Plant Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Common Names: Goji berry, Wolfberry, Lycii berry
Parts Used: Berry

Overview and Author’s Commentary

Lycium fruit (Lycium barbarum), commonly known as wolfberry or goji berry, is a revered Chinese tonic herb traditionally believed to promote longevity. The popularity of goji berries has grown substantially over the past decade, driven in part by aggressive marketing strategies. The term “goji” is a relatively modern designation for Lycium barbarum and L. chinense, which were traditionally referred to as wolfberries. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is one notable distinction: goji berries typically grow in high-altitude regions (Nepal, Himalayas), whereas wolfberries are found in lowland areas.

Lycium is grown in subtropical regions and has a pleasant taste. It contains a rich array of bioactive compounds including vitamins B1, B12, and C; betaine; beta-sitosterol; carotene (and other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin); and physalien. The major chemical constituents—betaine, zeaxanthin, physalien, carotene, nicotinic acid, and vitamin C—contribute to its diverse medicinal functions.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Lycium is classified as both a yin tonic and blood tonic. Its primary therapeutic actions include:

• Nourishing and tonifying the kidneys and liver
• Protecting the liver from toxin-induced damage
• Providing cooling effects useful in fever treatment
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving vision and treating eye diseases
• Stopping excessive bleeding
• Soothing cough and relieving wheezing
• Strengthening the kidneys and restoring essence (jing)
• Supporting treatment of nutritional deficiency, diabetes, inadequate liver and kidney function, and seminal emission

Lycium is a common herb used in Fu Zheng therapy and serves as an excellent complement to primary adaptogens due to its nourishing and tonic properties. It enhances nonspecific immunity and is considered a foundational tonic herb.^1,2

Clinical Applications and Recommendations

I incorporate the powdered extract, standardized to 10% polysaccharides, as an ingredient in my ImmuCare formula. For direct consumption, I often recommend soaking the dried berries overnight and adding up to one tablespoon to morning smoothies.

This berry is particularly beneficial for eye health in cases where Kidney Essence and blood are deficient—earning it the traditional moniker “bright eyes.” For comprehensive eye support, I recommend combining Lycium with schisandra fruit (extract and/or tea), sea buckthorn oil/fruit, blueberries, and egg yolks.³

Habitat and Cultivation

Lycium barbarum is a woody perennial shrub that grows one to three meters in height and is native to northern China. The berries mature and are harvested from August to October, depending on latitude, altitude, and climate conditions.

Key Constituents

Goji berries contain exceptionally high amounts of polysaccharides and carotenoids, which comprise 0.03 to 0.5% of the dried fruit. The predominant carotenoid is zeaxanthin, present mainly as zeaxanthin dipalmitate (also called physalien or physalin). Lycium fruit is among the richest dietary sources of zeaxanthin.⁴

Polyphenol Profile

Recent systematic research on wolfberry polyphenols has identified:⁵

• 53 major polyphenols, including nine novel phenylpropanoids and one new coumarin
• 22 known polyphenols representing first-time isolates from the genus Lycium
• Demonstrated antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer’s disease activities
• Elucidated structure–antioxidant activity relationships of phenylpropanoids

Traditional Use

Lycium fruit was first described in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), a Chinese text on agriculture and medicinal plants believed to have been written between approximately 300 BCE and 200 CE. However, its widespread use did not become established until the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

In TCM practice, Lycium is most commonly used in combination with other tonic herbs such as:

• Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
• Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Deer velvet antler (Cornu cervi parvum)

These formulations are designed to nourish the kidneys and vital essence (jing), as well as the blood and liver. Classical indications include thirst, dizziness, diminished visual acuity, and chronic cough (it moistens the lungs).

Modern Research

Overview of Pharmacological Actions

Lycium demonstrates a broad spectrum of biological activities supported by modern research. The polysaccharides in goji berries, collectively known as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), appear to be the primary active compounds responsible for enhancing both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses.^6,7

Key research findings include:

• Increases white blood cells, including lymphocytes
• Upregulates interleukin-2 expression, suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment
• Exhibits potent antioxidant effects
• Accelerates DNA repair in aging cells, potentially prolonging cellular lifespan
• Demonstrates pharmacological activities relevant to age-related diseases including atherosclerosis, dementia, cancer, and diabetes

Specific Therapeutic Applications

Adaptogenic and Anti-Fatigue Effects

A purified component of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP-X) was isolated using DEAE ion-exchange cellulose and Sephacryl gel chromatography. When tested at five different doses (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) in mice, LBP-X demonstrated:⁸

• Remarkable enhancement of adaptability to exercise load
• Increased resistance to fatigue and accelerated fatigue elimination
• Enhanced storage of muscle and liver glycogen
• Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity before and after swimming
• Decreased elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) after strenuous exercise
• Accelerated clearance of BUN post-exercise

The optimal dosage was determined to be 10 mg/kg/day.

