Goji berries have been consumed in Asia for thousands of years and have been used extensively in Eastern medicine to promote good health. There are many anecdotal health claims regarding the benefits of goji berries, but there is limited evidence supporting their efficacy. Goji berries are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but are undergoing continued to research to uncover the truth behind what many consider a miracle fruit.
History and Background
Goji berries (wolfberries or Lycium barbarum) are indigenous to the Himalayas and have been used for over 5,000 years in East Asia as a medicine. They can be eaten by themselves, brewed in teas or used in soups, stews and vinegars. Author K.C. Huang writes in "The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs" that Chinese physcians prescribe goji to strength muscle and bone, protect the liver and improve vision.
Health Claims
Goji berries have only recently gained popularity in the west which may be due to the multiple health claims that have been used to market them. According to the Natural and Nutritional Products Industry Center (NNPIC) health claims surrounding goji berries include a healthy immune system, libido, blood pressure and cholesterol, good liver function, healthy eyes, improved sleep, less gum disease, better digestion, less anxiety, arthritis relief, improved memory and longer life.
Nutritional Composition
According to the NNPIC goji contains naturally high levels of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. It is also a source of vitamin A, vitamin C and the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and niacin along with numerous minerals like potassium, iron, copper and zinc and amino acids. Specific nutritional data varies between packaged goji products however the benefits of goji berries may be due to a combination of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and phytochemicals like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and polysaccharides.
Current Research
There have been studies on the benefits of goji berries, but most involve animals and are limited in size. Existing studies suggest that goji has antioxidant and anti-cancer properties in addition to slowing the aging process and preventing Alzheimer's. Author H. Amagase, a researcher for FreeLife International, has published multiple studies on the benefits of goji juice. In one study published in 2009 in "Nutritional Research", the effect of goji juice was tested on older adults and found to improve immune response. Another article by Amagase that was published in 2008 in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" found that goji juice appeared to support feelings of well-being and improve neurological and intestinal functioning. In both studies, Amagase concluded that more research is needed to confirm the positive effects of goji berry on health.
Considerations
The FDA does not recognize the safety and efficacy of goji berries in treating medical conditions. Goji berries are considered a dietary supplement whose safety is regulated by manufacturers. Existing research does not suggest any toxicity associated with the berries but studies have shown that they may negatively interact with the drug warfarin. According to Columbia News Service the FDA has scrutinized some distributors of goji berries for printing unverified statements about the health benefits of goji berries on marketing material.
References
- Columbia News Service: Goji berries- the new miracle fruit?
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi; H. Amagase, D.M. Nance; May 2008
- Natural and Nutritional Products Industry Center : Goji berries, what it is...and isn't
- "The pharmacology of Chinese herbs"; K.C. Huang, W.M. Williams; 1998
- "Nutrition Research"; Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults; H. Amagase, B. Sun, C. Borek; January 2009
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