Lycium barbarum, more commonly called goji, is native to China and has a long-standing role in traditional Chinese medicine. People have used goji berry for relieving inflammation, skin irritation, body aches and nosebleeds, and for improving circulation and eyesight. More recently, researchers are investigating goji berry as a natural cancer treatment, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Anti-Cancer
A component isolated from goji has anti-carcinogenic effects and may protect against tumor development, according to the MSKCC. This component, called Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, has been found to inhibit the growth of certain leukemia cells and to boost immune system response to tumor cells. Additionally, LBPs showed positive effects as an adjunct to certain cancer treatments during a 1994 study in China, but the MSKCC notes a need for more current research.
Cholesterol Reduction
Goji berry contains beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol and phytoestrogen that can prevent cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract, according to the MSKCC. Additionally, animal research described by the University of Michigan Health System indicates that the polysaccharides in goji berry reduce not only cholesterol levels, but triglycerides and blood sugar. Human research is still lacking.
Eyes
Goji berries are a source of the carotenoid zeaxanthin. When consumed, this substance becomes concentrated in the macular pigment of the eye and may have protective effects on the retina, according to the UMHS. This could have benefits for preventing macular degeneration, but more research is needed.
Liver
The zeaxanthin and polysaccharide components of goji berry may also have protective effects on the liver. Animal research published in the March 2002 issue of the "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" found that zeaxanthin from goji inhibited hepatic fibrosis, a scarring response to liver damage that can impair liver function.
Anti-Aging
In research with goji as described by the UMHS, goji polysaccharides fed to animals or administered directly into the stomach improved antioxidant levels in these animals. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, waste products that cause oxidative damage to cells and lead to disease. This oxidative damage increases with age and may cause various physiological disorders, as noted by a study published in the May 22, 2007, issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." The authors investigated the anti-aging effects of antioxidants in goji polysaccharides on mice, concluding that the antioxidant activity of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides was comparable with vitamin C. Adding vitamin C to the polysaccharides further increased antioxidant activity. Among the benefits noted was an increase in immune function.
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