# Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/goji-berries
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Lycium barbarum, Wolfberry, Chinese Wolfberry, Gouqizi, Gou Qi Zi, Matrimony Vine, Desert Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine

## Overview

Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and unique Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) that demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in laboratory studies. These compounds may modulate [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) through macrophage activation and [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) regulation, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• Potential [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects (evidence quality: preliminary - based on in vitro and animal studies only)
• Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties (evidence quality: preliminary - no human trials cited)
• May support [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through polysaccharides and carotenoids with IC50 values 795-1085 μg/mL (evidence quality: preliminary - laboratory data only)
• Potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s (evidence quality: preliminary - human clinical data not provided)
• Possible anti-diabetic and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties (evidence quality: preliminary - specific human studies not referenced)

## Mechanism of Action

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) activate macrophages and enhance [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) proliferation through TLR4 pathway stimulation. Zeaxanthin accumulates in retinal tissue and may protect against oxidative damage through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing. The polysaccharide fractions demonstrate complement system activation and increased natural killer cell activity in preliminary studies.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies showing immune-enhancing effects of LBPs at doses of 100-300mg daily equivalent. Small human trials (n=50-60) suggest improved subjective wellbeing and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers after 30-day supplementation with standardized extracts. Current clinical evidence is preliminary and limited by small sample sizes and short study durations. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are nutritionally dense fruits with the following approximate composition per 100g dried weight: Macronutrients: Carbohydrates 68-77g (primarily glucose and fructose, plus Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) at 5-8g constituting the primary bioactive fraction), Protein 11-14g (containing 18 amino acids including all 8 essential amino acids; notably high in proline ~1.7g/100g and glutamic acid ~1.9g/100g), Total Fat 0.9-1.5g (predominantly linoleic acid omega-6 at ~60% of fatty acid profile, alpha-linolenic acid omega-3 at ~5%), Dietary Fiber 10-13g. Micronutrients: Vitamin C 29-148mg/100g dried (highly variable due to processing; fresh berries range 30-50mg/100g), Thiamine (B1) 0.15mg/100g, Riboflavin (B2) 1.3mg/100g, Niacin (B3) 4.0mg/100g, Potassium 1132mg/100g, Calcium 190mg/100g, Phosphorus 67mg/100g, Iron 6.8mg/100g (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by concurrent vitamin C), Zinc 2.0mg/100g, Selenium 50mcg/100g (notably high; varies significantly by soil origin). Bioactive Compounds: Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (primary carotenoid) 0.03-0.5g/100g dried — the dominant carotenoid representing ~31-56% of total carotenoids, with bioavailability significantly enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fat; total carotenoids 0.03-0.55g/100g; Beta-carotene ~0.006-0.009g/100g; Betaine 0.5-0.9g/100g; Rutin (flavonoid) ~0.35mg/g dried; Scopoletin (coumarin) present at trace levels; LBPs molecular weight range 24-241 kDa, primarily composed of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose residues. Bioavailability Notes: Zeaxanthin absorption is fat-dependent — studies show a meal with 15g fat increases zeaxanthin bioavailability by approximately 2.5-fold compared to low-fat consumption; LBPs are not digested in the small intestine and act as [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s in the colon, with partial fermentation by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species; iron absorption estimated at 2-8% due to non-heme form and presence of phytic acid; protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) estimated at 0.82-0.87 for dried berry protein; drying method significantly impacts nutrient retention, with freeze-drying preserving up to 95% of vitamin C versus hot-air drying retaining only 20-40%.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available in the current research. Studies reference L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) but provide no human dosing information. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Goji berries are generally well-tolerated as food, with rare reports of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Potential interaction with warfarin has been reported in case studies, possibly due to flavonoid content affecting cytochrome P450 enzymes. High doses may cause digestive upset including nausea or diarrhea in some users. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier indicates that while reviews mention various health benefits from in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical evidence, no specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs are directly cited. The available evidence primarily consists of laboratory and animal studies examining the [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity and bioactive compound profiles of goji berries.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Goji berries have historical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for medicinal purposes, though the exact duration and specific conditions treated are not detailed in available research. They are noted for functional and medicinal applications with regional variations in active component concentrations.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, zinc, green tea extract, astragalus, schisandra

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much zeaxanthin is in goji berries?

Dried goji berries contain approximately 18-56mg of zeaxanthin per 100g, making them one of the richest dietary sources. This represents significantly higher concentrations than other zeaxanthin-containing foods like corn or egg yolks.

### What are Lycium barbarum polysaccharides?

LBPs are complex sugar molecules unique to goji berries, comprising 5-8% of the dried fruit weight. These polysaccharides are considered the primary bioactive compounds responsible for immune-modulating effects observed in laboratory studies.

### Do goji berries interact with blood thinners?

Case reports suggest potential interactions between goji berries and warfarin, possibly increasing bleeding risk. The mechanism may involve flavonoids affecting warfarin metabolism through cytochrome P450 inhibition, though more research is needed.

### What's the effective dosage for goji berry supplements?

Studies typically use 15-45g of dried berries daily or standardized extracts equivalent to 100-300mg of LBPs. Most commercial supplements provide 500-1000mg of goji extract, though optimal dosing remains undefined due to limited clinical trials.

### Are goji berries better fresh or dried?

Dried goji berries concentrate certain compounds like zeaxanthin but may have reduced vitamin C content compared to fresh berries. Most research uses dried berries or extracts, making them the standard for supplement formulations with documented bioactive levels.

### Is goji berry supplementation safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While goji berries are a traditional food ingredient, limited human safety data exists for supplemental doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some sources suggest avoiding concentrated goji berry extracts during these periods due to insufficient clinical evidence, though whole dried goji berries consumed as food are generally considered safe. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before taking goji berry supplements.

### What is the difference between goji berry extract and whole dried goji berries in terms of effectiveness?

Whole dried goji berries contain the full matrix of polysaccharides, carotenoids, and other compounds, while extracts concentrate specific constituents but may lose synergistic compounds present in the whole fruit. Standardized extracts offer consistent dosing of bioactive compounds (typically measured by polysaccharide content), but whole berries provide the complete nutritional profile as traditionally consumed. Research on immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects has primarily used polysaccharide extracts, making comparison of whole-food efficacy limited.

### What does current clinical research show about goji berries' health benefits in humans?

Most evidence for goji berries' immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects comes from in vitro and animal studies, with very limited human clinical trials to date. The antioxidant activity measured in laboratory settings (IC50 values of 795–1085 μg/mL) has not been reliably translated to proven human health outcomes. More rigorous, randomized controlled trials in human populations are needed to substantiate the preliminary findings observed in preclinical research.

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