The wolfberry is the fruit of a native Chinese plant that has been used for generations in Asian folk medicine as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions. However, very little modern scientific research has been conducted on the safety or effectiveness of wolfberries and no reputable studies have reported on the berry's potential effects on a pregnant woman and her fetus. If you are pregnant, do not use any form of wolfberry unless you are under the direction and supervision of your obstetrician.
Wolfberry Background
The wolfberry -- also known as the goji berry, desert-thorn, red diamond and Ningxia -- is a general term for two species of plants, Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, both of which produce the bright red fruit commonly called wolfberries. Drugs.com reports that the wolfberry plant has been a staple ingredient in traditional medicine concoctions in China for over 2,000 years. The bark, leaves and berries have been used to slow aging, promote kidney and liver health and treat eye problems, thrombosis, diabetes, hepatitis and infertility in men. The berries are rich in powerful antioxidant compounds like lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and flavonoids and contain significant amounts of zinc, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and riboflavin.
Wolfberry During Pregnancy
Wolfberry use during pregnancy has not been widely researched in either laboratory studies or clinical trials. Possible side effects, safe dosage ranges and the impact on the baby after long-term wolfberry use by the mother are unknown. Therefore, although few serious dangers have been linked to wolfberry use by non-pregnant women, health professionals strongly advise women to avoid using any form of the plant during pregnancy.
Research
While research of wolfberry use during pregnancy is lacking, some modern studies indicate that wolfberry supplementation may be useful in treating certain conditions. Research published in "Life Science" and the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" indicates that supplementing mice and rats with wolfberry extract can decrease DNA damage, slow aging and help control insulin levels. A review published in "Cellular Molecular Neurobiology" reported that the antioxidant compounds in wolfberries may prevent the death of optical and neurological cells and may promote the death of cancerous cells. However, more research is needed before wolfberry can be recommended as a safe and effective treatment for any condition.
Considerations
Commercially marketed wolfberries are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Because of this, they are not checked for purity, safety or effectiveness. If you choose to supplement with wolfberries, only purchase them from reputable companies and talk to your doctor about their use. Do not use wolfberries as a replacement for medicine for which you have received a prescription to treat any health problem.
References
- Drugs.com: Goji Berry
- "Cellular Molecular Biology"; Use of Anti-Aging Herbal Medicine, Lycium Barbarum, Against Aging-Associated Diseases. What Do We Know So Far?; R.C. Chang, et al.; 2008
- eMedTV: Goji Berry Information
- "Journal of the American Neutraceutical Association"; Pre-Clinical Study - Antioxidant Levels and Immunomodulatory Effects of Wolfberry Juice and Other Juice Mixtures in Mice; Sue Chao MS, et al.; Winter 2004
- "Life Science"; Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Fruit Extracts from Lycium Barbarum; Q. Luo, et al.; 2004
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides on Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Aged Mice; X.M. Li, et al.; 2007
