Organic Goji Lycium Berry Extract
Also known as: Goji berry, wolfberry, Chinese boxthorn, Organic Goji Lycium Berry Extract, Lycium barbarum
Overview
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry, is a fruit native to East Asia with a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over 2,000 years. As a supplement ingredient, it typically comes in the form of extracts standardized for bioactive components, particularly Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). It is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, metabolic regulation, immune modulation, antioxidant support, and eye health. The berry is characterized by its abundant polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research maturity is moderate, with a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, there are still some limitations regarding study size and duration. The quality of evidence is improving, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its metabolic and cardiovascular effects, though larger and longer RCTs are still needed for definitive clinical recommendations.
Benefits
Goji berry extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic and cardiovascular health. It significantly regulates serum lipids, leading to reductions in triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alongside an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It also improves fasting blood glucose levels, indicating potential in glucose metabolism and diabetes management. These effects are supported by meta-analyses showing statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). Furthermore, goji berry exhibits strong antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation, with efficacy comparable to some synthetic antioxidants. Secondary benefits include immune system modulation, neuroprotective effects, and potential support for ocular health and mental well-being, along with anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall cardiovascular and metabolic health. Benefits are primarily observed in adult populations with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk factors, or age-related conditions. The time course for observed benefits in RCTs typically ranges from weeks to a few months, with long-term effects requiring further study.
How it works
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are the primary active compounds responsible for the biological effects of goji berry extract. They exert their actions mainly through potent antioxidant pathways, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. LBPs also modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, likely by influencing enzymatic pathways and gene expression involved in lipid synthesis and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, the polysaccharides contribute to immune modulation by enhancing the activity of various immune cells and promoting the production of beneficial cytokines. While LBPs are water-soluble and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, their bioavailability can be influenced by factors such as molecular weight and extraction methods. Detailed pharmacokinetics are still under investigation.
Side effects
Overall, Lycium barbarum extracts are considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are not well documented, but mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in individuals who are sensitive to the extract. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been conclusively reported. However, caution is advised when combining goji berry extract with immunosuppressants due to its known immune-modulating effects, which could theoretically alter the efficacy of such medications. For special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, there is insufficient data available to assess safety, and therefore, use should be avoided or undertaken only under medical supervision. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective doses for goji berry extract in clinical studies typically range from 1 to 3 grams of standardized extract daily, or an equivalent amount based on polysaccharide content. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the specific extract's standardization, with the polysaccharide content being a key marker of potency. While there is no established maximum safe dose, doses up to several grams daily have been well tolerated in clinical trials lasting up to 3 months. The timing of administration is flexible; it is often recommended to take the extract once or twice daily with meals. Taking it with food may help improve absorption and reduce the potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. It is important to adhere to the dosage recommendations provided by the manufacturer or a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is goji berry extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for up to 3 months; however, data on longer-term use are limited, and further research is needed.
Can it replace medications for diabetes or cholesterol?
Goji berry extract may support metabolic health but should not replace prescribed medications for diabetes or cholesterol without a physician's guidance.
Does organic certification affect efficacy?
Organic status pertains to cultivation practices. The efficacy of goji berry extract primarily depends on its standardization and the concentration of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34213407/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on metabolic risk factors. It found that LBP significantly reduced triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and fasting glucose, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The study highlighted the need for more standardized research but provided strong statistical evidence for LBP's benefits in lipid and glucose metabolism.
- https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/101070 – This systematic review with meta-analysis synthesized findings from multiple RCTs and clinical studies on goji berry. It confirmed the immune-modulating, antioxidative, metabolic, and ocular benefits of Lycium barbarum. The review emphasized the promising therapeutic potential but also underscored the necessity for larger, more rigorously designed clinical trials to solidify these findings and establish optimal dosages.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/ – This narrative review, incorporating human interventional studies, focused on the antioxidant activity of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs). It demonstrated that LBPs exhibit significant antioxidant capabilities comparable to synthetic antioxidants and discussed their potential benefits in cardiovascular and metabolic health. The review provided insights into the biochemical mechanisms but noted that most studies were short-term with limited large-sample RCTs.
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