Gojimax
Also known as: LBP, Goji berry, Wolfberry, Gojimax, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide
Overview
Gojimax is a standardized extract derived from goji berries (*Lycium barbarum*), primarily valued for its high concentration of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). Goji berries have a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, spanning over 2,000 years. This supplement is primarily used to support metabolic health, specifically targeting improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism. It is also marketed for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to overall cardiovascular and immune health. While research on LBP is ongoing with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, the overall evidence quality is moderate, with some studies exhibiting small sample sizes and variability. Gojimax represents a commercial formulation standardized for LBP content.
Benefits
LBP supplementation has demonstrated significant benefits in regulating key metabolic markers. Meta-analyses indicate that daily LBP consumption can significantly reduce serum triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations. These effects suggest an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors. For instance, studies have shown a statistically significant reduction in TG and an improvement in HDL-C levels in adults. The effect sizes are modest but statistically significant, with clinical relevance depending on baseline risk and duration of supplementation, typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks. Adults with metabolic syndrome or dyslipidemia are most likely to benefit. While potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits have been suggested, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these secondary effects.
How it works
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) exert their effects by modulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The precise molecular targets are not fully elucidated, but the mechanism likely involves antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and the regulation of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. LBP interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving lipid profiles and with the endocrine system by influencing glucose metabolism. It may also play a role in immune modulation. While polysaccharides are partially absorbed, their bioactivity may also involve beneficial interactions with the gut microbiota, contributing to their systemic effects.
Side effects
Gojimax, primarily through its active component LBP, is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials. The most commonly reported side effect, though rare, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no significant reports of uncommon or rare side effects in high-quality studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants due to potential effects on blood lipids, which could theoretically interact with blood-thinning medications. There are no established contraindications, but due to a lack of specific data, caution is recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Most research has focused on elderly individuals and those with metabolic syndrome, so data on other special populations are limited.
Dosage
The effective dosage of LBP can vary, but studies typically utilize daily doses ranging from 100 mg to 1,200 mg. For optimal modulation of lipid and glucose parameters, a dosage of approximately 300–600 mg of LBP per day appears to be effective. Doses up to 1,200 mg per day have been used in studies without reported adverse effects, suggesting a relatively wide safety margin, though a maximum safe dose is not definitively established. Daily supplementation is recommended, and the timing relative to meals does not appear to be critical. For consistent LBP content and efficacy, standardized extracts like Gojimax are preferred. While polysaccharide bioavailability is moderate, co-administration with food may potentially enhance absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for LBP's efficacy.
FAQs
Is Gojimax effective for weight loss?
Current evidence is insufficient to support Gojimax as a weight-loss supplement. Its benefits are primarily related to improving metabolic parameters rather than direct weight reduction.
Is Gojimax safe for long-term use?
Short-to-medium term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe based on current research. However, comprehensive data on the safety of very long-term supplementation are currently lacking.
Can Gojimax replace medications for diabetes or dyslipidemia?
No, Gojimax should not replace prescribed medications for diabetes or dyslipidemia. It may serve as an adjunct therapy but is not a substitute for conventional medical treatments.
How soon can I expect to see effects from Gojimax?
Based on randomized controlled trials, beneficial effects on metabolic parameters typically begin to appear within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Is Gojimax suitable for athletes?
While generally safe, current meta-analyses do not support Gojimax or goji berry extracts as top supplements for enhancing athletic performance, strength, or recovery.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34213407/ – This meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found that LBP significantly improved serum triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, LDL, and HDL in adults with metabolic conditions. It highlights LBP's potential in metabolic health, despite some heterogeneity among studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that L. barbarum supplementation is beneficial for reducing triglycerides and improving HDL-C levels. It noted some variability in effects across studies, suggesting sensitivity to individual study designs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1636970/full – This network meta-analysis, focusing on dietary supplements for athletes, found that goji berry extracts were not among the most effective for strength or performance. The study, while high-quality, did not specifically assess metabolic benefits.