Goji Juice Story

Deep in the valleys of the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, there grows a red berry
about the size of a small grape... yada, yada, yada...
So the story goes. But what exactly is the deal with goji juice and goji berries? Are they worth
your time and money? Read on for the low down on this hyped up little berry.
The Species Debate
Goji berries are a part of a larger family of berries known as Lycium (their Latin name), and most
sources indicate that the popular "goji berry" is of the species (Lycium eleganus barbarum), but
some may also come from Lycium chinense. Although many
botanists do not differentiate between Lycium barbarum,
Lycium chinense and Lycium europeaum, my research
indicates that they are in fact distinct. Certain sources
claiming that L. barbarum is superior in nutritional content
and healing properties may in fact be doing so as a marketing
ploy, however. One plant database noted that most people
who claim they are growing L. chinense are actually selling
L. barbarum. A previous Wikipedia entry for wolfberry notes
that the difference between the two varieties is that the L.
chinense variety is a shorter bush.
The truth is, many of the common goji berries sold on the market may very well differ in genetic
makeup, but a more thorough investigation is needed to conclude as to whether one is more
nutritious than the others. In fact, the methods used for growing the berries may have just as
much to do with their nutritional content. For example, organic fruits and vegetables have been
proven to contain significantly higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants.
In conclusion, despite the conflicting information available on the Internet about L. barbarum
and L. chinense, primarily, it is known that there are many plants in the Lycium family, some of
which contain delicious and quite possibly universally nutritious berries (though you would have
to do an analysis to find out).
Buying Goji Juice or Berries
Goji berries and goji juice can now be purchased from a variety of companies, some of which
claim to source the berry from its native region of Tibet and Mongolia. One company, The
Tibetan Goji Berry Company, claims that it is the only company selling authentic goji berries,
and claims that all other berries are totally different, and mostly the L. chinense variety.
However, Wikipedia, for one, notes that the L. chinense variety of the berry is grown primarily in
southern China, and the L. barbarum variety is grown widely in northern China. Whatever the
case, most of the berries you get on the market today are grown in China. Although, I have found
one grower in the United States so far, but there are probably more. Many of these berries are
also supposedly organically grown (though organic standards in China may be different than

North America), but whether or not they are grown in fair trade circumstances (where the
workers are paid fair wages) is unknown. Some of the more popular sellers acquire their berries
from China, and although some companies claim to get all of their berries from Tibet or
Mongolia and tout this as a selling point, it is hard to verify whether all of their berries do come
from there, and if in fact it makes any difference.
The Benefits of Goji
Traditionally, in Asian medicine goji berries and goji juice have been used to nurture and
strengthen the heart and the immune system, treat insomnia, boost energy, enhance sexual
function, improve functioning of the liver, increase visual and auditory receptivity, decrease
forgetfulness, lethargy and anxiety and treat chi deficiencies, among other things.
Recently goji berries have been the subject of various scientific studies around the world,
including in countries such as Mongolia, Japan, China, Switzerland and the United States.
Results of these studies have been published in a number of scientific journals and medical
databases. An especially intriguing find regarding Lyceum barbarum is the unique
polysaccharides that have been isolated from the berries and used in several experiments. These
molecules have been shown to significantly improve resistance to cancer and to have particularly
promising anti-aging properties (in the lab!). For more information on these studies, visit the
Science of Goji section of this site.
Despite being hailed as a natural healer and anti-aging supplement, the goji berry is also
incredibly nutritionally dense and rather delicious. It is eaten commonly both fresh or dried
alone, in cooking, cereal, trail mixes, and smoothies. Some people describe its taste as sweet with
a slight tartness somewhat like a cranberry except sweeter. The berries are high in iron, fiber,
vitamin C, vitamin E and many other things. It is worth learning about this in more detail in our
Nutrition Information section.
So, the question is, is it worth it to buy goji berries or goji juice? There is no doubt that the
berries contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial things, but
whether or not they are the miracle fruit that many websites say they are is up to you to decide.
Explore this website a little further, look at the studies, and decide for yourself.

Goji Berry Nutrition Information

There are many places on the Internet detailing the nutrition content of goji berries, but many of
them reference the same source. Most of the information circulating comes supposedly from the
Beijing Nutrition Research Institute, which in 1988 is said to have conducted detailed chemical
analyses and nutritional composition studies of the dried Lycium fruit. It must be noted, however,
that I was unable to find the original study. I was able to find goji berry nutrition information
from various other sources, however. These sources are compared in a convenient manner below.

According to sources citing the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute analysis, the fruit contains
more beta carotene than carrots, and 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges (if this is
the case, they would have 26g of vitamin C per 100g of actual berry - this is unlikely). According
to this reference, the fruit also contains over 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, and substantial
amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. The analysis also apparently
discovered the berries to contain essential fatty acids and to be an incredibly rich source of
carotenoids (more than any other known food).
An important note: the nutrients found in goji juice itself will vary from what is found in the
actual berries. The seeds of the berries are what contain the essential fatty acids, for example, but
these do not go into the juice. Does this mean that actual berries are better? Not necessarily, but it
is something to consider.
As Dr. Joseph Mercola notes on Mercola.com:
"In general, fruit juice is not the best way to consume a fruit. It is typically better to consume the
whole fruit.
Most of traditional medicine fails to recognize that the sugars in fruit juice contribute to major
distortions of insulin balance. I believe that fruit juice and pasteurized milk are two of the most
misunderstood foods in our culture. Most people believe they are health foods, while the polar
opposite is true...
...Juicing your vegetables at home, however, is a very different matter. Juiced vegetables do not
have the absurdly high sugar content of fruit juice, and vegetable juicing can be a very healthy
practice."
Dr. Mercola has recommended elsewhere on his website to dilute juice with water when drinking
it if it is highly concentrated, as many fruit juices are.
Verifying the Nutrition Content
These nutrition facts have been found on various websites : 1/4 Cup Serving (Approx. 1 oz, 28
g), Calories 90, Fat 0g, Fiber 4g, Protein 4g, Carbs 24g, Sugars 12g, Vitamin A 180% of DRI,
Vitamin C 30%, Calcium 9% and Iron 15%. Another source noted that the berries contain 11 mg
of iron per 100 grams.
Before continuing it is important to note that different berries will contain different amounts of
vitamins, etc. due to the fact that some may be of a different species. Where the berries are
grown and what type of soil they are grown in are also important.
Another company selling the berries, The Byron Bay Wheatgrass Company, listed these as the
average content per 100 grams:
Total Fat: .7g
Saturated Fat: 1.1g