In a study with 32 male Wistar rats subjected to a 30-day exhaustive exercise program, LBP administration significantly:⁹

• Increased glycogen levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in skeletal muscle
• Decreased malondialdehyde levels (a marker of oxidative stress)
• Reduced creatine kinase activity (a marker of muscle exhaustion)
• Mitigated oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise

Immune System Enhancement

Lycium has been shown to enhance multiple aspects of immune function:^10,11

• Increases white blood cell counts, particularly lymphocytes
• Upregulates interleukin-2 expression
• Enhances nonspecific immunity
• Demonstrates potential therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment

The herb possesses potent antioxidant properties and can accelerate DNA repair in aging cells, potentially prolonging cellular lifespan.^12,13

Enhancement of Cancer-Fighting Cytokines

Cytokine production plays a key role in initiating and regulating immune responses. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are particularly important cytokines in antitumor immunity.

Research on Lycium barbarum polysaccharide-protein complex (LBP3p) investigated its effects on IL-2 and TNF-α expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and bioassay methods. Results demonstrated that:¹⁴

• LBP3p increased expression of both IL-2 and TNF-α at mRNA and protein levels
• The effect was dose-dependent
• These findings suggest LBP3p may induce immune responses with potential therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment

Ocular Health and Retinal Protection

Goji berries have demonstrated significant potential for preventing and delaying progression of retinal diseases.¹⁵

A study examining the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and Danshensu (an active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rabbits with retinal neovascularization (a model for macular degeneration) found that:²¹

• Both LBP and Danshensu significantly reduced total blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, cholesterol, and fibrinogen levels
• Both compounds reduced VEGF levels during vascular proliferative retinopathy
• The compounds prevented retinal microvascular disease by improving the oxygen-deficient environment and/or inhibiting new vascular growth

Shows Promise in Preventing Diabetic Cataracts

Researchers investigated whether Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a natural compound extracted from goji berries, could help prevent diabetic cataracts—a common vision-threatening complication of diabetes. Using diabetic rats and laboratory-cultured lens cells exposed to high glucose, they found that LBP significantly improved lens transparency and reduced tissue damage. The protective effect works by activating a protein called Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), which enhances autophagy (the cell’s self-cleaning process) and reduces apoptosis (cell death). When SIRT6 was artificially increased, it mimicked LBP’s benefits, while blocking SIRT6 worsened the damage. These findings suggest that LBP could be a promising natural therapeutic option for delaying or preventing cataract development in people with diabetes, offering hope for preserving vision in this growing patient population.²²

Clinical Study: General Effects of Standardized Lycium Juice

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial—the first such study conducted outside China—examined the general effects of orally consumed goji berry as a standardized juice (GoChi) in healthy adults over 14 days.¹⁶

Study Design: Participants consumed 120 mL of GoChi daily or placebo, with subjective ratings (0–5 scale) of well-being, neurological/psychological traits, gastrointestinal function, musculoskeletal complaints, and cardiovascular complaints assessed. Objective measures included body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, and visual acuity.

Results: The GoChi group (N = 16) showed significant improvements from day 1 to day 15 in:

• Energy level
• Athletic performance
• Quality of sleep and ease of awakening
• Ability to focus on activities
• Mental acuity
• Calmness
• Feelings of health, contentment, and happiness
• Reduced fatigue and stress
• Improved regularity of gastrointestinal function

The placebo group (N = 18) showed only two significant changes (heartburn and happiness). No significant changes in musculoskeletal or cardiovascular complaints were observed in either group.

Conclusions: Daily consumption of GoChi for 14 days significantly increased subjective feelings of general well-being and improved neurological/psychological performance and gastrointestinal function. The data strongly support further research to confirm and extend understanding of Lycium barbarum’s effects on human health.

Cardioprotective Effects During Chemotherapy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapy agent associated with both acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. Research has demonstrated that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) provide protective effects against acute DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.¹⁸

Study Design: Rats received daily treatment with either distilled water (4 mL/kg) or LBP (200 mg/kg) for 10 days, followed by intravenous injection on day 7 with either saline (10 mL/kg) or DOX (10 mg/kg).

Findings: DOX induced significant myocardial damage characterized by:

• Conduction abnormalities
• Decreased heart-to-body weight ratio
• Increased serum creatine kinase (CK)
• Myofibrillar disarrangement
• Increased oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde, decreased SOD and GSH-Px activity)

Pretreatment with LBP significantly:

• Reduced DOX-induced oxidative injury in cardiac tissue
• Attenuated myofibrillar disarrangement
• Decreased serum CK levels
• Improved conduction abnormalities
• Increased SOD and GSH-Px activity
• Decreased malondialdehyde levels

Importantly, LBP protected against DOX-induced cardiac damage without diminishing the antitumor activity of the chemotherapy agent.

