Modulation of age-associated immune dysfunction and allergic responses by Mongolian Lycium ruthenicum extract in murine models.

BACKGROUND

Lycium ruthenicum (black goji berry) is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated whether Mongolian L. ruthenicum (LR) extract modulates age-related allergic inflammation in murine models.

METHODS

Female C57BL/6N mice received Mongolian LR extract (4 mg/mL in drinking water) under long-term (73 weeks) or short-term (4 weeks) regimens. Allergic asthma and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were induced by Dermatophagoides farinae extract and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, respectively. Immune cell subsets, cytokine production, serum IgE levels, and histopathology were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR.

RESULTS

Chronic LR administration significantly attenuated Th2-type inflammation in aged mice with asthma or ACD. In the asthma model, LR reduced perivascular lung inflammation, decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion from lymph node cells, and decreased the numbers of CD4+ effector/memory T cells, dendritic cells, and IgE+ B cells. In the ACD model, LR alleviated epidermal ulceration and reduced serum IgE levels. In contrast, short-term administration at either young or old age produced minimal effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged intake of Mongolian L. ruthenicum extract suppressed age-associated Th2-skewed allergic inflammation without disturbing immune homeostasis. These findings suggest that sustained LR supplementation may counteract immunosenescence and help maintain immune balance during aging.