Protein: 10.6g
Total Carbohydrate: 21g
Sugars: 17.3g
Sodium: 24mg
Energy Value: 346kj
Calcium: 112.5mg
Iron: 8.42mg
Crude Fibre: 7.7g
Vitamin C: 18.4g (this is also quite high)
Carotene: 7.83mg
Amino Acid: 8.48mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.15mg
Polysaccharides: 46.5mg
Another company, DrugStore.com, lists this information for their sun dried goji berries (note: sun
drying may lose more nutrients than shade drying):
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:

28g

Servings Per Container:

188

Amount per Serving

Calories Total

112

from Fat

14
% Daily Value +

Total Fat

1.4 g

5%

Saturated Fat

0g

0%

Cholesterol

0 mg

0%

Sodium

84 mg

3%

Total Carbohydrate

28 g

9%

Dietary fiber

4g

16%

Sugars

4g

10%

Protein

4g

8%
% Daily Value

Vitamin A

170%

Vitamin C

20%

Calcium

6%

Iron
12%
* Daily Value not established.
+ Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your
daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie

needs.
Note that the above chart is inconsistent with the previous amounts of vitamin C content. The
daily recommended intake of vitamin C is around 75 to 200mg, depending on the person and
depending on who you talk to about it. If 100g of goji berries contained 18 or 20g of vitamin C, a
typical 25g serving of goji berries would give you somewhere around 5g of vitamin C, about 66
times more vitamin C than your daily recommended intake. Plus, the berries would be 25%
vitamin C. In other words, it is best to be cautious about what you believe in all of the hype about
goji berries out there. This is not to say that the berries aren't extremely healthy, only that it is
important to put it in context, and realize ALL berries are healthy (especially organic ones).
I also do not want to imply that it isn't worth it to purchase the berries or juice. It is, however, a
shame that there are so many people distorting the truth out of greed and discrediting the
industry, as it would be nice to see people take the plants more seriously and for the price of the
berries to go down so that more people could benefit from them.
More Information
Many sources note that the berry contains a full protein (as opposed to partial proteins as in
bread). Additionally, several other beneficial compounds are reported to have been discovered in
the analysis by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute:
Selenium and Germanium: These are well-known anti-cancer agents.
Beta Sitosterol: This anti-inflammatory agent has been found to lower cholesterol, and has been
used to treat impotence and prostate enlargement.
Zeaxanthin and Lutine: Have been known to protect the eyes.
Betaine: Produces Choline in the liver, which helps detoxification processes there. It is also
known to protect DNA, enhance memory, encourage muscle growth and protect against fatty
liver disease.
Cyperone: Used in treatment of cervical cancer. Known to benefit blood pressure, heart and
menstruation problems.
Solavetivone: An anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent.
Physalin: A compound known to boost the immune system. Also found effective in treating
leukemia, cancer and hepatitis B.
I found it hard to verify the above information, but I will continue to add research as I find time.
One final note: Remember that this analaysis is done on dried goji berries. Whenever any fresh
food is dried and preserved, it loses nutrient value. Therefore, in my opinion, the best way to get
your goji would be to grow your own! Learn how in the Growing Your Own Goji Berries section.

Goji Berries and ORAC

ORAC is the standard test, adopted by the US Department of Agriculture, to measure the potency
of antioxidants in food. The test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a physician and chemist who
worked at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. The ORAC test, though not
the be all and end all of antioxidant testing, gives a good idea of the free-radical-destroying
potential of a given food. It does this by measuring the time an antioxidant takes to react as well
as the capacity of antioxidants within the sample food. It combines these elements into one
measurement that is commonly expressed in terms of a 100 gram sample.
It has been suggested that humans should consume about 5000 ORAC units a day for maximum
benefits. Unfortunately, most people do not eat nearly enough vegetables and fruit, or the right
type of vegetables and fruit, to achieve this. For example, to get your daily ORAC dose from
apples, you would need to eat 2,294 grams of apple (or about 22 apples). However, as you can
see from the below chart, eating just 20 grams of goji berries will cover you.
It is important to remember, however, that there is a lot more to measuring a food's antioxidant
capcity than ORAC. Since different antioxidants have different effects, it is still important to eat
a variety of foods (including apples) with high antioxidant levels. For example, although
strawberries have a higher ORAC score than spinach, spinach has been shown to be more
effective than strawberries in boosting blood antioxidant scores. So, although eating a large
amount of antioxidants is always a plus, it is important to eat a variety of healthy foods, not only
for their antioxidant levels, but for their other nutritional properties as well.

ORAC Score

Grams Needed to
Reach DRI

Goji Berries

25,300

20

Black Raspberries

7,700

65

Prunes

5,770

87

Bilberry

4,460

112

Pomegranates

3,307

151

Raisins

2,830

177

Blueberries

2,400

208

Red Raspberries

2,400

208

Blackberries

2,036

246

Strawberries

1,540

325

Noni Fruit

1,506

332

Plums

949

527

Oranges

750

667

Cherries

670

746

Red grapes

739

677

Pink grapefruit

495

1010

White grapefruit

460

1087

Apples

218

2294

Banana

210

2381

Pears

134

3731

Watermelon

100

5000

Vegetables

ORAC Score

Grams Needed to
Reach DRI

Garlic

1939

258

Spinach

1,770

282

909

550

1,150

435

Brussels sprouts

980

510

Alfalfa sprouts

930

538

Broccoli

880

568

Broccoli flowers

890

562

Fruits

Steamed spinach
Yellow squash

Beets

840

595

Avocado

782

639

Red bell pepper

710

704

Baked beans

503

994

Onions

450

1111

Corn

400

1250

Peas, Frozen

375

1333

Eggplant

390

1282

Potato

300

1667

Sweet Potato

295

1695

Cabbage

295

1695

Cauliflower

385

1299

Carrot

210

2381

Tomato

195

2564

Cucumber

60

8333

ORAC Score

Grams Needed to
Reach DRI

Dark Chocolate

13,120

38.1

Milk Chocolate

6,740

74.2

750

133

Other

Rooibos tea (200ml)

Goji Berry
Wholesale Branded
Goji Berry Supplements
One of the "Superfoods", a berry packed with high levels of antioxidants and
other nutrients.

High Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Iron, Beta- Carotene and antioxidants. Goji berries
rate very highly on the ORAC scale of antioxidant content.
60 x 500mg tablets per bottle.
Suitable for vegetarian and vegans.
Goji Berry Supplements - Nutritional Information

Each tablet contains:

Goji Berry Concentrate - 25mg of a 20:1 extract equivalent to 500mg of whole dried Goji Berry.
Directions:
Take 1 tablet a day with food
................................................................
Other Ingredients:
Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate,(Vegetable derived
silica).
................................................................
Cautions:
Do not exceed stated dose.
Not suitable for pregnant or lactating mothers.
Not intended for use by people under the age of 18 years.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool dry place.

Information correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice

Rejuvenation Res. 2012 Feb;15(1):89-97. doi: 10.1089/rej.2011.1241.

Immunomodulatory effects of dietary

supplementation with a milk-based wolfberry
formulation in healthy elderly: a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Vidal K, Bucheli P, Gao Q, Moulin J, Shen LS, Wang J, Blum S, Benyacoub J.

Source
Nestl Research Centre Vers-chez-les Blanc, Lausanne, Switzerland.
karine.vidal@rdls.neslte.com

Abstract
Wolfberry (fruit of Lycium barbarum) has been prized for many years in China for its
immunomodulatory property and its high specific antioxidant content. However, clear clinical
evidence demonstrating the effect of wolfberry dietary supplementation is still lacking. After our
earlier report showing that a proprietary milk-based wolfberry formulation (Lacto-Wolfberry)
enhances in vivo antigen-specific adaptive immune responses in aged mice, the present study
aimed at demonstrating the effect of dietary Lacto-Wolfberry supplementation on immune
functions in the elderly, especially vaccine response known to decline with aging. A 3-month
randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 150 healthy
community-dwelling Chinese elderly (65-70 years old) supplemented with Lacto-Wolfberry or
placebo (13.7 grams/day). Immune response to influenza vaccine was assessed in the study,
along with inflammatory and physical status. No serious adverse reactions were reported during
the trial, neither symptoms of influenza-like infection. No changes in body weight and blood
pressure, blood chemistry or cells composition, as well as autoantibodies levels were observed.
The subjects receiving Lacto-Wolfberry had significantly higher postvaccination serum
influenza-specific immunoglobulin G levels and seroconversion rate, between days 30 and 90,
compared with the placebo group. The postvaccination positive rate was greater in the LactoWolfberry group compared to the placebo group, but did not reach statistical significance. LactoWolfberry supplementation had no significant effect on delayed-type hypersensitivity response
and inflammatory markers. In conclusion, long-term dietary supplementation with LactoWolfberry in elderly subjects enhances their capacity to respond to antigenic challenge without
overaffecting their immune system, supporting a contribution to reinforcing immune defense in
this population.

J Am Coll Nutr. 2011 Oct;30(5):304-9.

Lycium barbarum increases caloric

expenditure and decreases waist
circumference in healthy overweight men
and women: pilot study.

Amagase H, Nance DM.

Source
FreeLife International Inc, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA. hamagase@freelife.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), a traditional Asian medicinal therapy for diabetes and other
conditions, has been shown to increase metabolic rate and to reduce body-weight gains in rodent
models, as well as to produce clinical improvements in general feelings of well-being including
energy level.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the impact of L. barbarum consumption on (1) caloric expenditure and (2) changes
in morphometric parameters (waist circumference) in healthy human adults. Method: Two
separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, small clinical studies were conducted
using a standardized L. barbarum fruit juice, GoChi, and assessing its effects on (1) resting
metabolic rate (RMR) and postprandial energy expenditure (PPEE) as measured by indirect
calorimetry after single-bolus intake of 3 doses of L. barbarum (30, 60, and 120 ml) and placebo;
and (2) waist circumference and other morphometric changes in a 14-day intervention trial (120ml daily intake) in the subjects (age = 34 years, body mass index = 29 kg/m(2)).

RESULTS:
(1) A single bolus of L. barbarum intake increased PPEE 1 through 4 hours postintake over the
baseline level in a dose-dependent manner and was significantly higher than the placebo group
by 10% at 1 hour postintake of 120 ml (p < 0.05). (2) In a 14-day intervention trial, L. barbarum
was found to significantly decrease waist circumference by 5.5 0.8 cm (n = 15) compared with
the preintervention measurements and placebo group at postintervention day 15 (p < 0.01). By
contrast, the changes in the placebo group (n = 14) from preinterventions was 0.9 0.8 cm,
which was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:
These results show that L. barbarum consumption increases metabolic rate and reduces the waist
circumference, relative to placebo treated control subjects.

J Med Food. 2009 Oct;12(5):1159-65. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2008.0300.

Immunomodulatory effects of a standardized

Lycium barbarum fruit juice in Chinese
older healthy human subjects.
Amagase H, Sun B, Nance DM.

Source
FreeLife International LLC, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, USA. hamagase@freelife.com

Abstract
Lycium barbarum has been traditionally used in combination with several herbs for medicinal
properties, but systematic modern clinical evaluation as a single herb has not been reported. To
examine the systematic effects of L. barbarum on immune function, general well-being, and
safety, we tested the effects of a standardized L. barbarum fruit juice (GoChi, FreeLife
International, Phoenix, AZ, USA) at 120 mL/day, equivalent to at least 150 g of fresh fruit, the
amount traditionally used, or placebo for 30 days in a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled clinical study in 60 older healthy adults (55-72 years old). The GoChi group showed a
statistically significant increase in the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and
immunoglobulin G compared to pre-intervention and the placebo group, whereas the number of
CD4, CD8, and natural killer cells or levels of interleukin-4 and immunoglobulin A were not
significantly altered. The placebo group showed no significant changes in any immune measures.
Whereas the GoChi group showed a significant increase in general feelings of well-being, such
as fatigue and sleep, and showed a tendency for increased short-term memory and focus between
pre- and post-intervention, the placebo group showed no significant positive changes in these
measures. No adverse reactions, abnormal symptoms, or changes in body weight, blood pressure,
pulse, visual acuity, urine, stool, or blood biochemistry were seen in either group. In conclusion,
daily consumption of GoChi significantly increased several immunological responses and
subjective feelings of general well-being without any adverse reactions.

