Quick Summary

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) is a traditional medicinal and functional food known for its polysaccharides and bioactive compounds. Research indicates potential benefits in metabolic health, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and ocular health. However, clinical evidence remains limited and further large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

What is it?

Goji berry, scientifically named Lycium barbarum, is a fruit used traditionally in herbal medicine and as a nutrient-rich food. It contains biologically active compounds, including polysaccharides, which are believed to contribute to its potential health effects.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, goji berry has been used for supporting eye health, improving vitality and energy, enhancing immune function, and addressing male reproductive health. It is often incorporated into herbal formulas for these purposes in traditional medicinal systems.

Active Compounds

The primary active compounds in goji berry include polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive molecules thought to contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Improvement of lipid profiles (Moderate evidence): A meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 259 adults indicated that supplementation with L. barbarum significantly decreased triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol; however, effects on total and LDL cholesterol were not significant.
  • Support in non-surgical periodontal therapy (Low to moderate evidence): In periodontal treatment for periodontitis, natural products including goji berry showed improvements comparable to chlorhexidine in clinical attachment level and probing depth, with fewer side effects.
  • Potential benefits on male infertility parameters (Preclinical and limited clinical evidence): Animal studies and traditional formulations suggest improvements in male reproductive function, sperm quality, and protective effects on testicular tissue. Clinical evidence specific to L. barbarum alone is lacking.
  • Neuroprotective and cognitive disorder management potential (Preclinical evidence): Polysaccharides and other compounds from goji berry exhibit modulation of immune pathways, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in models related to neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders.
  • Support in diabetes management and complications (Preclinical and emerging clinical evidence): Polysaccharides from L. barbarum may improve glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes and its complications, though clinical confirmation is needed.
  • Ocular health support (Preclinical evidence): Bioactive components may exert protective effects in ocular diseases including glaucoma and retinal degeneration in laboratory studies.
  • Anti-aging and skeletal muscle function in aging (Preclinical animal studies): Long-term consumption of goji berry water improved age-related skeletal muscle dysfunction and oxidative stress in aged mice.

Side Effects

No significant adverse effects have been explicitly reported in clinical trials or human studies involving goji berry to date. However, data are limited and heterogeneous, so potential adverse effects cannot be excluded.

Drug Interactions

There are no well-documented drug interactions specific to Lycium barbarum. Nevertheless, general caution is advised when combining herbal products with pharmaceuticals due to possible unknown interactions.

Who Should Avoid It?

Because contraindications are not clearly established owing to insufficient clinical evidence, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health conditions should use goji berry cautiously and under medical supervision.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical studies are small, short-term, or involve compound formulations containing goji berry, limiting the attribution of effects to L. barbarum alone.
  • Clinical trials often lack rigorous design, blinding, or have variable quality.
  • Preclinical findings require validation in human studies.
  • Variability in preparation, dosage, and constituents complicates standardization and effect assessment.
  • Safety data are insufficient to fully characterize adverse effects or drug interactions.

References

Last Reviewed

April 2024

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before using goji berry or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or are taking medications.