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Organic Lycium

Also known as: Goji berry, Wolfberry, Organic Lycium, Lycium barbarum

Overview

Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a fruit-bearing plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine and increasingly popular as a dietary supplement. It is valued for its rich content of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and various vitamins. As a supplement, it is primarily utilized for its purported antioxidant, metabolic, and lipid-modulating effects. Research on Lycium barbarum has evolved from traditional use to modern clinical trials, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses emerging to evaluate its efficacy, particularly concerning plasma lipid profiles and overall metabolic health. While the quality of evidence varies, some well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support its benefits, though heterogeneity in study designs and populations is noted. It is categorized as a functional food, dietary supplement, and herbal extract.

Benefits

Lycium barbarum supplementation shows promising evidence for several health benefits, particularly in metabolic health. Meta-analyses suggest it may reduce plasma lipid concentrations, including total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, although results can vary based on dose, duration, and the health status of the population. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate benefits for weight management and obesity prevention, reporting increases in resting metabolic rate and reductions in waist circumference. For instance, one RCT observed a waist circumference reduction of approximately 5.5 cm over 14 days in overweight adults, and increases in resting metabolic rate by 7.2% to 8.4% with specific fiber doses. Secondary effects, such as enhanced neurological function and improved gastrointestinal health, have been noted in short-term interventions, but require further validation. Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects are also suggested by preclinical data. The benefits appear more pronounced in overweight or dyslipidemic adults, suggesting its potential clinical relevance for individuals with metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risk factors. While statistically significant, the lipid-lowering effects are generally modest, and longer-term studies are needed to evaluate sustained effects.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Lycium barbarum is attributed to its Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs). These compounds are believed to modulate lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and inflammatory pathways within the body. Its antioxidant properties contribute to improved endothelial function and lipid profiles by reducing oxidative stress. LBPs also interact with immune cells and the gut microbiota, which can remodel the inflammatory microenvironment in the colon and potentially enhance gut health. The bioavailability of the active polysaccharides and flavonoids is moderate, meaning that the specific formulation and dosage can influence their systemic absorption and overall efficacy.

Side effects

Lycium barbarum is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs occasionally. There are no significant reports of uncommon or rare severe side effects in high-quality studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when Lycium barbarum is used concurrently with anticoagulant medications due to its potential blood-thinning effects. Regarding contraindications, data are limited, but caution is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of comprehensive safety data in these populations. Furthermore, the effects and safety of Lycium barbarum in children and severely ill patients remain largely under-studied, warranting careful consideration in these groups.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Lycium barbarum is variable, with some studies utilizing 120 mL of goji berry juice or 5-10 grams of fiber from Lycium barbarum daily. Optimal dosage ranges in clinical trials typically fall between 5 grams of dried berries and 300 milligrams of polysaccharide extracts per day. A maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, but doses up to several grams per day have been used in studies without serious adverse effects. Lycium barbarum is typically administered daily, and the timing relative to meals does not appear to be critical. Common forms include juice, dried berries, and polysaccharide extracts. While co-administration with food may influence absorption, no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy. The fiber content of the berries may also influence gut microbiota.

FAQs

Is Organic Lycium effective for cholesterol?

Yes, evidence suggests modest lipid-lowering effects, particularly in dyslipidemic adults, helping to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels.

How soon do benefits appear?

Some metabolic benefits, such as changes in waist circumference and metabolic rate, can appear within as little as two weeks of consistent use.

Is it safe long-term?

Short-term safety is well-supported by clinical trials, showing a low incidence of adverse effects. However, long-term safety data are currently limited.

Can it aid weight loss?

Some evidence indicates it may contribute to weight management by increasing resting metabolic rate and reducing waist circumference, but more research is needed.

Does it interact with medications?

No major interactions are widely reported, but caution is advised if you are taking blood-thinning medications due to potential anticoagulant effects.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8663874/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aimed to evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum on plasma lipid profiles. It highlighted the need for rigorous analysis of RCT data, acknowledging heterogeneity among studies and emphasizing the potential for lipid-lowering effects while calling for more high-quality trials to confirm findings.
https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A101070/101070.pdf – This study, comprising randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, investigated the metabolic effects of Lycium barbarum. It reported significant increases in resting metabolic rate (7.2%-8.4%) and reductions in waist circumference (~5.5 cm) in overweight adults over 14-28 days, alongside improvements in neurological and gastrointestinal parameters. Limitations included small sample sizes and short duration.
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2021/12100/efficacy_of_lycium_barbarum_l__on_plasma_lipid.73.aspx – This article discusses the efficacy of Lycium barbarum L. on plasma lipid profiles, contributing to the understanding of its potential benefits in metabolic health. It supports the notion that Lycium barbarum may have a positive impact on lipid parameters, aligning with findings from other meta-analyses on the topic.
https://journal.pan.olsztyn.pl/Goji-Berry-Lycium-barbarum-Composition-and-Health-Effects-a-Review,98443,0,2.html – This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the composition and health effects of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum). It summarizes the various bioactive compounds present in the berry and discusses their purported health benefits, offering a broad perspective on its traditional and modern applications.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.933124/full – This review article focused on Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and their role in gut health. It elucidated the molecular mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects in the colon and modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, providing biological plausibility for observed clinical benefits while stressing the need for more RCTs to confirm efficacy and safety.