Goji berry has become one of the more popular "super foods" to hit the market and is sold as a supplement, juice and other products. This berry, also known as wolfberry, gou qi zi and Chinese desert thorn, is credited as having antioxidant, anti-aging, cancer-fighting and central nervous system benefits. Although numerous products sold online say that goji also facilitates weight loss, there is scant information in scientific literature to back these claims. Talk to your doctor before beginning any weight-loss diet.
Features
According to Drugs.com, weight loss is not among the potential indications listed for goji berry. Although there is insufficient evidence to prove its effectiveness in addressing any condition, it has demonstrated some effectiveness in addressing immune function, diabetic symptoms and ocular health. However, these data have been gleaned primarily from animal studies, and further human studies are warranted. Although no studies were cited for goji berry in weight loss, it has demonstrated the ability to improve insulin resistance in rats, Drugs.com says.
Recommendations
Despite goji berry's purported influence on insulin resistance and diabetes, reputable diabetes organizations do not seem to embrace the benefits of this berry in humans. The American Diabetes Association's magazine, Diabetes Forecast, addresses popular "super food" trends, listing goji berries among the "food fads of the moment," promising weight loss, clear skin and more energy. Diabetes Forecast also says that there is little proof that these foods improve health and instead recommends its own "super foods" list, which includes beets, sardines, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin seeds and kale.
Considerations
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to a maker of a goji berry supplement, Lycium barbarum goji juice. In this letter, the FDA stated that the claims made on the manufacturer's website would cause the product to be categorized as a drug. Claims that the product "helps to regulate hypertension," "can reduce cholesterol" and "promotes cancer prevention" were deemed misleading and would require that the product meet the FDA guidelines of a new drug.
Interactions
Drugs.com says that that there have been reports of interactions of goji berry with the blood-thinning drug warfarin. In these reports, the individual drank tea made with the equivalent of six to 18 goji berries per day. The goji berry appeared to amplify the effects of warfarin. Talk to your doctor before taking goji berry if you take blood-thinning medications.
Significance
Although there is not much information in the scientific literature disputing goji berry's effectiveness in producing weight loss, there is also little supporting it. Subhuti Dharmananda, head of the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, calls claims of goji's cancer-curing effects "bizarre" and says that goji berry's antioxidant effects are likely no better than those of raspberries or blueberries.
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