The dried ripe fruits of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, commonly called goji berry or wolfberry, have been consumed for medicinal purposes and as a functional food in China and throughout Asia for at least 2,000 years.
09.01.11
The dried ripe fruits of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, commonly called goji berry or wolfberry, have been consumed for medicinal purposes and as a functional food in China and throughout Asia for at least 2,000 years. Traditionally, goji berry has been used for its antiaging properties, vision-enhancing and immune system-enhancing effects, and support of kidney and liver function, and as a treatment for respiratory diseases. Goji berries contain significant quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidant carotenoid pigments. The leaves, roots, and root bark of Lycium species have also been used medicinally.
China is the world's main supplier of commercially grown goji berries. In the 21st Century, goji berries and juice have become increasingly popular "superfoods" in the Western world.
Although not well-studied in humans, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) have demonstrated anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-infertility, antioxidant, blood pressure-lowering, cholesterol-lowering, and immune-stimulating properties. More human clinical studies are needed to investigate goji's potential therapeutic effects.