Radiosensitizing Effects

The radiosensitizing effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) were investigated in mice with transplanted Lewis lung cancer.¹⁹

Findings:

• LBP alone did not significantly inhibit tumor growth
• Combination of LBP and radiation produced significant radiosensitizing effects
• The mean dose-modifying factor was 2.05
• LBP demonstrated radiation enhancement effects on acute hypoxic cells of Lewis lung cancer

These results suggest potential for LBP as an adjunct therapy to enhance the effectiveness of radiation treatment.

Therapeutic Dosing Range

Whole berries (eaten as food or cooked in decoctions, soups, or dishes): 5–10 grams daily

Standardized extract (10% polysaccharides): 1–5 grams daily

Safety Profile

Goji berry is considered completely nontoxic. Extensive testing has found no signs of toxicity from this plant.² Although this berry is extremely safe, it is traditionally used in tonic formulations rather than as a stand-alone herb, which is consistent with TCM principles of synergistic herbal combinations.

References

1. Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, Tonic and Supporting Herbs. CRC Press; 1999:269.

2. Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. CRC Press; 2000:269.

3. Potterat O. Goji (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense): Phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety in the perspective of traditional uses and recent popularity. Planta Med. 2010;76:7–19. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1186218

4. Peng Y, Ma C, Li Y, et al. Quantification of zeaxanthin dipalmitate and total carotenoids in Lycium fruits. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2005;60(4):161–164.

5. Zhou ZQ, Xiao J, Fan HX, et al. Polyphenols from wolfberry and their bioactivities. Food Chem. 2017;214:644–654. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.105

6. Jinzhu Y, et al. Regulatory action of licorice and lycium fruit on IgE antibodies response. J Beijing Med Univ. 1992;24(2):115–117.

7. Jinzhu Y, et al. Regulatory action of licorice and lycium fruit on IgE antibodies response. J Beijing Med Univ. 1992;24(2):115–117.

8. Luo Q, Yan J, Zhang S. Isolation and purification of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its antifatigue effect. Department of Hygiene, Hubei Medical University, Wuhan 430071, China.

9. Niu AJ, Wu JM, Yu DH, Wang R. Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on oxidative damage in skeletal muscle of exhaustive exercise rats. Int J Biol Macromol. 2008;42(5):447–449. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2008.02.003

10. Gan L, Zhang SH, Liu Q, Xu HB. A polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum upregulates cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2003;471(3):217–222.

11. Xu Y, He L, Xu L, Liu Y. Advances in immunopharmacological study of Lycium barbarum L. Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou, 510275. Zhong Yao Cai. 2000;23(5):295–298.

12. Huang X, Yang M, Wu X, Yan J. Study on protective action of lycium barbarum polysaccharides on DNA impairments of testicle cells in mice. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2003;32(6):599–601.

13. Wu BY, Zou JH, Meng SC. Effect of wolfberry fruit and epimedium on DNA synthesis of the aging-youth 2BS fusion cells. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003;23(12):926–928.

14. Gan L, Zhang SH, Liu Q, Xu HB. A polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum upregulates cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2003;471(3):217–222.

15. Neelam K, Dey S, Sim R, Lee J, Au Eong KG. Fructus lycii: A natural dietary supplement for amelioration of retinal diseases. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):246. doi:10.3390/nu13010246

16. Amagase H, Nance DM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) juice, GoChi. J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14(4):403–412. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0004

17. Gan L, et al. A polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum. Eur J Pharmacol. 2003 Jun 27;471(3):217-22. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01827-2.

18. Xin YF, Wan LL, Peng JL, Guo C. Alleviation of the acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides through the suppression of oxidative stress. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011;49(1):259–264. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2010.10.028

19. Lu CX, Cheng BQ. Radiosensitizing effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide for Lewis lung cancer. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991;11(10):611–612, 582.

20. Luo Q, Yan J, Zhang S. Isolation and purification of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its antifatigue effect. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2000;29(2):115–117. in Chinese

21. Tian XM, Wang R, Zhang BK, et al. Impact of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide and Danshensu on vascular endothelial growth factor in the process of retinal neovascularization of rabbit. Int J Ophthalmol. 2013;6(1):59–61. doi:10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2013.01.12

22. Guo Y, Zhou Y, Cai L, Fu D, Bai W, Luo M, Xu Y, Lu X, Yang Y, Pan Y, Yao Q. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide relieves diabetes mellitus-induced cataract by activating Sirtuin 6. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2026 Jan;339(Pt 2):149829. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149829