J Altern Complement Med. 2008 May;14(4):403-12. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0004.

A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, clinical study of the general

effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum

(Goji) Juice, GoChi.
Amagase H, Nance DM.

Source
FreeLife International, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA. hamagase@freelife.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is the first study reported from
outside China that has examined the general effects of the orally consumed goji berry, Lycium
barbarum, as a standardized juice (GoChi; FreeLife International LLC, Phoenix, AZ) to healthy
adults for 14 days.

METHODS:
Based upon the medicinal properties of Lycium barbarum in traditional Asian medicine, we
examined by questionnaire subjective ratings (0-5) of general feelings of well-being,
neurologic/psychologic traits, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular complaints as
well as any adverse effects. Also, measures of body weight, body-mass index, blood pressure,
pulse rate, and visual acuity were assessed before and after consuming 120 mL of GoChi/day or
placebo control solution. Data were statistically analyzed for changes between day 1 and day 15.

RESULTS:
Significant differences between day 1 and day 15 were found in the GoChi group (N = 16) in
increased ratings for energy level, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening,
ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, and feelings of health, contentment, and
happiness. GoChi also significantly reduced fatigue and stress, and improved regularity of
gastrointestinal function. In contrast, the placebo group (N = 18) showed only two significant
changes (heartburn and happiness). No significant changes in musculoskeletal or cardiovascular
complaints were observed in either group. All parametric data (body weight, etc.) were not
significantly different between groups or between day 1 and day 15 for either group.

CONCLUSIONS:
These results clearly indicate that daily consumption of GoChi for 14 days increases subjective
feelings of general well-being, and improves neurologic/psychologic performance and

gastrointestinal functions. The data strongly suggest that further research is indicated to confirm
and extend knowledge of the potential effects of Lycium barbarum upon human health.

Int J Biol Macromol. 2013 Mar;54:16-23. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.11.023. Epub 2012 Nov
28.

Biological activities and potential health

benefit effects of polysaccharides isolated
from Lycium barbarum L.
Jin M, Huang Q, Zhao K, Shang P.

Source
Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern
Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi Xilu, Xi'an 710072, PR China.

Abstract
Recently, isolation and investigation of novel ingredients with biological activities and health
benefit effects from natural resources have attracted a great deal of attention. The fruit of Lycium
barbarum L., a well-known Chinese herbal medicine as well as valuable nourishing tonic, has
been used historically as antipyretic, anti-inflammation and anti-senile agent for thousands of
years. Modern pharmacological experiments have proved that polysaccharide is one of the major
ingredients responsible for those biological activities in L. barbarum. It has been demonstrated
that L. barbarum polysaccharides had various important biological activities, such as antioxidant,
immunomodulation, antitumor, neuroprotection, radioprotection, anti-diabetes, hepatoprotection,
anti-osteoporosis and antifatigue. The purpose of the present review is to summarize previous
and current references regarding biological activities as well as potential health benefits of L.
barbarum polysaccharides.

Optom Vis Sci. 2011 Feb;88(2):257-62. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e318205a18f.

Goji berry effects on macular characteristics

and plasma antioxidant levels.
Bucheli P, Vidal K, Shen L, Gu Z, Zhang C, Miller LE, Wang J.

Source
Manufacturing Support Department, Nestl Product Technology Center, Konolfingen,
Switzerland.

Abstract

PURPOSE:
Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) is purported to benefit vision because of its high antioxidant
(especially zeaxanthin) content, although this effect has not been demonstrated in high-quality
human studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily supplementation
with a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji berry, Lacto-Wolfberry (LWB), on macular
characteristics and plasma zeaxanthin and antioxidant capacity levels in elderly subjects.

METHODS:
This was a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy elderly subjects
(range, 65 to 70 years) receiving 13.7 g/d of LWB (n = 75) or placebo (n = 75) for 90 days.
Subjects underwent direct ophthalmic examination to assess pigmentation and soft drusen count
in the macula and a blood draw to measure plasma zeaxanthin level and total antioxidant
capacity.

RESULTS:
The placebo group demonstrated hypopigmentation and soft drusen accumulation in the macula,
whereas the LWB group remained stable. Both plasma zeaxanthin level and antioxidant capacity
increased significantly in the LWB group, by 26% and 57%, respectively, but did not change in
the placebo group. No product-related adverse events were reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, daily dietary supplementation with goji berry for 90 days increases plasma zeaxanthin
and antioxidant levels as well as protects from hypopigmentation and soft drusen accumulation
in the macula of elderly subjects. However, the mechanism of action is unclear, given the lack of
relationship between change in plasma zeaxanthin and change in macular characteristics.

Planta Med. 2010 Jan;76(1):7-19. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1186218. Epub 2009 Oct 20.

Goji (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense):

Phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety in
the perspective of traditional uses and recent
popularity.
Potterat O.

Source
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of
Basel, Basel, Switzerland. olivier.potterat@unibas.ch

Abstract
Since the beginning of this century, Goji berries and juice are being sold as health food products
in western countries and praised in advertisements and in the media for well-being and as an
anti-aging remedy. The popularity of Goji products has rapidly grown over the last years thanks
to efficient marketing strategies. Goji is a relatively new name given to Lycium barbarum and L.
chinense, two close species with a long tradition of use as medicinal and food plants in East Asia,
in particular in China. While only L. barbarum is officinal, the fruit (fructus Lycii) and the root
bark (cortex Lycii radicis) of both species are used in the folk medicine. We review here the
constituents, pharmacology, safety, and uses of L. barbarum and L. chinense with consideration
to the different parts of the plant. Investigations of the fruit have focused on proteoglycans,
known as " Lycium barbarum polysaccharides", which showed antioxidative properties and some
interesting pharmacological activities in the context of age related diseases such as
atherosclerosis and diabetes. As to the root bark, several compounds have demonstrated a
hepatoprotective action as well as inhibitory effects on the rennin/angiotensin system which may
support the traditional use for the treatment of hypertension. While there are no signs of toxicity
of this plant, two cases of possible interaction with warfarin point to a potential risk of drug
interaction. In view of the available pharmacological data and the long tradition of use in the
traditional Chinese medicine, L. barbarum and L. chinense certainly deserve further
investigation. However, clinical evidences and rigorous procedures for quality control are
indispensable before any recommendation of use can be made for Goji products.

