Black goji berry anthocyanins: extraction, stability, health benefits, and applications

Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum) or black wolfberry is a nutritious fruit that contains a higher anthocyanin content compared to other berries such as blackberry and blueberry. The special quality of black goji berry anthocyanins is that they are acylated anthocyanins that are known to be more stable than nonacylated anthocyanins. Petunidin-derived monoacylated anthocyanins are the most abundant in black goji berry. Black goji berry anthocyanins show a variety of colors in a range of pH values, and their stability depends on the pH. Acidified solvent or water is commonly used to extract anthocyanins from black goji berries. Black goji berry anthocyanins deliver many health benefits such as antioxidant, antilipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Black goji berry anthocyanins, therefore, have good potential application in functional foods. This paper reviews the composition, stability, extraction techniques, health benefits, and current and potential applications of black goji berry anthocyanins in the food industry.