Goji Standardized Extract
Also known as: Goji berry, wolfberry, Goji standardized extract, Lycium barbarum L.
Overview
Goji standardized extract is derived from the fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant native to Asia, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry. This extract concentrates bioactive components such as polysaccharides (LBPs), flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant properties, ability to improve lipid profiles, modulate the immune system, and support neuroprotection and general well-being. Goji berries are rich in polysaccharides that exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. While research on goji extract is ongoing, several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses exist, providing moderate-quality evidence for its benefits, though study heterogeneity and standardization variations are noted. It is recognized as a functional food ingredient and an antioxidant supplement.
Benefits
Goji standardized extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in lipid profile improvement and general well-being. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that Lycium barbarum supplementation significantly reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, while increasing HDL-C, indicating a strong effect on cardiovascular health. These lipid improvements are statistically significant and typically observed after more than three months of supplementation. For general well-being, a meta-analysis of clinical trials using standardized goji juice reported improvements in subjective well-being, including enhanced calmness, mental acuity, focus, sleep quality, and reduced stress and fatigue. Beyond these primary effects, goji polysaccharides exhibit strong antioxidant activity, comparable to synthetic antioxidants, by scavenging radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, thereby reducing oxidative stress. There is also evidence suggesting improved insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function, which could benefit glucose metabolism. Preclinical and some limited clinical data also point towards potential neuroprotective effects. Benefits have been observed in healthy adults and individuals with mild metabolic disturbances.
How it works
Goji standardized extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds. Its mechanism of action involves significant antioxidant activity, achieved by scavenging free radicals and chelating metal ions, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. It also plays a role in modulating lipid metabolism, contributing to the observed improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, goji extract enhances insulin signaling pathways, which can lead to improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose metabolism. These actions interact with various body systems: it positively influences the cardiovascular system by regulating lipids, shows potential neuroprotective effects on the nervous system, and modulates the immune system. The polysaccharides and phenolic compounds are key molecular targets, interacting with oxidative stress pathways and potentially modulating inflammatory signaling.
Side effects
Goji standardized extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated at recommended doses, with adverse effects being rare. Common side effects, occurring in less than 5% of users, are typically mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to goji or its components. A rare but significant concern (<1%) is the potential interaction with anticoagulant medications, particularly warfarin, which can lead to an elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR) and an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, individuals on blood thinners should exercise extreme caution and consult their healthcare provider before using goji extract. Contraindications include pregnancy, due to the betaine content which may potentially induce uterine contractions. Caution is also advised for patients on antidiabetic or antihypertensive medications, as goji may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels, necessitating careful monitoring. Overall, while generally safe, specific drug interactions and contraindications warrant careful consideration.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Goji standardized extract varies, with clinical studies often utilizing formulations equivalent to 1200-3000 mg/day of goji polysaccharides or standardized juice. For standardized extracts, a typical effective range is 1200-3000 mg per day. If using goji juice, clinical trials have used 120-240 ml per day. The minimum effective dose is variable and depends on the specific standardization of the extract. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses used in randomized controlled trials have generally been well tolerated. For best absorption and efficacy, daily intake is recommended, preferably with meals. Standardized polysaccharide extracts or juice with known bioactive content are preferred to ensure consistent dosing. Co-administration with meals may enhance the absorption of its active compounds. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is goji extract safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials lasting several months have shown good safety profiles for goji extract. While long-term data beyond this period are limited, no major safety concerns have been reported, suggesting it is likely safe for extended use.
Can goji extract interact with medications?
Yes, goji extract can interact with certain medications. It is particularly important to be cautious if you are taking anticoagulants like warfarin, or medications for diabetes or hypertension, as it may affect their efficacy or increase side effects.
How soon do benefits appear?
Improvements in lipid profiles and subjective well-being are generally observed after 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Full benefits, especially for lipid management, may take 3 months or longer to manifest.
Is the juice or extract better?
Both goji juice and standardized extracts have demonstrated benefits in clinical studies. Standardized extracts often allow for more precise dosing of active compounds, while juice provides a broader spectrum of nutrients.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs investigated the effect of Lycium barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles. It found significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, alongside an increase in HDL-C, after more than three months of supplementation, using a random-effects model. The study highlights the potential of goji for cardiovascular health, despite moderate heterogeneity and a limited number of studies.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2012.0013 – This meta-analysis of clinical trials focused on the effects of standardized goji juice (GoChi™) on general well-being. It concluded that double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs showed significant improvements in subjective measures such as calmness, mental acuity, and sleep quality. The study supports goji's role in enhancing overall well-being, noting adequate sample sizes and clear control groups, despite some industry funding.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/ – This review summarized the antioxidant and health effects of goji berries, particularly in functional foods. It highlighted human interventional studies demonstrating the strong antioxidant activity of goji polysaccharides, comparable to synthetic antioxidants, and discussed additional metabolic and neuroprotective potentials. The review emphasizes the need for more large-scale randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings.
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/Goji-Berries-Health-Benefits-for-Immunity-Vision-and-Metabolism.aspx – This source provides a general overview of goji berries' health benefits, touching upon their potential for immunity, vision, and metabolism. It broadly discusses the antioxidant properties and the presence of betaine, which is relevant to the contraindication in pregnancy. While not a primary research paper, it summarizes common knowledge and some research findings related to goji's health effects.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/19390211.2014.904128 – This abstract discusses the potential interaction of goji berry with warfarin, highlighting a case report of elevated INR and bleeding risk. It underscores the importance of caution when goji is co-administered with anticoagulants, providing a specific example of a drug interaction that warrants clinical attention. This source is crucial for understanding the safety profile and contraindications of goji supplementation.
Supplements Containing Goji Standardized Extract
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