Lycium Barbarum
Also known as: Goji berry, Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum L., Lycium barbarum
Overview
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a fruit from a shrub native to East Asia, primarily cultivated in China. It has been utilized for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine as both a food and a therapeutic agent. Its primary bioactive components include Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), carotenoids, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. Modern research is exploring its potential benefits in immune modulation, antioxidative effects, ocular health, metabolic and cardiovascular regulation, and neuroprotection. While traditional use and preliminary studies show promise, more rigorous, large-scale human trials are needed to definitively confirm its clinical efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Lycium barbarum, particularly its polysaccharides (LBP), offers several evidence-based benefits. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate significant improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health, specifically by lowering serum triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). It also reduces fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting benefits for individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. These effects are statistically significant (p < 0.05) but generally moderate, positioning LBP as a potential adjunctive therapy. LBP also exhibits strong antioxidative properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which contributes to immune system support and potential neuroprotective effects, as supported by in vitro and animal studies, with some human data showing improved oxidative stress markers. Preliminary evidence suggests benefits for ocular health, potentially protecting against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions, though human clinical data is limited. Animal and in vitro studies also show promise for LBP in managing liver fibrosis, but human evidence is sparse. Most clinical trials observe benefits within 4 to 12 weeks, but long-term effects are not yet clear.
How it works
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They act as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals and upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative stress. LBP modulates immune responses by influencing cytokine production and enhancing the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes. In terms of metabolic regulation, LBP improves insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, possibly via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of lipid synthesis pathways. Key molecular targets include oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), and metabolic regulators such as PPARs and AMPK. While polysaccharides have relatively low oral bioavailability, they may exert systemic effects through modulation of the gut microbiota and subsequent immune responses.
Side effects
Lycium barbarum and its polysaccharides are generally considered well-tolerated with a good safety profile in clinical studies. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported occasionally but is uncommon. However, caution is advised due to potential drug interactions. LBP may interact with anticoagulants, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding, and with hypoglycemic agents, possibly enhancing their blood glucose-lowering effects. Individuals on such medications should use LBP under medical supervision. While no major contraindications have been established, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution due to limited safety data. Similarly, individuals on immunosuppressive therapy should be cautious due to LBP's immunomodulatory effects. Overall, while generally safe, awareness of potential interactions and specific population considerations is important.
Dosage
Clinical trials typically utilize Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) at doses ranging from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day. While a precise optimal dose has not been definitively established by meta-analyses, doses within the 1,500–3,000 mg/day range appear effective for achieving metabolic benefits. LBP is usually administered orally, either once or twice daily, and is often recommended to be taken with meals to enhance tolerance. For consistent efficacy, standardized extracts enriched in polysaccharides are preferred. No specific cofactors are required for absorption, and taking it with food primarily aids in minimizing potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use are not yet fully defined, emphasizing the need for adherence to recommended dosages.
FAQs
Is goji berry supplementation safe long term?
Current research supports the safety of goji berry supplementation for short- to medium-term use (up to 12 weeks). Long-term safety data are still limited and require further investigation.
Can it replace standard diabetes or lipid medications?
No, goji berry supplementation should not replace prescribed medications for diabetes or high cholesterol. It may serve as an adjunctive therapy, but always consult your doctor.
How soon do effects appear?
Benefits on glucose and lipid parameters typically become noticeable within weeks, with most clinical trials observing effects between 4 and 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Are all goji berry products equal?
No, the quality and active polysaccharide content (LBP) can vary significantly between products. Opt for standardized extracts to ensure consistent efficacy and potency.
Research Sources
- https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This review explores the functional food properties of Lycium barbarum, highlighting its traditional uses and modern scientific investigations into its bioactive components, particularly polysaccharides. It discusses potential health benefits, including immune modulation, antioxidant effects, and metabolic regulation, while noting the need for more robust human clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34213407/ – This meta-analysis synthesized data from multiple randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on glucose and lipid metabolism. It concluded that LBP significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol, suggesting its potential in managing metabolic disorders.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/4615745 – This systematic review examined the therapeutic uses of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) across various conditions, including liver disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. It highlighted LBP's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, but also pointed out the lack of standardized LBP preparations and the need for more large-scale human trials to confirm efficacy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37773857/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the impact of Lycium barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles. It found that L. barbarum significantly improved triglyceride, LDL, and HDL levels, supporting its role in cardiovascular health, despite some heterogeneity in study designs and populations.
