Prof. Dr. Wenjuan Li | Natural polysaccharides | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wenjuan Li , State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, China

Prof. Wen-Juan Li ,  is a leading food scientist at Nanchang University . With a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering , she has rapidly progressed from lecturer to full professor (2011–present). Her groundbreaking research explores the structural and functional dynamics of natural polysaccharides and their role in chronic disease intervention . Passionate about bioactive food components, she has earned multiple national recognitions . As a Young Jinggang Scholar and principal investigator on major R&D projects , Prof. Li continues to innovate at the intersection of food, health, and medicine .

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability Summary

Prof. Wen-Juan Li exemplifies the modern, multidisciplinary researcher. Her pioneering work at the nexus of food science, pharmacology, and chronic disease prevention addresses some of today’s most urgent health challenges. As a Young Jinggang Scholar and full professor at a prestigious Chinese university, she leads innovative R&D projects with national recognition, making her an influential contributor in the bioactive compounds field.

Education & Experience 

• B.Sc. in Pharmacy – Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University (2000–2004)

• M.Sc. in Cardiovascular Pharmacology – Jiangxi Medical College (2004–2007)

• Ph.D. in Food Science & Engineering – Nanchang University (2007–2011)

• Lecturer – Nanchang University (2011)

• Associate Professor – Nanchang University (2014)

• Full Professor – Nanchang University (2019–present)

Professional Development

Prof. Wen-Juan Li is actively involved in advancing food science through research and innovation . She has led several national and provincial projects, focusing on functional fruit component technologies and immunomodulatory polysaccharides . Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges food science with pharmacology, enabling novel approaches to disease intervention and metabolic health . Through continuous publishing, mentoring, and collaboration, she contributes significantly to the State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources . Prof. Li’s dedication to scientific excellence is reflected in her growing influence in bioactive compounds and food-drug homologous research .

Research Focus Category 

Prof. Wen-Juan Li’s research primarily falls under functional food science and chronic disease prevention . She explores the structure-function relationship of natural polysaccharides and their effects on metabolic disorders, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, and immune dysregulation . Her focus extends to glycolipid metabolism, neuroendocrinology, and mitochondrial health . With a strong interest in food-drug homologous ingredients , she aims to harness food bioactives for therapeutic applications. Through innovative extraction, analysis, and mechanism-based studies, her work bridges nutrition, pharmacology, and disease intervention—contributing to healthier lifestyles and medical food development .

Awards & Honors 

• 2021: Young Jinggang Scholar of Jiangxi Province

• 2017: Jiangxi Outstanding Youth Fund Project

• 2012: Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of Jiangxi Province

• 2015: First Prize, Natural Science Prize of Jiangxi Province

• 2011: Third Prize, Jiangxi Provincial Higher Education S&T Achievement

• 2009: Second Prize, China Food Science & Technology Innovation Award

Publication Top Notes:

1. Mitigation of lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal injury in rats by Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. essential oil via suppression of mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (MFN2)-mediated mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) formation

Authors: Shuying Huang, Zhengguo Zeng, Yuelei Chu, Wenjuan Li, Cheng Qing
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025
Citations: 2
Summary:
This study explores the protective role of Chimonanthus nitens essential oil against intestinal injury in rats. The oil suppresses the formation of MAMs by downregulating MFN2, thus alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications in gut-related inflammatory disorders.

2. Lipids as the link between central obesity and diabetes: perspectives from mediation analysis

Authors: Song Lu, Maobin Kuang, Jiajun Qiu, Yang Zou, Xiaoping Peng
Journal: BMC Endocrine Disorders, 2024
Citations: 2
Summary:
The article uses mediation analysis to examine how lipid profiles mediate the relationship between central obesity and the onset of type 2 diabetes. The study identifies specific lipid subtypes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for preventing metabolic diseases associated with obesity.

3. Hypoglycemic effects of white hyacinth bean polysaccharide on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats involvement with entero-insular axis and GLP-1 via metabolomics study

Authors: Yixuan Wang, Jinchan Pi, Yufei Yao, Wenjuan Li, Mingyong Xie
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
Citations: 1
Summary:
This research investigates the impact of white hyacinth bean polysaccharides on blood glucose regulation in diabetic rats. Through metabolomics and analysis of GLP-1 and the entero-insular axis, it reveals a complex biochemical mechanism supporting its hypoglycemic activity, offering promise as a natural antidiabetic compound.

4. Polyphenol (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) mitigated kidney injury by regulating metabolic homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamics involvement with Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in mice

Authors: Yuelei Chu, Jinchan Pi, Yufei Yao, Xiaoping Peng, Wenjuan Li
Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2024
Citations: 1
Summary:
The study evaluates the renal protective effects of EGCG in a mouse model. EGCG restores mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic balance by modulating Drp1-related mitochondrial fission pathways, helping to prevent kidney damage, particularly in conditions of oxidative stress and metabolic disturbance.

5. Intestinal protective effects of essential oil from Chimonanthus salicifolius linked to Mfn2-tethered mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum connection

Authors: Huayu Yang, Yijun Li, Xuanying Chen, Shengbin Chen, Wenjuan Li
Journal: Journal of Functional Foods, 2024
Summary:
This work investigates the effects of Chimonanthus salicifolius essential oil on intestinal health, focusing on MFN2-mediated mitochondrial-ER communication. The results suggest that targeting this pathway with plant-derived compounds can improve mitochondrial function and offer protection against gut inflammation.

Conclusion:

Prof. Wen-Juan Li stands out as a trailblazer in functional food research, backed by deep interdisciplinary expertise in food science and pharmacology, a strong record of innovation in chronic disease intervention, and proven leadership in national-level projects and academic mentorship. Her core interests—ranging from functional foods and bioactive compounds to metabolic regulation and food-drug homologous applications—highlight her pivotal role in advancing public health through science. Her impactful contributions and dedication make her a prime and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.