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Lycium Bark Extract

Also known as: Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, Goji berry, Lycium bark extract, Lycii Radicis Cortex, LRC, Lycium chinense root bark extract

Overview

Lycium bark extract is derived from the root bark of *Lycium chinense*, a traditional medicinal plant primarily used in East Asia. While the fruit of *Lycium barbarum* (goji berry) is widely consumed as a functional food, the root bark extract is utilized for its medicinal properties. Key applications include antioxidant support, metabolic regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential neuroprotective and anti-fatigue properties. Research into Lycium species is ongoing, with a moderate level of maturity. Most clinical studies focus on *L. barbarum* fruit polysaccharides (LBPs), showing benefits in lipid profiles and metabolic health. Studies on the root bark extract are predominantly preclinical or animal-based, indicating anti-inflammatory and bone-protective effects. The evidence quality varies, with some randomized controlled trials having small sample sizes, but meta-analyses provide more robust conclusions for the fruit extract.

Benefits

Lycium bark extract and related Lycium species offer several potential benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that *L. barbarum* supplementation can improve lipid profiles, specifically reducing total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), although effects on HDL and LDL cholesterol were inconsistent across studies. A 14-day RCT involving overweight adults showed that *L. barbarum* fruit intake led to a significant reduction in waist circumference (~5.5 cm) and increased postprandial energy expenditure. Animal studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with supplementation increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH-Px, SOD) and reducing oxidative stress markers, potentially alleviating chemotherapy-induced fatigue by modulating mitochondrial and gut microbiota. Specifically for *Lycium chinense* root bark extract, a rat model of periodontitis demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammatory mediators (PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α), oxidative stress, and alveolar bone loss by modulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways, indicating anti-inflammatory and bone-protective properties. Preliminary evidence also suggests LBPs may alleviate depressive symptoms, though high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm this benefit.

How it works

Lycium species exert their beneficial effects through several mechanisms. *Lycium barbarum* polysaccharides (LBPs) primarily act as antioxidants by enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while also reducing lipid peroxidation. Their anti-inflammatory actions involve the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the inhibition of key signaling pathways like NF-κB and MAPK. Metabolic benefits are thought to stem from improved mitochondrial energy metabolism and the modulation of gut microbiota composition, which can influence short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism. *Lycium chinense* root bark extract specifically contributes to bone health by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, a process crucial for bone resorption, through a reduction in the RANKL/OPG ratio.

Side effects

Lycium species, including *Lycium barbarum* fruit and *Lycium chinense* root bark extract, are generally considered safe when consumed within studied doses. No serious adverse events have been reported in human randomized controlled trials for *L. barbarum* fruit. Similarly, animal studies suggest good tolerability for both the fruit and root bark extracts. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in the reviewed literature for either form. However, it is important to note that human data specifically on the safety of *Lycium chinense* root bark extract are limited, as most research in this area is preclinical. While the overall safety profile appears favorable, caution is always advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications, until more comprehensive human safety data become available for the root bark extract.

Dosage

For *Lycium barbarum* fruit polysaccharides, effective doses in human randomized controlled trials typically range from 120 mL of fruit extract or 5–10 grams of fiber daily for short-term metabolic effects. Animal studies investigating fatigue alleviation used doses of 100–500 mg/kg of a combination of *L. barbarum* and probiotics, with medium doses showing optimal effects. However, specific dosing guidelines for *Lycium chinense* root bark extract in humans are not well established due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies on the root bark extract, such as those for periodontitis, involved oral administration for 10 days in rats. Given the lack of human data for the root bark extract, it is difficult to recommend a precise human dosage. Consumers should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Lycium chinense root bark extract, especially since upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are not yet defined.

FAQs

Is Lycium bark extract the same as goji berry?

No, Lycium bark extract comes from the root bark of *Lycium chinense*, while goji berry is the fruit of *Lycium barbarum*. They are related but have distinct bioactivities and traditional uses.

Can Lycium bark extract help with weight loss?

Some evidence suggests *L. barbarum* fruit may aid in waist circumference reduction and metabolic improvements, but more extensive human trials are needed to confirm significant weight loss benefits.

Is Lycium bark extract safe for long-term use?

Short-term use of Lycium species appears safe, with no serious adverse events reported. However, long-term safety data, especially for the root bark extract, are currently limited.

Does Lycium bark extract interact with medications?

No significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed literature. Nevertheless, caution is advised, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, especially if taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (n≥30 per group) found that *L. barbarum* polysaccharides improved lipid profiles, specifically reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides. While some heterogeneity existed, sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness for total cholesterol, though less so for triglycerides and HDL-C. The study highlights the potential of *L. barbarum* for metabolic health but notes variability in study designs and doses as limitations.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1613132/full – This animal RCT investigated *L. barbarum* combined with probiotics in a chemotherapy-induced fatigue mouse model. A medium dose (100 mg/kg) significantly improved antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced fatigue, linking these effects to mitochondrial and gut microbiota modulation. Limitations included a small sample size and lack of histological validation, but the study provides insight into the anti-fatigue mechanisms.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11590933/ – This preclinical study on *Lycium chinense* root bark extract in a rat periodontitis model demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone-protective effects. The extract achieved this by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways and reducing osteoclast activity. The study provides strong evidence for the root bark's therapeutic potential in bone health, though human trials are needed.
https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A101070/101070.pdf – This source provides information on *L. barbarum* fruit, noting a 14-day RCT with 15 overweight adults that showed significant waist circumference reduction (~5.5 cm) and increased postprandial energy expenditure after intake. It also mentions preliminary evidence suggesting LBPs may alleviate depressive symptoms, though high-quality clinical trials are lacking. The article contributes to understanding the metabolic and potential mental health benefits of the fruit.