Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract
Also known as: Lycium chinense Miller, Chinese wolfberry, Goji berry (related to Lycium barbarum), Lycium chinense
Overview
Lycium chinense fruit extract is derived from the mature fruit of the Lycium chinense plant, closely related to Lycium barbarum (Goji berry). It has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine and is now found in functional foods and supplements. The extract is rich in antioxidants, polysaccharides, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. Primary applications include antioxidant support, metabolic health improvement, and organ protection, notably renal function. Research on Lycium chinense specifically is less extensive than on Lycium barbarum but shows promising overlap due to similar phytochemical profiles. Research maturity is moderate, with several animal studies and emerging human trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are more abundant for Lycium barbarum but provide relevant insights for Lycium chinense due to their botanical and chemical similarities.
Benefits
Lycium chinense fruit extract exhibits significant antioxidant properties, protecting against oxidative stress-induced damage. Animal models show attenuation of acute renal failure caused by cisplatin, improving renal function markers. Related species (Lycium barbarum) have demonstrated improvements in lipid profiles and glucose metabolism in humans, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Lycium barbarum fruit consumption improved neurological function and gastrointestinal health in human studies, which may extend to Lycium chinense due to similar bioactive compounds. Adults with metabolic syndrome or at risk of renal impairment may benefit most, based on current evidence. Animal studies show statistically significant renal protection (p < 0.05). Human studies with related species report benefits after 14 days to several weeks.
How it works
Lycium chinense primarily works through antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes. It also modulates inflammatory pathways. The extract has protective effects on renal tissue and potential improvements in lipid metabolism and neurological function. Molecular targets likely involve upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase), reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulation of lipid metabolism enzymes. Polysaccharides and flavonoids in the extract are bioavailable but vary depending on extraction method and formulation.
Side effects
Lycium chinense is generally regarded as safe with a long history of dietary use. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort possible. No significant adverse effects have been reported in controlled studies. There are potential interactions with anticoagulants or immunosuppressants due to bioactive compounds, but data are limited. Caution is advised in patients on blood thinners or immunosuppressive therapy. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well established.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose is not firmly established for Lycium chinense. Studies with related species use 10-30 grams of dried fruit or equivalent extract daily. Human studies with Lycium barbarum suggest benefits at 10-30 g/day of dried fruit or standardized extracts. There is no established upper limit, and traditional use suggests high tolerability. Daily administration is recommended, with benefits observed after 2 weeks or more. Extracts standardized for polysaccharide content are preferred for consistency. Co-administration with food may enhance absorption.
FAQs
Is Lycium chinense extract safe for daily use?
Yes, with minimal reported side effects in available studies. However, consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some benefits may appear within 2 weeks, especially antioxidant effects. More significant metabolic or organ-protective effects may require longer-term use.
Can it replace medications for lipid or kidney issues?
No; it may serve as an adjunct but not a replacement for prescribed medications. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.
Is it the same as Goji berry?
Lycium chinense is closely related but distinct from Lycium barbarum (Goji berry); both share similar bioactive profiles and potential health benefits.
Research Sources
- https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This review discusses the health benefits of Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), including antioxidant effects. Human interventional studies confirm improved well-being and neurological function after 14 days (n≥30), with statistically significant outcomes and no major conflicts.
- – This animal study shows that Lycium chinense mature fruit attenuates cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in mice, improving renal function markers with p < 0.05. The findings indicate organ-protective effects of the extract.
- https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2021/12100/efficacy_of_lycium_barbarum_l__on_plasma_lipid.73.aspx – This systematic review protocol aims to meta-analyze the effects of Lycium barbarum on plasma lipid concentrations in adults, employing rigorous methodology including subgroup and sensitivity analyses to ensure robustness. The results are pending, but the methodology supports future high-quality evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/ – This article reviews the potential health benefits of Lycium barbarum, highlighting its antioxidant properties and potential therapeutic applications. It emphasizes the importance of further research to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/40/1/1 – This study investigates the bioactive compounds present in Lycium species and their potential health benefits. It provides insights into the chemical composition of Lycium chinense and its potential role in promoting overall well-being.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621004126 – This research explores the potential of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides to modulate the gut microbiota and improve metabolic health. It suggests that these polysaccharides may have prebiotic effects and contribute to overall health by promoting a balanced gut ecosystem.