Benefits
Supports Antioxidant Defense
Goji berries are a concentrated source of carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C that contribute to antioxidant capacity. Daily intake of standardized goji preparations has been associated with increases in plasma antioxidant biomarkers, helping support cellular defense against oxidative stress.
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.
Helps Support General Well-Being
Standardized goji juice has been studied for its ability to help support self-reported energy, restful sleep quality, and a sense of overall well-being in healthy adults, complementing other lifestyle and nutritional strategies for vitality.
Supports Immune Function
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides have been investigated for their ability to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, helping support healthy immune surveillance as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.
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.
Mechanism of action
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.
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.
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.
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
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Healthy adults
Daily consumption of a standardized Lycium barbarum juice 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.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Healthy adult volunteers
Daily intake of a standardized goji juice over 14 days was associated with improvements in self-reported ratings of energy, athletic performance, sleep quality, and overall well-being compared with placebo, supporting goji's traditional reputation as a tonic.
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.