Native to Asia, the goji berry, or Lycium barbarum, a member of the Solanaeae family of plants, also goes by the names Chinese wolfberry, barbary and matrimony vine. Available in health food stores, the goji berry enjoys a history of use in Asian healing arts and as a food source. While goji berries may have some beneficial health effects, the FDA does not oversee the cultivation or sale of this dietary supplement. There is no guarantee of purity, safety or effectiveness.
Plant Features
Goji is a woody perennial, reaching up to nine feet in height. After producing lavender-color blooms in summer, tender oval berries develop, according to Drugs.com. Harvesting the berries requires special care to prevent bruising and ruining the fruit. After harvest, the berries dry until they resemble dark red raisins.
Constituents/Nutrients
Goji berries contain beta-carotene, lutein, zeazanthin, lycopene, polysaccharides, fatty acids, peptidoglycans and vitamins C and E. Goji also contains many nutrients: calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin, zinc and selenium. Other constituents include volatile compounds, glycosides, alkaloids, as well as flavonoids, peptides and phenolic amides.
Benefits
Drugs.com suggests that goji products may have an antioxidant effect on the body, and they are traditionally used to increase fertility. The berries may be beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels, building immunity and for helping stroke victims recover, although clinical studies do not confirm those benefits.
Preparations
Dried berries may be eaten or used to prepare an herbal tea. Bottled juice, derived from the berries, sells as a energy drink and a natural immunity booster. Goji may also be found in juice blends. While the goji berry does contain nutrients, studies confirming its beneficial effect on human health are lacking.
Considerations
According to Botanical.com and the book "PDR for Herbal Medicines" by Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, goji berries may act as an abortifacient, and thus pregnant women should not take them. Do not use goji berries if you are currently taking warfarin, and inform your doctor if you’re taking any other medications. Because studies of goji berry are lacking, additional side effects may exist that are as yet unknown. Consult a doctor of naturopathy about the safety and wisdom of adding goji berry products to your diet.
References
- “PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition”; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- Drugs.com: Goji Berry
- Botanical.com: Lycii Berry (Goji Berry) Profile
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