Goji Oil
Also known as: Goji oil, Wolfberry oil, Lycium barbarum seed oil
Overview
Goji oil is a lipid-rich extract derived from the seeds of the *Lycium barbarum* fruit, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry. This oil is distinguished by its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids (particularly zeaxanthin), and other bioactive lipids. While the whole goji berry and its polysaccharides have been extensively studied for their health benefits, research specifically on isolated goji oil is less comprehensive. However, goji oil is considered a significant bioactive fraction contributing to the overall therapeutic effects of the goji berry. It is primarily recognized for its potent antioxidant properties, potential benefits for skin health, and as a source of essential fatty acids. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, goji oil is gaining recognition in the nutraceutical and functional food industries for its potential to support general well-being and cellular health.
Benefits
Goji oil, as part of *Lycium barbarum* supplementation, offers several evidence-based benefits. It contributes to **lipid metabolism** improvements, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses showing beneficial effects on triglycerides and HDL-C levels, suggesting cardiovascular support. Its rich content of antioxidants, including carotenoids, provides significant **antioxidant activity**, effectively reducing lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals, comparable to synthetic antioxidants. While direct clinical data on goji oil for skin is limited, its antioxidant and fatty acid profile suggests potential for supporting **skin health**, including barrier function and anti-aging effects. Furthermore, goji berry extracts, which contain goji oil, have demonstrated positive effects on **immune modulation**, enhancing immune response and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials. There is also evidence for **neuroprotective and mood effects**, with meta-analyses indicating improvements in mental acuity, calmness, and sleep quality, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of goji oil are primarily attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds exert potent **antioxidant effects** by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. The unsaturated fatty acids contribute to maintaining cellular membrane integrity and may modulate **anti-inflammatory pathways**. While goji oil itself is lipid-based, the polysaccharides found in *Lycium barbarum* (which are not present in the oil) are known to modulate immune function by enhancing natural killer cell activity and cytokine production. The absorption of the fat-soluble carotenoids and lipids from goji oil is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats, facilitating their bioavailability and systemic distribution.
Side effects
Goji oil is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts or as a supplement. However, caution is advised due to potential **drug interactions**. There is a reported risk of increased bleeding when goji berry products are combined with **warfarin** (an anticoagulant), likely due to anticoagulant effects of certain goji berry compounds. Individuals on **antidiabetic** or **antihypertensive medications** should also exercise caution, as goji berry consumption may potentiate the effects of these drugs, potentially leading to hypoglycemia or hypotension. Goji oil is **not recommended during pregnancy** due to the presence of compounds like betaine in goji berries, which have been associated with inducing uterine contractions. Side effects are rare and typically mild, with no significant adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials involving goji berry supplementation. However, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Solanaceae family (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes) should use goji oil with caution.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for isolated goji oil are less established compared to whole goji berries or their extracts. Clinical studies on *Lycium barbarum* polysaccharides typically use doses ranging from 10 to 30 grams of dried fruit or equivalent extracts daily. For goji seed oil, traditional contexts have suggested doses in the range of **10-20 mL per day** for antioxidant and lipid metabolism effects, but rigorous randomized controlled trial-based dosing guidelines are currently lacking. For optimal absorption of its fat-soluble components, goji oil should ideally be consumed with meals containing dietary fats. There is no officially established maximum safe dose for goji oil; therefore, caution is advised to avoid excessive intake, particularly given the potential for drug interactions. Users should start with lower doses and monitor for any adverse effects, especially if taking other medications.
FAQs
Is goji oil the same as goji berry extract?
No, goji oil is extracted from the seeds and is rich in lipids like fatty acids and carotenoids, while goji berry extracts typically focus on water-soluble compounds like polysaccharides.
Can goji oil help with cholesterol?
Evidence from goji berry supplementation suggests improvements in lipid profiles, including triglycerides and HDL-C. While direct evidence for isolated goji oil is limited, its components likely contribute to these effects.
Are there any safety concerns with goji oil?
Goji oil is generally safe, but caution is advised due to potential interactions with blood thinners (like warfarin), antidiabetic, and antihypertensive medications. It is not recommended during pregnancy.
How long does it take to see benefits from goji oil?
Clinical trials on goji berry supplementation, which includes the benefits of goji oil, typically report observable effects after 2 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that *Lycium barbarum* supplementation significantly improved triglyceride and HDL-C levels in adults. While some effects on LDL-C and total cholesterol were inconsistent, the study highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of goji berry components, including those found in goji oil.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/ – This review discusses the antioxidant properties of goji polysaccharides and oil fractions, indicating their strong ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce lipid peroxidation, comparable to synthetic antioxidants. It suggests potential anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the role of goji oil's components in cellular protection.
- https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This review, which includes clinical trials, indicates that goji berry supplementation can improve immune function, enhance vaccine response, and positively impact mood and general well-being. It supports the overall health benefits of goji berry components, including the contribution of goji oil, and notes a favorable safety profile.
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/Goji-Berries-Health-Benefits-for-Immunity-Vision-and-Metabolism.aspx – This article provides an overview of the health benefits of goji berries, touching upon their roles in immunity, vision, and metabolism. It reinforces the general understanding of goji berries as a functional food with broad health-promoting properties, aligning with the benefits attributed to goji oil's components.
- https://journal.pan.olsztyn.pl/Goji-Berry-Lycium-barbarum-Composition-and-Health-Effects-a-Review,98443,0,2.html – This review details the composition of *Lycium barbarum* and its various health effects. It provides a comprehensive look at the bioactive compounds present in goji berries, including the lipids and carotenoids found in goji oil, and their contributions to the overall therapeutic profile of the fruit.
