Research
Lycium / Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)
33 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
L. barbarum (Lycium barbarum L.) supplementation for lipid profiles in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 RCTs involving 259 subjects examining the effects of Lycium barbarum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults. L. barbarum significantly decreased triglyceride concentration and increased HDL-C concentration, but had no significant effect on total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in ageing and its potential use for prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review.
Systematic review of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in ageing and osteoarthritis (OA). LBP is shown to reduce oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial function, and prevent cellular senescence in various models, suggesting potential chondroprotective, osteoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects in OA.
Cardiovascular disease risk reduction with wolfberry consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of wolfberry consumption on cardiovascular health through randomized controlled trials. Wolfberry consumption was associated with reduced blood triglycerides, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreased oxidative stress markers, supporting its role in improving cardiovascular health.
The effects of Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) on cardiometabolic risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs with 548 subjects investigating the effects of Lycium barbarum on cardiometabolic risk factors. L. barbarum significantly reduced fasting glucose concentrations and marginally reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, though not statistically significant. No effect on bodyweight and blood pressure.
The effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on oxidative stress and sperm health in varicocele patients: A randomized clinical trial.
RCT of 80 varicocele patients assessing the effects of 400 mg Lycium barbarum extract on oxidative stress and sperm health. The intervention group showed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress, and improved sperm health indicators, excluding semen volume.
(Goji berry) mouthwash for managing periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial.
RCT comparing goji berry mouthwash to chlorhexidine mouthwash in 60 adults with periodontitis. Both groups showed significant reductions in gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth. Goji berry mouthwash increased antioxidant levels in saliva more effectively than chlorhexidine.
A Systematic Review of Potential Therapeutic Use of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides in Disease.
Systematic review evaluating the therapeutic potential of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides (LBP) in various diseases. The review highlights evidence for antifibrotic, antioxidizing, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects of LBP, with potential applications in liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to support its use in humans.
An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Goji (Lycium spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
An evidence-based systematic review of goji (Lycium spp.) consolidating safety and efficacy data from scientific literature, including clinical trials, expert opinion, and various pharmacological aspects.
A meta-analysis of clinical improvements of general well-being by a standardized Lycium barbarum.
Meta-analysis of four randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trials studying the effects of Lycium barbarum juice on general well-being. The active group showed significant improvements in various health aspects including energy, stress, mental acuity, sleep quality, and overall well-being compared to placebo.
Impact of following a healthy dietary pattern with co-consuming wolfberry on number and function of blood outgrowth endothelial cells from middle-aged and older adults.
RCT investigating the effect of a healthy dietary pattern with or without wolfberry consumption on blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) in middle-aged and older adults. Both interventions improved BOECs' tube formation capacity, but additional wolfberry consumption did not provide an enhanced effect.
Enhancing the cardiovascular protective effects of a healthy dietary pattern with wolfberry (Lycium barbarum): A randomized controlled trial.
This 16-week randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of wolfberry consumption as part of a healthy dietary pattern on cardiovascular health in middle-aged and older adults in Singapore. The wolfberry group showed improved HDL cholesterol levels, reduced Framingham predicted long-term CVD risk, and lower vascular age compared to the control group.
Goji Berry Intake Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial.
A randomized, unmasked, parallel-arm study with 27 participants aged 45-65 examined the effects of Z-rich goji berry intake on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and skin carotenoids. The goji berry group showed significant increases in MPOD and skin carotenoids, suggesting potential benefits for preventing or delaying age-related macular degeneration.
Practical Application of Antidiabetic Efficacy of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
RCT of 67 patients with type 2 diabetes comparing Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) to control. LBP administration at 300 mg/day showed significant hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, including decreased serum glucose and increased HDL levels. LBP was more effective in patients not taking hypoglycemic medicines.
Immunomodulatory effects of dietary supplementation with a milk-based wolfberry formulation in healthy elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
A 3-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 150 healthy elderly Chinese subjects assessed the effects of Lacto-Wolfberry supplementation on immune functions. The study found that Lacto-Wolfberry significantly increased postvaccination serum influenza-specific immunoglobulin G levels and seroconversion rate compared to placebo, suggesting enhanced immune response to antigenic challenge.
Goji berry effects on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels.
Double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 150 healthy elderly subjects evaluating the effects of daily supplementation with goji berry (Lacto-Wolfberry) on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels. The LWB group showed increased plasma zeaxanthin and antioxidant capacity, and protection from hypopigmentation and soft drusen accumulation in the macula.
Immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice in Chinese older healthy human subjects.
RCT of 60 older healthy adults testing the effects of standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice (GoChi) at 120 mL/day for 30 days. The GoChi group showed significant increases in lymphocytes, interleukin-2, and immunoglobulin G, as well as improved general well-being, fatigue, sleep, and focus, with no adverse reactions.
Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults.
RCT of 50 healthy Chinese adults aged 55 to 72 years examining the effects of GoChi, a Lycium barbarum preparation, on in vivo antioxidant markers. The GoChi group showed significant increases in SOD and GSH-Px levels and a decrease in MDA levels, indicating enhanced antioxidant efficacies.
Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Goji Berries Cultivated in Serbia
The study investigates the nutritional value, minerals, fatty acid composition, and bioactive compounds of red, yellow, and black goji berries cultivated in Serbia. It assesses the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their methanol extracts, finding that red goji berries have the highest content of fats, dietary fiber, iron, and carotenoids, yellow goji berries have the highest flavonoid content and antimicrobial properties, and black goji berries have the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
Delay of cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa using a 12-month treatment with Lycium barbarum supplement.
Double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical study of Lycium barbarum supplement in 42 retinitis pigmentosa patients over 12 months. The Lycium barbarum group showed no deterioration in visual acuity and maintained macular thickness compared to placebo, suggesting a neuroprotective effect on the retina.
Lycium barbarum increases caloric expenditure and decreases waist circumference in healthy overweight men and women: pilot study.
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum on caloric expenditure and waist circumference in healthy overweight adults. A single bolus increased postprandial energy expenditure, and a 14-day intervention significantly decreased waist circumference compared to placebo.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined the effects of Lycium barbarum (Goji) juice on healthy adults over 14 days. The GoChi group showed significant improvements in energy, athletic performance, sleep quality, focus, mental acuity, calmness, and gastrointestinal function, while reducing fatigue and stress.
Fasting plasma zeaxanthin response to Fructus barbarum L. (wolfberry; Kei Tze) in a food-based human supplementation trial.
A single-blinded, placebo-controlled human intervention trial studied the effect of wolfberry supplementation on fasting plasma zeaxanthin levels. Fourteen subjects took 15 g/d wolfberry for 28 days, resulting in a 2.5-fold increase in plasma zeaxanthin, suggesting bioavailability and potential benefits for macular pigment density.
Benefit ofpolysaccharide supplementation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A pre-post study.
A pre-post study evaluated the effect of oral polysaccharide (LBP) supplementation in 13 NAFLD patients over 12 weeks. Significant reductions in GGT, ALB, TP, and D-BIL levels were observed, along with changes in microbiota diversity and metabolite profiles, suggesting beneficial effects on biochemical parameters in NAFLD.
Lactic acid fermentation of goji berries (Lycium barbarum) prevents acute alcohol liver injury and modulates gut microbiota and metabolites in mice.
Animal study investigating the effects of LAB-fermented goji juice on preventing acute alcoholic liver injury in mice. LAB-fermented goji juice enhanced liver protection by reducing serum ALT levels, improving the hepatic GSH antioxidant system, and attenuating inflammation. It also increased intestinal integrity and restructured gut microbiota.
AGEs Blocker™ (Goji Berry, Fig, and Korean Mint Mixed Extract) Inhibits Skin Aging Caused by Streptozotocin-Induced Glycation in Hairless Mice
Animal study investigating the effects of AGEs Blocker™ containing goji berry, fig, and Korean mint on skin aging in a glycation-induced mouse model. The study found improvements in skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration, with increased antioxidative enzyme activity and reduced inflammatory cytokines.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide promotes proliferation of human melanocytes via activating the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway by inducing autophagy in vitro.
In vitro study investigating the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on H2O2-damaged human melanocytes. LBP promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of these cells by inducing autophagy and activating the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway, suggesting potential use for vitiligo treatment.
Effect of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does
The study evaluated the effects of goji berry supplementation on the reproductive and productive performance of rabbit does. Goji berry supplementation at 1% improved reproductive activity, influenced hormonal patterns, and increased milk production, leading to higher litter weight and size at weaning.
HSF-1 and SIR-2.1 linked insulin-like signaling is involved in goji berry (Lycium spp.) extracts promoting lifespan extension of Caenorhabditis elegans.
The study explored the effects of goji berry extracts from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and Lycium Barbarum. L on lifespan extension and stress tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans. High-dose extracts significantly extended lifespan and improved stress tolerance, with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased lipofuscin levels. Genetic studies indicated involvement of HSF-1 and SIR-2.1 in the insulin/IGF signaling pathway.
Advances in the Study of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Properties of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.)
This review examines the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits of goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.). It discusses the berries' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects observed in in vitro and animal studies, and emphasizes the need for more human clinical trials.
Mechanisms of action of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide in protecting against vitiligo mice through modulation of the STAT3-Hsp70-CXCL9/CXCL10 pathway
The study explored the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on monobenzone-induced vitiligo in mice. LBP significantly reduced depigmentation scores and local inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3, suggesting its potential as a treatment for vitiligo.
Goji Berries Supplementation in the Diet of Rabbits and Other Livestock Animals: A Mini-Review of the Current Knowledge
This mini-review surveys experimental trials evaluating the effects of goji berries supplementation on reproductive and productive performances, immune system, metabolic homeostasis, and meat quality in rabbits and other livestock animals. The review suggests that goji berries could be beneficial in rabbit breeding, though further studies are needed to determine optimal dosing and sustainability.
Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review
This review discusses the nutritional value, medicinal purposes, and antioxidant properties of goji berries. It examines scientific evidence from human interventional studies, safety concerns, processing technologies, and applications of goji berry-based ingredients in functional food products.
Health benefits of wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi, Fructus barbarum L.) on the basis of ancient Chineseherbalism and Western modern medicine
This review article discusses the health benefits of goji berry (wolfberry) based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western modern medicine. It highlights the nutritional and bioactive properties of goji berry, including its role in enhancing immune function, improving eyesight, protecting the liver, boosting sperm production, and improving circulation.