The goji berry, also known as wolfberry and lycium, is the fruit of the Lycium barbarum tree that is native to southeastern Europe and Asia. Goji berries are used in various foods, such as wine, soup and beer. The berry is also taken as a nutritional supplement for its potential health benefits, however more research is needed to assess the full extent of its effects on the human body. There are some side effects associated with goji berry supplementation, so be sure to talk with your doctor before using it.
Antioxidants
Goji berries contain antioxidants, chemicals that protect your body against toxins and oxidative damage. According to a 2010 study published in the journal "Phytochemical and Photobiological Sciences," goji juice contains two types of antioxidants, haem oxyfenase-1 and metallothionein. These antioxidants protect your skin from damage caused by the sun and ultra-violet radiation. Another study published in 2011 in the journal "Optometry and Vision Science," found that goji berry juice increased the amount of antioxidants present in your eyes, which protects them from age-related macular degeneration.
Polysaccharides
Goji berries contain large amounts of polysaccharides, which make up about 30 percent of their weight. Polysaccharides are a type of complex carbohydrate that is used by your body to produce large amounts of energy. According to a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food," polysaccharides in goji berries may have anti-cancer properties. Researchers found that the polysaccharides inhibited tumor growth and slowed progression of the disease in mice with prostate cancer.
Phytosterols
Goji berries contain beta-sitosterol, one of the five main phytosterols which are found naturally in some plants and have a similar structure to cholesterol. Beta-sitosterol may also have anti-cancer properties, according to a 1996 study published in the journal "Anticancer Research." The investigators found that beta-sitosterol influences the lipid-based membranes of colon cancer cells, which can slow the growth of colon cancer in humans.
Side Effects and Interactions
Goji berries appear to be well tolerated with minimal side effects in most individuals, according to the book "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs." However, if you are hypersensitive to pollen, goji berries may cause an allergic reaction. Goji berries contain the amino acid, L-arginine, which causes vasodilation, or an increase in the diameter of your blood vessels. Vasodilation can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, especially if you suffer from low blood pressure or are taking blood pressure or blood-thinning medication.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "Phytochemical and Photobiological Sciences"; Mice Drinking Goji Berry Juice are Protected from UV Radiation-induced Skin Damage via Antioxidant Pathways; V.E. Reeve et al.; April 2010
- "Optometry and Vision Science"; Goji Berry Effects on Macular Characteristics and Plasma Antioxidant Levels; P. Bucheli et al.; February 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides Induce Apoptosis in Human Prostate Cancer Cells and Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth...; Q. Luo et al.; August 2009
- "Anticancer Research"; Beta-Sitosterol Inhibits HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cell Growth and Alters Membrane Lipids; A.B. Awad et al.; September-October 1996
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