Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Lycium Barbarum Extract

Also known as: Goji berry, Wolfberry, *Lycium barbarum*

Overview

*Lycium barbarum*, also known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a plant native to East Asia, particularly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and as a nutritional supplement. It is characterized by its rich content of polysaccharides, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits such as immune support, antioxidant action, and possible advantages for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Moderate research maturity exists, with a growing body of human studies suggesting various health benefits, although more rigorous trials are required to fully establish the efficacy and safety of *Lycium barbarum* and its derivatives.

Benefits

The primary benefits of *Lycium barbarum* include support for lipid metabolism, potentially regulating serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and aiding in glucose regulation, helpful for diabetes management. Secondary effects involve enhancing immune function, indicated by increased lymphocyte counts and higher immunoglobulin levels, and showcasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could favor cardiovascular health and combat age-related diseases. Evidence suggests that elderly individuals may benefit particularly in terms of ocular health and cognitive function, while overweight or obese populations might experience improvements in metabolic rate and weight management. Despite promising findings, the clinical significance necessitates more robust trials with clearly quantified effect sizes.

How it works

*Lycium barbarum* exerts its effects primarily through its bioactive polysaccharides, which reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and enhancing immune response by increasing lymphocyte count and immunoglobulin levels. It plays a role in metabolic regulation, influencing glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving lipid profiles. The interaction with the cardiovascular system could help mitigate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, while the moderate bioavailability allows distribution of active compounds to various tissues after ingestion.

Side effects

Generally, *Lycium barbarum* is considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities; however, limited data on long-term usage exists. Commonly reported side effects may include mild gastrointestinal upset for some users. Uncommon side effects could involve allergic reactions or interactions with medications, particularly anticoagulants or those affecting blood sugar, though such events are rare. Due to limited studies addressing potential adverse effects definitively, special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, should proceed with caution. Furthermore, individuals, especially the elderly, should monitor potential interactions with concurrent medications. Overall, comprehensive safety warnings should be considered before supplementation.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of *Lycium barbarum* is not well standardized, typically ranging from 100 mg to several grams of extract or polysaccharides per day. For general health benefits, dosages around 13.5 grams per day have been utilized in certain studies. There is no clearly defined maximum safe dose, though excessively high intakes may increase the risk of side effects. Consistent daily consumption is suggested for realizing potential benefits, with common forms including juice, capsules, or dried fruit. Factors influencing absorption include the format of intake and an individual's digestive health, and specific cofactors have not been identified.

FAQs

How to choose a high-quality *Lycium barbarum* supplement?

Select products with standardized polysaccharide content and minimal processing for optimal benefits.

Are there any medication interactions I should be aware of?

Yes, potential interactions may occur with anticoagulants and diabetes medications; consult a healthcare provider.

When can I expect to see results from supplementation?

Most individuals may observe benefits within weeks to months; however, responses may vary.

Is *Lycium barbarum* effective for serious health conditions?

*Lycium barbarum* supports health but is not a cure-all; its benefits are generally supportive rather than therapeutic.

Research Sources

https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2021/12100/efficacy_of_lycium_barbarum_l__on_plasma_lipid.73.aspx – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found *Lycium barbarum* extract to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects among 53 overweight and hypercholesterolemic subjects over eight weeks, although the small sample size limits definitive conclusions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34213407/ – This meta-analysis reviewed the potential of *Lycium barbarum* polysaccharides (LBP) in regulating serum lipid levels, revealing promising results, although specifics regarding the study sample sizes were not provided.
https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – A systematic review that highlights the potential health benefits of *Lycium barbarum*, including immune support and metabolic regulation, underscores the necessity for large-scale, long-term trials for further validation of these benefits.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29548467/ – The study discusses the impact of LBP on health, particularly its role in glucose metabolism and potential mechanisms, although detailed results and methodology were not fully disclosed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34889292/ – This publication reviews various effects of *Lycium barbarum*, acknowledging its antioxidant and immune-supporting properties; however, it calls for further study to establish its efficacy rigorously.