Home Ingredients Lycium Fruit (Goji Berry)
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Lycium Fruit (Goji Berry)

Lycium barbarum L.
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Lycium fruit, commonly called goji or wolfberry, is the bright red-orange berry of Lycium barbarum and the closely related Lycium chinense, deciduous shrubs in the Solanaceae family native to East Asia. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support vitality, vision, and longevity, goji is now widely consumed as a dried fruit, juice, or standardized extract. The signature bioactive compounds are Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), accompanied by carotenoids notably zeaxanthin dipalmitate (the highest natural source of zeaxanthin), flavonoids, betaine, and vitamin C. Modern clinical research focuses on antioxidant capacity, subjective well-being, and macular pigment and eye-health outcomes with standardized goji preparations.

Studied Dose Approximately 14-28 g/day of dried goji berries; 120 mL/day standardized GoChi juice; 5-15 g/day of standardized extracts in trials.
Active Compound Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), zeaxanthin dipalmitate, betaine, flavonoids, and vitamin C.

Benefits

Supports Antioxidant Defense

Goji berries are a concentrated source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C that contribute to antioxidant capacity. In a small manufacturer-funded trial of a standardized goji juice (FreeLife GoChi), daily intake was associated with increases in plasma antioxidant biomarkers; these are soft biomarker endpoints rather than clinical outcomes, and goji may help support cellular defense against oxidative stress.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Promotes Eye Health & Macular Pigment

Goji is the richest known dietary source of zeaxanthin dipalmitate. Regular consumption may help support macular pigment optical density, which contributes to filtering high-energy visible light and helping maintain healthy retinal function with age.

Supported by Trial 3

Helps Support General Well-Being

A single small manufacturer-funded trial of standardized GoChi goji juice reported improvements in self-reported energy, sleep quality, and overall well-being in healthy adults; these are subjective endpoints from one small study, and goji may complement other lifestyle and nutritional strategies for vitality.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Supports Immune Function

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides have been investigated for their ability to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, but this evidence is largely preclinical (cell and animal models); goji may help support a normal immune system as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Contributes Nutritional Carotenoids & Iron

Beyond zeaxanthin, goji berries supply beta-carotene, lutein, riboflavin, and modest amounts of iron and other minerals, helping contribute to the micronutrient adequacy of varied diets that include this Asian superfruit.

Supported by Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

Carotenoid Macular Deposition

Dietary zeaxanthin from goji is hydrolyzed from its palmitate ester, absorbed in chylomicrons, and selectively transported to the macula by binding proteins such as GSTP1, where it contributes to macular pigment that filters blue light and quenches singlet oxygen.

2

Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide Immunomodulation

LBPs interact with pattern-recognition receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells, modulating cytokine production and supporting balanced innate immune responses in preclinical models, with downstream effects on adaptive immunity.

3

Antioxidant Enzyme Upregulation

Goji extracts have been shown to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase via Nrf2-related signaling, supporting cellular defense against reactive oxygen species in animal and cell models.

4

Neuroprotective Signaling

LBPs and carotenoid components have demonstrated neuroprotective activity in preclinical models of retinal and neuronal stress, supporting cell survival through modulation of apoptosis-related signaling and mitochondrial function.

Clinical trials

1
Standardized Goji Juice and Antioxidant Status

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Healthy adults

In this small manufacturer-funded trial of a standardized FreeLife GoChi Lycium barbarum juice, daily consumption over 30 days was associated with increases in plasma antioxidant biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and reductions in markers of oxidative damage compared with placebo; the endpoints were biomarkers rather than clinical outcomes.

2
Goji Juice and Subjective Well-Being

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Healthy adult volunteers

In this small manufacturer-funded trial of standardized GoChi juice, daily intake over 14 days was associated with improvements in self-reported ratings of energy, sleep quality, and overall well-being compared with placebo; all endpoints were subjective and self-reported.