Nutr Res. 2009 Jan;29(1):19-25. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2008.11.005.

Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in

vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of
healthy adults.
Amagase H, Sun B, Borek C.

Source
FreeLife International, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA.

Abstract
Although Lycium barbarum (goji) and active compounds, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides
(LBP), have a high in vitro antioxidant score as determined by simple chemical reaction
methods, their in vivo antioxidant effects in humans have not been extensively examined. After
our earlier report that an LBP-standardized Lycium barbarum preparation (GoChi) helps prevent
oxidant stress-related conditions in humans, our present study examined the hypothesis that the
antioxidant effects of GoChi result from its ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant factors.
We investigated the effects of GoChi in a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical study. The study population included 50 Chinese healthy adults aged 55 to 72 years. In
vivo antioxidant markers, consisting of serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px), and lipid peroxidation (indicated by decreased levels of malondialdehyde,
MDA) were examined preintervention and postintervention with GoChi or placebo (120 mL/d).
In the GoChi group, antioxidant markers significantly increased by 8.4% for SOD and 9.9% for
GSH-Px between the preintervention and postintervention measurements, whereas MDA were
significantly decreased by 8.7%. In addition, the SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA levels in the GoChi
group were significantly different from those in the placebo group at the postintervention time
point, with increases of 8.1% and 9.0% and a decrease of 6.0%, respectively. No significant
differences were detected between the preintervention and postintervention time points in the
placebo group. These results indicate that GoChi increased antioxidant efficacies in humans by
stimulating endogenous factors and suggest that continued use beyond 30 days might help
prevent or reduce free radical-related conditions.

Life Sci. 2004 Nov 26;76(2):137-49.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and

antioxidant activity of fruit extracts from
Lycium barbarum.
Luo Q, Cai Y, Yan J, Sun M, Corke H.

Source
College of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.

Abstract
The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Lycium barbarum fruit water decoction, crude
polysaccharide extracts (crude LBP), and purified polysaccharide fractions (LBP-X) in alloxaninduced diabetic or hyperlipidemic rabbits were investigated through designed sequential trials
and by measuring blood glucose and serum lipid parameters. Total antioxidant capacity was also
assessed using trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical absorbance
capacity (ORAC) assay. It was found that the three Lycium barbarum fruit extracts/fractions
could significantly reduce blood glucose levels and serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride
(TG) concentrations and at same time markedly increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-c) levels after 10 days treatment in tested rabbits, indicating that there were substantial
hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Hypoglycemic effect of LBP-X was more significant
than those of water decoction and crude LBP, but its hypolipidemic effect seemed to be weaker.
Total antioxidant capacity assay showed that all three Lycium barbarum extracts/fractions
possessed antioxidant activity. However, water and methanolc fruit extracts and crude
polysaccharide extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than purified polysaccharide
fractions because crude extracts were identified to be rich in antioxidants (e.g., carotenoids,
riboflavin, ascorbic acid, thiamine, nicotinic acid). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides
(glycocojugates), containing several monosaccharides and 17 amino acids, were major bioactive
constituents of hypoglycemic effect. Both polysaccharides and vitamin antioxidants from Lycium
barbarum fruits were possible active principles of hypolipidemic effect.

What is it?
Lycium is a native Chinese deciduous shrub with bright red berries. The dried
berries and root bark are used to make medicine.
Lycium is used for many conditions, but so far, there isnt enough scientific evidence
to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them.

Lycium is used for diabetes, high blood pressure, poor circulation, fever, malaria,
and cancer. Its also used for erectile dysfunction (ED), dizziness, ringing in the ears
(tinnitus); and to reduce fever, sweating, irritability, thirst, nosebleeds, cough, and
wheezing.
Some people use lycium as an eye tonic for blurred vision, for macular
degeneration, and for other eye disorders. Lycium is also used to strengthen
muscles and bone, and as a blood, liver, and kidney tonic.
In foods, the berries are eaten raw or used in cooking.
The use of lycium was first described in the first century AD in Chinese literature.
Traditionally, lycium has been used to promote longevity. Legend claims that one
herbalist who used lycium in combination with other tonic herbs lived 252 years.

How effective is it?

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific
evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly
Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient
Evidence to Rate.
The effectiveness ratings for LYCIUM are as follows:

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

Diabetes.
High blood pressure.

Fever.

Malaria.

Cancer.

Blood circulation problems.

Sexual problems (impotence).

Dizziness.

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lycium for these uses.

How does it work?

Return to top
Lycium contains chemicals that might help lower blood pressure and blood sugar.

Are there safety concerns?

Return to top
Lycium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It can cause some side effects
such as nausea and vomiting.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking lycium during pregnancy is LIKELY
UNSAFE. It contains a chemical, betaine, which could cause miscarriage. Dont use
lycium if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Low blood pressure (hypotension): Lycium might lower blood pressure. If your
blood pressure is already low, taking lycium might make it drop too much.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Lycium might lower blood pressure. It
might cause blood pressure to drop too much if you are taking high blood pressure
medications.
Diabetes: Lycium root bark might lower blood sugar. It might cause blood sugar to
drop too much if you are taking medications for diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar
levels carefully.

Are there interactions with medications?

Return to top

Moderate
Be cautious with this combination.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9)

substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lycium might
decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking lycium along
with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects
and side effects of some medications. Before taking lycium, talk to your healthcare
provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil),
diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren),
fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan
(Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen
(Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), and
others.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Lycium bark might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to
lower blood sugar. Taking lycium bark along with diabetes medications might cause
your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your
diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide
(DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone
(Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase),
and others.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Lycium seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking lycium along with medications for
high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril
(Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine
(Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Lycium might increase how long
warfarin (Coumadin) is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and
bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin
(Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Return to top
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure
Lycium root bark might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs and
supplements that lower blood pressure might lower blood pressure too much. Some
of these products include danshen, ginger, Panax ginseng, turmeric, valerian, and
others.

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar

Lycium root bark might lower blood sugar. Using it along with other herbs and
supplements that lower blood sugar might lower blood sugar too much. Some of
these products include bitter melon, ginger, goat's rue, fenugreek, kudzu, willow
bark, and others.

