The underutilized species Lycium intricatum: Study of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, photoprotective, and antihyperglycemic activities with biotechnological insights

Lycium intricatum is a traditionally used plant with reported therapeutic properties, yet current scientific knowledge about its biological activities and chemical composition remains very limited, with only partial information available for the leaves. This lack of data represents a gap in understanding its therapeutic potential. Exploring such an underutilized species can enrich the scientific literature, validate traditional uses, and identify new sources of natural bioactive compounds. This study represents the first detailed investigation of the leaves, stems, and fruits of L. intricatum , combining biological activity assessment with phytochemical profiling to evaluate its biotechnological potential. Plant materials were extracted with solvents of increasing polarity, and in vitro assays were conducted: α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition for antihyperglycemic activity, broth microdilution and agar diffusion methods for antibacterial and antifungal activity, spectrophotometric SPF determination for photoprotection, Artemia salina lethality assay for toxicity, and HPLC-UV-MS/MS for chemical profiling. The fruit extracts showed moderate antihyperglycemic activity, with IC 50 values of 738 µg/mL (acetone extract, α-amylase) and 687 µg/mL (ethanol extract, α-glucosidase). Antibacterial effects were noted against Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 14 mg/mL), and antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum (MIC = 12.2 mg/mL). Ethyl acetate extracts provided strong UV protection (SPF = 34–38), approaching the reference sunscreen (SPF 45). HPLC profiling revealed flavonoids, phenolic acids, and chlorogenic acids, while toxicity testing confirmed safety (LC 50 > 2000 µg/mL). These findings demonstrate the multifunctional, safe, and biotechnologically valuable potential of L. intricatum as a natural source for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.