Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are fruits produced by the goji shrub, which is native to China. These berries have featured prominently in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years, according to the Peace Health website. Traditional Chinese healers believed that these berries could promote longevity, particularly when combined with other Chinese herbs. Goji berries have received widespread attention in the Western world in recent decades for their potential health benefits.
Purported Benefits
Goji berries contain antioxidant vitamins, which may starve free radical molecules of the oxygen they need to attack and damage organ, bone, muscle and tissue cells, according to X. Li, lead author of "Effect of the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides on Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Aged Mice," a study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. This may help prevent the formation and growth of cancerous tumors. However, current studies have only been conducted on laboratory mice, so the anti-cancer benefits for humans is unclear. These berries may also enhance immune system function, helping your body ward off bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Availability
Fresh goji berries are typically available in Asia, but are not usually found in the Western world. Exported goji berries are typically dried before shipment to the United States. Goji juice, which may contain the antioxidants and vitamins of fresh or dried goji berries, is also available in Western countries. Dried goji berries and goji juice are typically found in health food stores, although some large American supermarkets carry bottled goji juice.
Risks
Although there are few known side effects of consuming dried goji berries or drinking goji juice, they may cause drug interactions. Zeaxanthin, the chemical compound in goji berries may interact with warfarin, a prescription drug used to prevent internal blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke, according to A. Lam, lead author of "Possible Interaction Between Warfarin and Lycium Barbarum L.", published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy journal. Goji may inhibit the metabolism of warfarin, reducing the effectiveness of this drug. However, current scientific evidence linking goji to the inhibition of warfarin is not conclusive.
Considerations
Claims of goji berry health benefits have not been confirmed by the USDA or FDA. Also, the antioxidant vitamins contained in goji berries are also available in a variety of fruits and vegetables commonly available in the Western world, including oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, carrots, kiwi fruit, papaya and mangoes.
References
- Peace Health: Goji Berry
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides on Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Aged Mice"; X. Li; 2007
- "Annals of Pharmacotherapy": Possible Interaction Between Warfarin and Lycium Barbarum L.; A. Lam; October 2001
Member Comments