Are there interactions with foods?

Return to top
There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

Return to top
The appropriate dose of lycium depends on several factors such as the users age,
health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific
information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lycium. Keep in mind
that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be
important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your
pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Return to top
Baies de Goji, Baies de Lycium, Barberry Matrimony Vine, Chinese Boxthorn,
Chinese Wolfberry, Di Gu Pi, Digupi, pine du Christ, Fructus Lychii Chinensis,
Fructus Lycii, Fructus Lycii Berry, Fruit de Lycium, Goji, Goji Berry, Goji Chinois, Goji
de lHimalaya, Goji Juice, Gou Qi Zi, Gouqizi, Jus de Goji, Kuko, Lichi, Licium
Barbarum, Litchi, Litchi Chinensis, Lychee, Lyciet, Lyciet Commun, Lyciet de
Barbarie, Lyciet de Chine, Lycii Berries, Lycii Chinensis, Lycii Fruit, Lycium barbarum,
Lycium chinense, Lycium Fruit, Matrimony Vine, Ning Xia Gou Qi, Wolfberry.

Methodology
Return to top
To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database methodology.

References
Return to top
1. Amagase H, Nance DM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (goji)
juice, GoChi. J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:403-12.
2. Leung H, Hung A, Hui AC, Chan TY. Warfarin overdose due to the possible
effects of Lycium barbarum L. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46:1860-2.
3. Lam AY, Elmer GW, Mohutsky MA. Possible interaction between warfarin and
Lycium Barbarum. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:1199-201.
4. Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, LLC 1999.
5. Kim SY, Lee EJ, Kim HP, et al. LCC, a cerebroside from lycium chinense,
protects primary cultured rat hepatocytes exposed to galactosamine.
Phytother Res 2000;14:448-51.
6. Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical
databases. www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/farmacy2.pl?575 (Accessed 31
January 2001).
7. Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: DK Publ,
Inc., 2000.
8. Law M. Plant sterol and stanol margarines and health. BMJ 2000;320:861-4.
9. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products
Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC
1997.

Last reviewed - 04/22/2013

Goji Juice Research

We have researched goji juice and goji berries thoroughly and have presented the information
found in scientific studies here. If you are looking for general information about goji juice, check
out our Story section.

There are dozens of species of Lycium that grow wild throughout the world, but not all are
edible.
Scientific names: Lycium barbarum; Lycium chinense; Lycium europeaum (These are all
different species of the plant, but have similar properties. Many botanists unite the three species
under the name L. barbarum, but they are, in fact, distinct. There are several other species that
grow throughout Asia, Europe and the US that may contain similar nutritional and anti-aging
benefits).
Common names: Gou qi zi, Goji, wolfberry, lycium fruit, bastard jasmine, box thorn, tea tree,
matrimony vine

Studies Involving Goji Berries

Second Military Medical University, Department of Microbiology, Shanghai,

China.
Seventy nine people in advanced stages of cancer were treated with the drug LAK/IL-2
combined with Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). From the 75 evaluable patients,
regression of the following cancers was observed: malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma,
colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and malignant hydrothorax. The
response rate of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 and LBP was 40.9% while that of patients
treated only with LAK/IL-2 was 16.1%. Study

Department of Pathophysiology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China

The results of this study showed that the increase of blood pressure in hypertension rats could be
prevented significantly by treatment with 10% Lycium barbarum polysaccharide. Study

Cancer Institute, Ningxia Medical College, Yinchuan, China

Radiosensitizing effects (becoming more sensitive to radiation treatment) of the Lycium
barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) were observed in mice with lung cancer. Study

Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyunghee University, Seoul,

Korea
A component isolated from Lycium chinense was used to treat rats injured with GalN, which
causes the release of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and sorbitol dehydrogenase (damaging the
cells). It was found that the Lycium component had prominent hepatoprotective (protected the
cells from damage upon exposure of ) activity and it was suggested that its therapeutic value
should be investigated further. Study

Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Anatomy, The

University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
In this study, researchers wrote "natural plant extracts of Lycium barbarum are well-known to
exhibit anti-aging effects. We therefore hypothesized that they exhibit neuroprotective effects
against toxins in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate
whether extracts from L. barbarum have neuroprotective effects against toxicity of fibrillar
Abeta(1-42) and Abeta(25-35) fragments."
They went on to say that primary rat coritical neurons that they exposed to these damaging
"Abeta" peptides showed markedly reduced damage when pre-treated with extract isolated from
L. barbarum. In conclusion, researchers noted that the extract caused a "neuroprotective effect"

and that the effective dosage of the extract performed better than a well-known western
neuroprotective medicine called lithium chloride (LiC1).
They conclude that "Study on anti-aging herbal medicine like L. barbarum may open a new
therapeutic window for the prevention of AD (Alzheimer's disease)." Study

Antioxidant Research Group, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
This human supplementation trial showed that eating Lyceum barbarum significantly raised
levels of zeaxanthin in the group eating the fruit. Zeaxanthin is known to help prevent agerelated macular degeneration (eyesite degeneration caused by the degeneration of the central
retina - this is the most common cause of vision loss in the US in those over 50). Study

Institute of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.

In this study, the effects of a Lycium barbarum polysaccharide-protein complex on interleukin-2
and "tumor necrosis factor-alpha" in human blood cells was investigated. Interleukin-2 and
tumor necrosis factor-alpha are two important "cytokines" in antitumor immunity. The
production of cytokine "is a key event in the initiation and regulation of an immune response"
that is important in attacking cancer. Administration of the polysaccharide increased the levels of
interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the blood. The researchers concluded that the
particular polysaccharide studied may induce positive immune responses and possess
therapeuetic effects on cancer. Study

Institute of Materia Medica, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong

University of Science and Technology, China.
In this study the polysaccharide complex LBP3p, from Lycium barbarum was investigated, and
specifically its effect on the immune system of mice. The effects of the polysaccharide on tumors
as well as various other things were studied.
It was found that the polysaccharide could "significantly inhibit the growth of tumors and
increase macrophage phagocytosis, the form of antibody secreted by spleen cells, spleen
lymphocyte proliferation, CTL activity, IL-2 mRNA expression level and reduce the lipid
peroxidation" in mice. (all good things). Researchers concluded that the results suggested that
"LBP3p has a highly significant effect on tumor weight and improves the immune system."
Study

Department of Hygiene, Hubei Medical University, China.

