Common names: Goji, wolfberry, Chinese boxthorn, Gou Qi Zi
Botanical names: Lycium chinense; Lycium barbarum
Goji has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
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 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
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Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Goji berry use has been described in traditional Chinese medicine since the first century A.D. They are often combined with other herbs as a tonic to increase longevity.1 Other uses attributed to goji berries include enhancing immune function, improving circulation and eyesight, protecting the liver, and increasing sperm production.2 3
Active constituents
Goji berries contain a few nutrients as well as substances with potential biological effects.4 Polysaccharides make up a large percentage of the pulp, and when these polysaccharides were given to animals orally or directly into the stomach, they improved anti-oxidant status;5 6 lowered blood levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol;7 8 9 protected DNA;10 11 slowed the growth and spread of cancer cells;12 13 enhanced immune function;14 15 16 prevented fatigue during exercise;17 and improved sexual performance and fertility in partially castrated animals.18 However, very large amounts of purified goji berry polysaccharides were given to these animals, and no human research has been published investigating these effects, so whether people using goji berries or their juice in reasonable amounts would experience similar benefits is unknown.
Goji berries are also a rich source of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that when consumed becomes concentrated in the macular pigment of the eye and may help protect the retina.19 20 Both human and monkey studies have shown that consuming goji berries or extracts high in zeaxanthin raises blood levels of zeaxanthin,21 22 23 24 but only animal research has verified that goji berry consumption increases macular pigment, and no research has looked at whether goji berries provide protection from diseases of the retina.
Other animal research has found that zeaxanthin extracts of goji berry and purified goji berry polysaccharides can each protect against liver damage.25 26
How much is usually taken?
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends boiling 5 to 15 grams of the dried berry to make a tea and drinking at least half a cup per day. Eating about 15 grams of whole goji berries is known to raise blood levels of zeaxanthin.27 No reliable information is available to establish a recommended amount of goji juice.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
There is one reported case of increased bleeding tendency in a woman taking the anticoagulant warfarin who also drank 3 to 4 glasses per day of goji berry tea.28 No other reports of bleeding problems or other adverse effects in people using goji berry products have been published.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with goji.
References
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
