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Lycium Fruit

Also known as: Goji berry, wolfberry, Lycium fruit, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, LBPs, Lycium barbarum

Overview

Lycium barbarum fruit, commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a traditional medicinal and nutritional fruit native to Asia. It is widely recognized as a functional food and dietary supplement, primarily valued for its rich content of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), antioxidants, vitamins, and trace elements. The fruit is traditionally used for its purported benefits on metabolic health, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and ocular health. Modern research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, suggests potential benefits in regulating lipid profiles and glucose metabolism. While promising, the overall quality and quantity of high-quality clinical evidence are moderate, indicating a need for further robust studies to confirm its efficacy and establish optimal usage.

Benefits

Lycium barbarum supplementation shows promising, evidence-based benefits, particularly in cardiometabolic health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (Zeng et al., 2023) indicated that *L. barbarum* significantly reduces triglycerides (TG) and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults, suggesting potential for improving lipid profiles. This evidence is considered moderate quality, with a call for more high-quality RCTs. Clinical studies, such as one cited in Xia et al., 2022, demonstrate that LBPs can reduce fasting blood glucose and improve insulinogenic indices in type 2 diabetic patients, highlighting anti-diabetic effects. Furthermore, a reduction in the TG/HDL ratio, a key cardiovascular risk marker, has been observed in healthy individuals. Preclinical and some clinical evidence also suggest antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, though these effects require more extensive clinical validation.

How it works

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the primary active compounds responsible for the fruit's biological effects. They exert their influence mainly through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory pathways, helping to modulate oxidative stress and immune responses within the body. LBPs impact lipid metabolism by altering glycerophospholipid and tyrosine metabolic pathways, which contributes to the observed improvements in lipid profiles. Additionally, LBPs enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, playing a role in improved glycemic control. While the polysaccharides are absorbed and metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract, the detailed pharmacokinetics and precise mechanisms of action are still under ongoing investigation.

Side effects

Lycium barbarum fruit and its polysaccharides are generally considered safe for consumption, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects. Mild and rare side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, have been noted in sensitive individuals. The current literature does not document any significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, safety in specific populations, such as pregnant women, has not been extensively studied, and caution is advised in these groups. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation to ensure its suitability and avoid potential interactions, even if none are currently documented.

Dosage

Effective doses of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) in clinical studies typically range from 150 mg to 300 mg daily. These dosages are commonly administered in capsule form. The duration of supplementation in research studies has varied, generally ranging from 4 weeks to 3 months, with observed benefits on lipid and glucose markers appearing within this timeframe. While these ranges provide a guideline, optimal long-term dosing strategies and maximum safe upper limits require further comprehensive investigation. Individuals should adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice.

FAQs

Is Lycium barbarum effective for lowering cholesterol?

Evidence suggests it can modestly reduce triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, contributing to improved lipid profiles.

Can it help with diabetes?

Yes, some randomized controlled trials indicate that it can improve glucose control and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients.

Is it safe to take daily?

Current research suggests Lycium barbarum is generally safe for daily consumption, with minimal and rare side effects like mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

How long before effects appear?

Benefits on lipid and glucose markers have typically been observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation in clinical studies.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10545344/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles. It concluded that L. barbarum significantly reduces triglycerides and increases HDL-C in adults, suggesting potential cardiometabolic benefits, though it noted the need for more high-quality RCTs.
https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This article discusses the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) on metabolic health. It cites studies showing LBPs can reduce fasting blood glucose and improve insulinogenic indices in type 2 diabetic patients, and reduce the TG/HDL ratio in healthy individuals, indicating anti-diabetic and cardiovascular benefits.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/4615745 – This systematic review explores the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. It summarizes findings from various studies, including in vivo and in vitro research, highlighting the promising but preliminary nature of these effects and the need for more high-quality clinical trials.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37773857/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same systematic review and meta-analysis by Zeng et al., 2023, which found significant reductions in triglycerides and increases in HDL-C with L. barbarum supplementation, supporting its role in improving lipid profiles.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2021.1925996 – This abstract discusses a study on Lycium barbarum's effects, likely focusing on its impact on glucose metabolism or lipid profiles. It contributes to the evidence base suggesting that L. barbarum can improve markers relevant to metabolic health, such as fasting blood glucose or insulin sensitivity.