In this study, a purified component of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP-X) was isolated
from lycium barbarum. Different doses of the component were tested on mice. The results
showed that "LBP-X induced a remarkable adaptability to exercise load, enhanced resistance and
accelerated elimination of fatigue." It was found that the polysaccharide significantly enhanced
muscle performance, enabling muscles to recover more quickly after strenuous activity and
perform better all around. Study
Please check back soon for more goji juice research, as we are always adding more studies to this
list and we will soon offer a more organized approach to this information.

Goji Berry
Scientific Name(s): Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. Family: Solanaceae
(potato). Synonyms: Lycium halimifolium Mill.; Lycium vulgare Dunal
Common Name(s): Barbary wolfberry , Chinese desert thorn , Chinese wolfberry , desert-thorn ,
Duke of Argylls tea tree , Fructus Lycii Chinensis , goji , goji berry , Gou Qi Zi , Gouqizi ,
Himalayan goji , kuko , LYCH , matrimony vine , Ningxia , red diamonds , Tibetan goji ,
wolfberry

Uses of Goji Berry

Limited quality clinical trials exist to support therapeutic claims. In vitro and animal experiments
suggest antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immune-enhancing, and neuro-, hepato-, and ophthalmicprotective effects.

Goji Berry Dosing

Data are lacking to guide dosage in the clinical setting.

Contraindications
Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Goji Berry Interactions

Case reports of interactions with warfarin exist.

Goji Berry Adverse Reactions

Clinical trials report few or no adverse reactions. Information is limited.

Toxicology
Information is lacking.

Botany
Two closely related species, L. barbarum and L. chinense , collectively produce the berries
considered to be goji, wolfberries, or Gou Qi Zi. They are botanically related to the tomato and
are deciduous woody perennials. Primarily cultivated in China, these species grow from 1 to 3 m
in height; the L. barbarum tends to be the taller of the two. 1 The 5-petaled flowers are lavender
to light-purple in color, and the lanceolate/ovate leaves appear alternately or in bundles on the
shoot. The tender, oblong berries, which must be picked carefully or shaken from the vine when
ripe, are a bright orange-red color and contain between 10 to 60 yellow seeds. The berries ripen
from July to October in the Northern Hemisphere. A process of slow drying is undertaken to
preserve the fruit, which then appear similar in size and texture to a raisin. 2 The leaves are used
to make tea, and the bark is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicines. 1

History
Gou Qi Zi is listed in the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China (2000), 3 and use of
the berries dates back 2,300 years. Traditional use has included preventing conditions such as
diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cancer, hepatitis, immune disorders, thrombosis, and male infertility.
4 , 5 In traditional Chinese medicine it is used for its anti-aging properties and tranquilizing and
thirst quenching effects, as well as its ability to increase stamina. Goji is a core ingredient in
most herbal eye remedies. Further uses have included nourishing the blood, enriching the yin,
and as a tonic for the liver, kidneys, and lungs. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9

Chemistry
Major compounds isolated from the berries include the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein,
lycopene, zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin dipalmitate, polysaccharides (comprising 30% of the pulp),
vitamins (ascorbic acid, glucopyranosyl ascorbic acid, tocopherol), fatty acids, betaine, and
peptidoglycans. 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12

Neutral volatile compounds identified include steroids, glycolipids (including the cerebrosides),
glycosides, glucopyranosides, and alkaloids (spermine alkaloid, polyhydroxylated alkaloids). 13 ,
14 Flavonoids, phenolic amides, cyclic peptides, and sesquiterpenes have also been described. 14
Additionally, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and lyciumosides have been identified in the leaf, 15 and
phenolic amides identified in the root bark. 16 , 17
The berries contain dietary amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and selenium, as well as
riboflavin and vitamin C. Concern has been raised about the amount of atropine present in
berries; only trace amounts were found and at levels considered insignificant (up to a maximum
of 19 ppb w/w). 3

Goji Berry Uses and Pharmacology

High quality, clinical trials are lacking.
Antioxidant effects
Potent superoxide anion scavenging activity has been demonstrated for the polysaccharide
extract of Goji berries. 4 , 14 , 18 Activity of polysaccharide extract 500 mg has been estimated
to be greater than vitamin C 500 mg. 4
In older mice, the decreased activity of enzymes in the brain, liver, and heart consequent to
oxidative stress was enhanced by administration of polysaccharides extracted from Lycium
fruits, lending support to the traditional anti-aging use of Gou Qi Zi. 4
Lycium fruit has been used traditionally to treat infertility. In mice with heat- and time-damaged
seminiferous tubules, the polysaccharide extract of the berries inhibited apoptosis and reversed
morphological damage. 8 , 19 , 20 Protection against DNA-induced seminiferous tubule damage
was also demonstrated in mice, and these actions are attributed to anti-oxidative activity. 8
Doxorubicin-induced cardiac oxidative stress was decreased in rats pretreated with the aqueous
extract of L. barbarum , 21 and anti-oxidative effects on human dermal fibroblasts have been
demonstrated. 22
Diabetes
Healthy mice fed L. barbarum extract maintained normal blood glucose levels, while
streptozocin- and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and rabbits showed decreases in blood glucose
levels. 23 , 24
A hypolipidemic effect was also observed. 24 Improved insulin resistance has been demonstrated
in non-insulin dependent diabetic rats. 10 , 25
Hepatoprotective effect
Pretreatment with an aqueous extract of the L. chinense fruits decreased hepatic enzyme levels
(aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) in rats with

carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury. Histological changes were also decreased. 26

