Goji berry, also known as wolfberry, is a deciduous woody perennial shrub native to Asia and southeast Europe. Its violet colored, star-shaped flower forms into a bright red elliptical fruit about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long. Interest in this berry has grown considerably in the West in the past 10 years for its high nutritive value and reputed health benefits.
Antioxidants
Goji berry is high in certain polysaccharrides, which have considerable antioxidant-enhancing activity. A 2009 study in the journal "Nutrition Research" found that antioxidant markers, as measured via blood levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase increased significantly -- by 8 percent to 10 percent, while lipid peroxidation--a measure of the amount of damaged lipids, decreased by an equal amount. The trial lasted 30 days and the researchers concluded that goji berry may be useful as tool to prevent or reduce oxidative damage in the body.
Protein
Goji berry is rare among fruits for its protein content of 10.6 percent, which is higher than that of many cereals, including whole wheat, according to the website ChinatownConnection.com. Goji contains 19 amino acids, including all eight of the essential amino acids -- those that the body is unable to manufacture and must obtain from food sources.
Immune-building
A compound called solavetivone found in the goji berry is known to have considerable anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that contribute to increased immune function. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G in 60 healthy individuals aged 55-72 years who consumed at least 150g of fresh goji fruit for 30 days. Additionally, the study participants reported improved sleep quality, a benefit which that also will improve the function of the immune system.
Anti-cancer
Mice fed 5 percent goji berry juice had less inflammation in their skin after exposure to ultra-violet rays, according to a study in the 2010 "Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences." The study found decreased levels of the enzyme lipid peroxidase and two skin antioxidants, haem oxygenase-1 and metallothionein, were also involved in the response. These compounds are present naturally in the skin and can be induced under certain conditions. The researchers conclude that goji berry can provide protection against ultra violet rays for susceptible individuals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C content of goji berry is quite high, at 2,500 mg/100 g, and about 50 times that of an orange, according to the website Greenman.co.za. More vitamin C will be preserved by eating the fruit raw, as opposed to the dried form. However, fresh goji berries are rare in most U.S. markets.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults.
- Chinatown Connection: Goji Juice: Essence of the Himalayas
- National Institutes of Health: Immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice in Chinese older healthy human subjects.
- National Institutes of Health: Mice drinking goji berry juice (Lycium barbarum) are protected from UV radiation-induced skin damage via antioxidant pathways.
- Greenman: Goji berries and Vitamin C
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