries. For example, methanol extracts of goji berries significantly decreased the viability of breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner [95]. **Ocular health benefits. ** The potential benefits of goji berries for ocular health have attracted considerable attention, primarily due to their high content of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that accumulates in the macula of the eye [96]. Recent clinical evidence has demonstrated that goji berries can significantly improve macular health through multiple mechanisms, particularly in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide [97]. The high zeaxanthin content of goji berries makes them particularly valuable for ocular health. Goji berries contain the highest amount of zeaxanthin among all known dietary sources, primarily present in dipalmitate form. This is especially significant because the typical adult human eye has approximately 2.4 times more zeaxanthin than lutein in the central fovea of the macula. The zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) found in goji berries has shown superior bioavailability compared to non-esterified zeaxanthin supplementation. Clinical studies have demonstrated concrete benefits of goji berry consumption for ocular health. As shown in a randomized pilot trial, consumption of 28 g of goji berries five times weekly for 90 days significantly increased the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in healthy adults aged 45-65 years. Figure 4 from the study clearly demonstrates that goji berry intake increased MPOD at both 0.25 and 1.75 retinal eccentricities after 90 days of consumption (\(p=0.029\) and \(p=0.044\), respectively), while no changes were observed in the lutein/zeaxanthin supplement group. The mechanisms underlying the ocular health benefits of goji berries are thought to involve multiple pathways. These include direct antioxidant actions of zeaxanthin and other compounds, modulation of inflammatory processes in the eye, and potential enhancement of ocular blood flow [98]. While these findings are encouraging, more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm the long-term benefits of goji berry consumption for ocular health, particularly in the context of age-related eye diseases [98]. **Adverse effects. ** While goji berry has been traditionally consumed for its numerous health benefits, several studies have documented potential adverse effects and safety concerns that warrant careful consideration. The most significant concerns relate to herb-drug interactions, allergic reactions, and hepatotoxicity. One of the most well-documented adverse effects involves interactions between goji berry and conventional medications. Studies have shown that goji berry can strongly inhibit multiple cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, particularly CYP2D6 and CYP2C9, which are responsible for metabolizing various medications [99]. This inhibition can lead to potentially dangerous drug interactions.