Goji berries (wolf berries, Lycium barbarum) are small, red edible berries that are indigenous to the Himalayas and have been used as food and medicine in Asia for over 5,000 years. Goji berries are reputed as a miracle fruit but many of their health benefits have not been scientifically proven. However, their extensive use in Eastern medicine and diet suggests that more research could uncover the truth behind goji berries.
Food Uses
Goji berries have a mild and sweet licorice flavor and should only be eaten when fully ripe. Dried wolf berries are often cooked prior to consumption and are used in Chinese soups, teas and in cooked with chicken, pork and vegetables in combination with other herbs. Goji berries have also been used to make wine, beer and instant coffee. Western suppliers often sell dried goji berries raw to be eaten like dried fruits.
Medicinal Uses
According to Plant Life goji berries are important in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as Korean, Japanese and Tibetan medicine. Author K.C. Huang writes in "The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs" that goji berries are commonly prescribed by Chinese physicians to strength muscles and bones, protect the liver and improve vision. Goji berries also affect the liver, lungs and kidneys and are used to improve circulation and increase sperm production. Medicinal goji berries can be used raw, as juice or wine or brewed in teas.
Health Claims
Goji berry suppliers and manufacturers claim that the berries can improve liver and kidney function, increase immunity, promote weight loss, decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve vision and memory, minimize headaches and dizziness, reduce morning sickness and PMS, increase libido and control blood sugar. Any health benefits that goji berries may have are probably due to a combination of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and phytochemicals.
Current Research
Large scientific studies of goji berries and their benefits are limited and most of the existing scientific evidence supporting goji berries is based on animal studies. In a 2009 article from the "Journal of Medicinal Food" researcher H. Amagase concluded that goji juice was positively linked to improved immune function and was not associated with any adverse effects. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong published a paper in 2008 in "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology" that reviewed the role of goji beries in age-related diseases. According to that article goji berries may help prevent neurological disorders and vision problems, like glaucoma, associated with aging. Goji berries may also have anticancer properties according to an article published in 2010 in "Medical Oncology". Chinese researchers from Ningbo University School of Medicine found that a sugar in goji berries inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells.
FDA Regulations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not support or regulate many of the health claims used to market goji berries. Goji berries are currently classified as a dietary supplement which means manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for ensuring their safety. In some instances the FDA has mandated that companies remove information from websites and packaging due to unverifiable statements of the medical benefits of goji berries.
References
- "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology"; Use of anti-aging herbal medicine, Lycium barbarum, against aging-associated diseases. What do we know so far?; R. C. Chang, K.F. So; August 2008
- Plant Life: Matrimony vine, Lycium Barbaum
- "The pharmacology of Chinese herbs"; K.C. Huang, W.M. Williams; 1998
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice in Chinese older healthy human subjects; H. Amagase, B. Sun, D.M. Nance; October 2009
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