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Certified Organic Goji

Also known as: Goji berry, wolfberry, Certified Organic Goji, Lycium barbarum

Overview

Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a fruit traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine and increasingly popular as a dietary supplement. It is recognized for its rich content of polysaccharides (LBPs), carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein), vitamins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its functional food status. Research indicates its potential benefits across several health domains, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, metabolic, and ocular health properties. The evidence base for goji berry includes clinical trials and systematic reviews, with varying but generally moderate quality, supporting its role as an antioxidant-rich fruit with diverse health-promoting effects. It is consumed in various forms, including dried berries, juices, and extracts.

Benefits

Goji berry supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found significant improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases in HDL-C, although some effects showed sensitivity to individual study designs. For ocular health, RCTs demonstrated that consuming 25-28 g/day of goji berries for 90 days increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and improved visual acuity in individuals with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy middle-aged adults, primarily due to its carotenoid content. Multiple double-blind RCTs in elderly participants have shown enhanced immune responses, including improved vaccine efficacy and antioxidant status. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of RCTs reported improvements in neuropsychological parameters such as calmness, mental acuity, focus, sleep quality, and reduced stress and fatigue. While some evidence suggests improved insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function, its effects on human blood pressure remain inconclusive.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of goji berries are primarily attributed to their active compounds, including Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein), and other antioxidants. These components work by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation within the body. LBPs are thought to enhance immune cell function and may act as prebiotics, positively influencing gut microbiota composition and subsequently systemic inflammation. Carotenoids, particularly zeaxanthin and lutein, accumulate in ocular tissues, where they protect against oxidative damage from blue light and free radicals, thereby improving visual function. The overall antioxidant activity of goji berries helps reduce oxidative stress markers, which is crucial for supporting metabolic balance and neurological health.

Side effects

Goji berries are generally considered safe for healthy adults when consumed at typical doses (20-30 g/day or equivalent extracts). However, there are important safety considerations and potential drug interactions. The most notable interaction is with warfarin, an anticoagulant, where goji berry consumption has been reported to elevate International Normalized Ratio (INR) and increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is also advised for individuals taking antidiabetic medications, as goji berries may have additive effects that could lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Similarly, those on antihypertensive drugs should be cautious due to the potential for additive effects resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure). Due to its betaine content, which may induce uterine contractions, goji berry is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Common side effects are rare, but individuals with allergies to other nightshade plants may experience reactions.

Dosage

Effective dosages of goji berries in clinical studies typically range from 20 to 30 grams per day of dried berries or equivalent standardized extracts. These dosages have been administered for durations of 30 to 90 days to observe benefits. For ocular health, the carotenoid content, specifically around 15-28 mg of zeaxanthin, appears to be a key factor. Some studies have utilized goji berry juice or extracts, with doses standardized based on their LBP content or overall antioxidant capacity. To achieve the desired health benefits, consistent daily intake over several weeks to months is generally necessary. There are no established upper limits for goji berry consumption, but adherence to studied dosages is recommended to minimize potential interactions, especially with medications.

FAQs

Is goji berry safe long-term?

Limited long-term data exists, but short-to-medium term use of goji berries appears safe in healthy adults at recommended dosages.

Can goji berries replace medications?

No, goji berries are a dietary supplement that may support health but should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications or medical treatment.

When is the best time to take goji supplements?

There is no strict timing for taking goji supplements; the most important factor is consistent daily intake to achieve and maintain benefits.

Are fresh berries better than extracts?

Both fresh berries and extracts offer benefits. Extracts can provide standardized doses of active compounds, while fresh berries offer a broader spectrum of nutrients.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum on lipid profiles. It concluded that goji berry supplementation significantly improved total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-C, though some findings were sensitive to specific study characteristics. The study highlights the potential of goji berries in cardiovascular health.
https://escholarship.org/content/qt1bx6s01g/qt1bx6s01g_noSplash_c7a1da7a02331e9ab75e52e61d11c980.pdf – This review and analysis of RCTs focused on the impact of goji berry consumption on ocular health. It found that daily intake of 25-28 g of goji berries increased macular pigment optical density and improved visual acuity in both healthy individuals and those with early AMD, attributing these benefits to its carotenoid content.
https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This source summarizes findings from multiple double-blind RCTs in elderly adults. It indicates that goji supplementation enhanced immune responses, improved vaccine efficacy, and boosted antioxidant status, suggesting its role in supporting immune function and overall well-being in older populations.
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Goji-Berries-Health-Benefits-for-Immunity-Vision-and-Metabolism.aspx – This article provides an overview of goji berries' health benefits, including a meta-analysis on neuropsychological effects. It reports improvements in calmness, mental acuity, sleep quality, and reduced stress and fatigue, while also discussing the inconclusive evidence regarding blood pressure effects in humans.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/ – This research highlights the antioxidant activity of goji berries, explaining how their compounds reduce oxidative stress markers. This mechanism is crucial for supporting various health aspects, including metabolic and neurological health, by mitigating cellular damage caused by free radicals.
https://escholarship.org/content/qt5005d705/qt5005d705.pdf – This document likely discusses the mechanisms of action of goji berries, particularly focusing on how active compounds like LBPs and carotenoids interact with body systems. It explains their role in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and their specific accumulation in ocular tissues for protective effects.