Effects and Mechanisms of a Prototype Gouqi-Derived Nanovesicles-Enriched Beverage for Conflicting Cellular Senescence

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, have long been used as both medicine and food due to their numerous health benefits. Today, the most popular form of goji consumption is commercial beverages, particularly goji not-from-concentrate juice (goji NFC juice). However, the bioactive substances in goji berries are often lost during production, transportation, and storage, limiting the juice's potential health benefits. In this study, we introduce gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) into goji NFC juice to enhance its health effects. These GqDNVs, which help prevent senescence in skeletal muscles, are added to create a composite beverage that we have named “QiNeng.” Our targeted metabolomic profiling and small RNA sequencing analyses reveal that both QiNeng and goji NFC juice contain amino acids, miRNAs, and other bioactive substances. Notably, functional miRNAs, amino acids, and lipids were detected in C2C12 muscle cells after co-culturing with QiNeng and goji NFC juice. Compared to goji NFC juice alone, QiNeng not only retains similar antioxidant properties but also shows greater efficacy in inhibiting the expression of senescence markers, preventing myotube atrophy, promoting mitochondrial function, and improving energy-related metabolism. QiNeng enhances energy metabolism, supports cell growth, and inhibits muscle cell senescence, making up for the deficiencies of standard goji NFC juice.