3
Goji and Macular Pigment in Older Adults

Randomized controlled trial

Healthy older adults

Daily intake of a milk-based formulation of Lycium barbarum was associated with increased plasma zeaxanthin concentrations and improvements in macular pigment optical density compared with control, supporting a role for goji as a dietary source of carotenoids that contribute to eye health.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal upset is possible at high intakes.
Allergic reactions including rash or anaphylaxis have been reported in sensitive individuals.
May contribute to nausea or headache in some users when consumed in large amounts.
Photosensitivity reactions have rarely been reported with concentrated goji extracts.

Important Drug interactions

May potentiate the effects of warfarin and increase INR; monitor coagulation closely.
Could enhance blood-glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic medications.
May add to the effects of antihypertensive drugs in some individuals.
Possible interactions with CYP2C9-metabolized drugs; discuss with a clinician.

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Frequently asked questions about Lycium Fruit (Goji Berry)

What is lycium fruit (goji berry) used for?

Lycium fruit, better known as goji berry, is a traditional Chinese tonic berry used for eye health, vitality, immune support, and as an antioxidant. It is rich in antioxidants and the carotenoid zeaxanthin.

What are goji berries good for?

They are traditionally used for eye and vision support (they are high in zeaxanthin), general vitality and energy, and antioxidant and immune support. They are eaten as a dried fruit or taken as juice or extract.

How much goji berry should I take?

Dried berries are eaten by the handful or steeped as tea; juice and extracts follow product labeling. There is no strict dose; they are used as a food and tonic.

Is lycium fruit (goji) safe?

Goji berries are generally very safe as a food. They can interact with warfarin (raising bleeding risk), so those on blood thinners should check with a doctor. Otherwise they are a well-tolerated, nutritious berry.

What is Lycium Fruit?

Lycium fruit, commonly called goji or wolfberry, is the bright red-orange berry of Lycium barbarum and the closely related Lycium chinense, deciduous shrubs in the Solanaceae family native to East Asia.

What is Lycium Fruit used for?

Lycium Fruit is researched primarily for Eye Health, Antioxidant, and Immune Support. Goji berries are a concentrated source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C that contribute to antioxidant capacity.

What is the recommended dosage of Lycium Fruit?

The clinically studied dose is Approximately 14-28 g/day of dried goji berries; 120 mL/day standardized GoChi juice; 5-15 g/day of standardized extracts in trials. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Lycium Fruit safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Lycium Fruit is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal upset is possible at high intakes. Allergic reactions including rash or anaphylaxis have been reported in sensitive individuals. It may also interact with some medications. Lycium Fruit is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Lycium Fruit interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: May potentiate the effects of warfarin and increase INR; monitor coagulation closely. Could enhance blood-glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic medications. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Lycium Fruit?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Lycium Fruit as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Amagase H, Sun B, Borek C. Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults. Nutrition Research. 2009;Nutr Res. 2009;29(1):19-25..PubMedUsed to support: Demonstrated that 30 days of standardized Lycium barbarum juice increased serum antioxidant biomarkers and decreased oxidative stress markers in healthy adults compared with placebo.
  2. Amagase H, Nance DM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) juice, GoChi. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008;J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14(4):403-412..PubMedUsed to support: Reported improvements in self-rated energy, sleep quality, mental acuity, and overall well-being with daily standardized goji juice compared with placebo in healthy adults.
  3. Bucheli P, Vidal K, Shen L, et al. Goji berry effects on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels. Optometry and Vision Science. 2011;Optom Vis Sci. 2011;88(2):257-262..PubMedUsed to support: Demonstrated that daily intake of a Lycium barbarum-based dietary supplement increased plasma zeaxanthin and supported macular characteristics in healthy older adults.
  4. Cheng J, Zhou ZW, Sheng HP, et al. An evidence-based update on the pharmacological activities and possible molecular targets of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2014;Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014;9:33-78..PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive 2015 review summarizing the pharmacology of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and ocular effects across preclinical and emerging clinical studies.