Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Barbary wolfberry, betaine, boxthorn, carotenoids, Chinese boxthorn, Chinese matrimony vine, Chinese wolfberry, Di Gu Pi, Digupi, dried wolfberries, Fructus barbarum L, Fructus Lycii, Fructus Lycii Berry, goji berry, goji juice, gou qi (Chinese), gou qi zi (Chinese), gouqi (Chinese), gouqizi (Chinese), Kei Tze, L. exsertum, L. fremontii, lutein, lycii berries, lycii chinensis, lycii fructus, lycii fruit, Lycium, Lycium barbarum, Lycium barbarum L., Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), Lycium californicum, Lycium chilense, Lycium chinense, Lycium chinense Miller, Lycium europeaum, Lycium halimifolium Mill., Lyciumnodosum, Lycium parishii, Lycium ruthenicum, Lyciumshawii, Lycium vulgare Dunal, matrimony vine, Ning Xia Gou Qi (Chinese), polysaccharides, scopoletin, Solanaceae (family), Tibetan goji berry, wolfberry, wolfberry fruit, zeaxanthin.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The origins of goji berries (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) are lost in antiquity. They have been consumed as a food and as medicine in Asia for at least 2,000 years (1;​2). The common name, "wolfberry," is often used in the scientific literature. There is some controversy as to whether goji is indeed synonymous with wolfberry, and most experts agree that they are similar, but not identical because they are grown in different parts of Asia. However, the health-food industry has adopted the name, "goji," which may be a simplified pronunciation of the Mandarin name, "gouqi."
• The leaves, roots, and root bark of Lycium species have also been used medicinally. Traditionally, goji berries have been used to support the kidneys and the liver, to protect the eyes, to enhance the immune system, to treat male infertility, and as an antiaging tonic (2;​3;​4;​5). Goji berries are nutrient-rich and contain significant quantities of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which provides a logical rationale for their antiaging and visual protection applications (6;​7;​8;​9;​10;​11). A valid topic for further investigation is the potential of goji berry consumption to prevent macular degeneration.
• Although there is a lack of human clinical data on the efficacy of goji berry preparations, there is a significant and growing body of in vitro and animal research. A significant portion of this research focuses on the physiological effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). Various polysaccharide components extracted from goji berries have already demonstrated anticancer, antidiabetes, antihypertensive, anti-infertility, anti-myelosuppressive, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, immune-stimulating, and radiosensitizing properties (12;​13;​14;​15;​16;​17;​18;​19;​20;​21;​22;​23;​24;​25). Therefore, investigations utilizing Lycium polysaccharides should be a fruitful area for clinical research.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list goji on its Generally Recognized as safe (GRAS) list.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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