Goji berries have been eaten and used medicinally in Asia for thousands of years. They carry a reputation as a miracle fruit, but are currently not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have limited research regarding their health benefits. Their extensive use in Eastern medicine and diet to promote good health, however, suggests that more research could uncover the truth behind this small red berry.
History
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries and Lycium barbarum, are indigenous to the Himalayas and have been used in East Asia for over 5,000 years as a medicinal fruit. They are commonly eaten by themselves and used in teas, soups, stews and vinegars to promote general health. In "The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs," author K.C. Huang notes that Chinese physicians prescribe goji berries to strengthen muscles and bones, protect the liver and improve vision.
Health Claims
Goji berries have recently emerged in the Western marketplace and come with a slew of health claims. Suppliers advertise that the berries have the power to improve liver and kidney function; increase immunity; promote weight loss; decrease blood pressure; improve vision and memory; minimize headaches and dizziness; lower cholesterol; reduce morning sickness and PMS; increase libido; and control blood sugar.
Nutrition
Specific nutritional data differs on packaged goji products. A 28 g serving of dried goji berries contains between 90 to 112 calories, 0 to 2 g fat, 3 to 5 g protein and 6 to 24 g carbohydrates. Suppliers claim the berries have 15 times more antioxidants than other fruits, 500 times the vitamin C of oranges and 15 times more iron than spinach. The benefits of goji berries may be due to a unique composition of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and phytochemicals like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and polysaccharides.
Research
Scientific trials studying the benefits of goji berries are limited. Most research has been done on animals, and findings from these studies suggest the berry may be an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent, in addition to slowing the aging process and preventing Alzheimer's. Two studies from the "Journal of Medicinal Food" and "Nutrition Research" tested the effects of goji juice on older adults and found that participants who drank the juice had improved immune responses with no adverse side effects, and hypothesized that regular intake of goji juice could inhibit diseases related to free-radical damage. Most researchers still maintain, however, that more evidence is needed. In a 2008 study from the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," author H. Amagase looked at the general effects of goji juice and stated, "The data strongly suggest that further research is indicated to confirm and extend knowledge of the potential effects of Lycium barbarum upon human health."
Considerations
Goji berries are not recognized by the FDA as safe and effective in treating medical conditions or diseases. Currently, goji is considered a dietary supplement, and manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the product. Research does not suggest any toxicity associated with the berries, but they may have anti-coagulant effects and negatively interfere with the drug Warfarin. In some instances, the FDA has asked companies to remove information on websites and packaging due to unverifiable statements linking goji berries to specific medical claims.
References
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi; Amagase, H., Nance, DM.; May 2008
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice in Chinese older healthy human subjects; Amagase, H., Sun, B., Nance, DM.; October 2009
- "Nutrition Research"; Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults; Amagase, H., Sun, B., Borek, C.; January 2009
- "Planta Medica"; Goji (Lycium barbarum and L.chinense): phytochemisty, pharmacology and safety in the perspective of traditional uses and recent popularity; Potterat, O.; January 2010
- "The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs"; Huang, KC., Williams, WM.; 1998.
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