Similar results were obtained for zeaxanthin extract against induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. 11
Lycium compounds with potential hepato-protective (possibly antioxidant) effects have been
identified. 5 , 17 , 26
Immune/anticancer activity
Experiments investigating the potential of L. barbarum and L. chinense in cancer treatment focus
on immune-enhancing and direct effects. The weight of the thymus and spleen in rats was
increased, as was macrophage activity, with administration of a polysaccharide extract. 4 , 27 ,
28 Increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte and tumor necrosis factor activity have occurred in animal
experiments and in human mononuclear cells in vitro. 8 , 27 , 29 Protection from the effects of
myelosuppression has been reported. 30
Aqueous extracts inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in hepatocellular cancer in rats and
human hepatoma cell lines. 31 , 32 Growth of sarcoma in mice was suppressed 28 , 29 while an
observational study suggested a benefit for cancer patients taking L. barbarum polysaccharides.
29
CNS
Experiments investigating the effect of berry polysaccharides have found enhanced spontaneous
electrical activity in the hippocampus, and a decreased stroke index and neurological score in
ischemia and reperfusion models. 8 Neuronal death and apoptosis have been prevented, in
animal experiments. 8 In rats, beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity has been prevented, suggesting
a role for the berry in Alzheimer disease. 7 , 33
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, which is elevated in neurodegenerative disease and aging,
has been demonstrated with Lycium . 34
Ophthalmic effects
Effects on the eye are thought to be related to antioxidant activity. 8 , 23 The berries are rich in
zeaxanthin and increased plasma zeaxanthin levels have been demonstrated with berry
consumption. 2 , 8 Lutein content in the berries is somewhat lower. 2 , 9 Fifteen grams of berries
per day for 28 days increased total and lipid-standardized plasma zeaxanthin levels. 2
Bioavailability of zeaxanthin is variable and experiments have been conducted to increase the
availability using milk-based and emulsion formulations. 12 , 35
Increased survival of retinal ganglion cells has been demonstrated in experiments in rats with
induced glaucoma. 23 No effect on ocular pressure was found. The effect did not appear to be
dose-dependent, and a prolonged effect (4 weeks) was demonstrated. 8
Other effects

Antifungal ( Candida albicans ) and antimicrobial (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus )

properties have been described for extracts of the root bark. 16 , 36

Dosage
Data are lacking to guide dosage in the clinical setting. Fifteen grams of berries per day
increased plasma zeaxanthin levels in healthy adults. 2

Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions
There are case reports of elevated international normalized ratio values in patients taking
warfarin. 29 , 37 In these reports, the patients consumed herbal tea made from the berries or bark
of L. barbarum estimated to equate to 6 to 18 g of berries/day. 37
In vitro experiments suggest the potential for monoamine oxidase B inhibition, the clinical
importance of which is unknown. 34

Adverse Reactions
Clinical trials report few or no adverse reactions. 2 , 12 , 35 , 38 Information is limited.

Toxicology
Data are lacking.

Bibliography
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May 2008). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
2. Cheng CY, Chung WY, Szeto YT, Benzie IF. Fasting plasma zeaxanthin response to Fructus
barbarum L. (wolfberry; Kei Tze) in a food-based human supplementation trial. Br J Nutr .
2005;93(1):123-130.
3. Adams M, Wiedenmann M, Tittel G, Bauer R. HPLC-MS trace analysis of atropine in Lycium
barbarum berries. Phytochem Anal . 2006;17(5):279-283.
4. Li XM, Ma YL, Liu XJ. Effect of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-related
oxidative stress in aged mice. J Ethnopharmacol . 2007;111(3):504-511.
5. Jung K, Chin YW, Kim YC, Kim J. Potentially hepatoprotective glycolipid constituents of
Lycium chinense fruits. Arch Pharm Res . 2005;28(12):1381-1385.

6. Yeh YC, Hahm TS, Sabliov CM, Lo YM. Effects of Chinese wolfberry ( Lycium chinense P.
Mill.) leaf hydrolysates on the growth of Pediococcus acidilactici . Bioresour Technol .
2008;99(5):1383-1393.
7. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al. Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine
Lycium barbarum against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp Gerontol . 2005;40(8-9):716727.
8. Chang RC, So KF. Use of anti-aging herbal medicine, Lycium barbarum , against agingassociated diseases. What do we know so far? Cell Mol Neurobiol . 2008;28(5):643-652.
9. Peng X, Tian G. Structural characterization of the glycan part of glycoconjugate LbGp2 from
Lycium barbarum L. Carbohydr Res . 2001;331(1):95-99.
10. Zhao R, Li Q, Xiao B. Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of
insulin resistance in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi . 2005;125(12):981-988.
11. Kim HP, Lee EJ, Kim YC, et al. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate from Lycium chinense fruit reduces
experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Biol Pharm Bull . 2002;25(3):390-392.
12. Breithaupt DE, Weller P, Wolters M, Hahn A. Comparison of plasma responses in human
subjects after the ingestion of 3R,3R'-zeaxanthin dipalmitate from wolfberry ( Lycium
barbarum ) and non-esterified 3R,3R'-zeaxanthin using chiral high-performance liquid
chromatography. Br J Nutr . 2004;91(5):707-713.
13. Asano N, Kato A, Miyauchi M, et al. Specific alpha-galactosidase inhibitors, Nmethylcalystegines--structure/activity relationships of calystegines from Lycium chinense . Eur J
Biochem . 1997;248(2):296-303.
14. Han SH, Lee HH, Lee IS, Moon YH, Woo ER. A new phenolic amide from Lycium chinense
Miller. Arch Pharm Res . 2002;25(4):433-437.
15. Toyoda-Ono Y, Maeda M, Nakao M, Yoshimura M, Sugiura-Tomimori N, Fukami H. 2-O(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid, a novel ascorbic acid analogue isolated from Lycium
fruit. J Agric Food Chem . 2004;52(7):2092-2096.
16. Lee DG, Park Y, Kim MR, et al. Anti-fungal effects of phenolic amides isolated from the root
bark of Lycium chinense . Biotechnol Lett . 2004;26(14):1125-1130.
17. Chin YW, Lim SW, Kim SH, et al. Hepatoprotective pyrrole derivatives of Lycium chinense
fruits. Bioorg Med Chem Lett . 2003;13(1):79-81.
18. Wu SJ, Ng LT, Lin CC. Antioxidant activities of some common ingredients of traditional
chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis , Lycium barbarum and Poria cocos . Phytother Res .
2004;18(12):1008-1012.
19. Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, Yan J, Zhang S, Cai YZ. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides:
protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in
mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of
hemicastrated rats. Life Sci . 2006;79(7):613-621.
20. Wang Y, Zhao H, Sheng X, Gambino PE, Costello B, Bojanowski K. Protective effect of
Fructus Lycii polysaccharides against time and hyperthermia-induced damage in cultured
seminiferous epithelium. J Ethnopharmacol . 2002;82(2-3):169-175.
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