USDA Nutrient-Dense Foods · Fruit
Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) (Lycium barbarum)
Preliminary EvidenceCompound
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and unique Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) that demonstrate antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. These compounds may modulate immune function through macrophage activation and cytokine regulation, though human clinical evidence remains limited.
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are dried fruits from a shrub native to Asia, particularly China, belonging to the Solanaceae family. The berries are typically harvested ripe and sun-dried without complex extraction, yielding whole dried fruits, powders, or water-soluble extracts containing polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds.
The research dossier indicates that while reviews mention various health benefits from in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical evidence, no specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs are directly cited. The available evidence primarily consists of laboratory and animal studies examining the antioxidant capacity and bioactive compound profiles of goji berries.
No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available in the current research. Studies reference L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) but provide no human dosing information. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are nutritionally dense fruits with the following approximate composition per 100g dried weight: Macronutrients: Carbohydrates 68-77g (primarily glucose and fructose, plus Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) at 5-8g constituting the primary bioactive fraction), Protein 11-14g (containing 18 amino acids including all 8 essential amino acids; notably high in proline ~1.7g/100g and glutamic acid ~1.9g/100g), Total Fat 0.9-1.5g (predominantly linoleic acid omega-6 at ~60% of fatty acid profile, alpha-linolenic acid omega-3 at ~5%), Dietary Fiber 10-13g. Micronutrients: Vitamin C 29-148mg/100g dried (highly variable due to processing; fresh berries range 30-50mg/100g), Thiamine (B1) 0.15mg/100g, Riboflavin (B2) 1.3mg/100g, Niacin (B3) 4.0mg/100g, Potassium 1132mg/100g, Calcium 190mg/100g, Phosphorus 67mg/100g, Iron 6.8mg/100g (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by concurrent vitamin C), Zinc 2.0mg/100g, Selenium 50mcg/100g (notably high; varies significantly by soil origin). Bioactive Compounds: Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (primary carotenoid) 0.03-0.5g/100g dried — the dominant carotenoid representing ~31-56% of total carotenoids, with bioavailability significantly enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fat; total carotenoids 0.03-0.55g/100g; Beta-carotene ~0.006-0.009g/100g; Betaine 0.5-0.9g/100g; Rutin (flavonoid) ~0.35mg/g dried; Scopoletin (coumarin) present at trace levels; LBPs molecular weight range 24-241 kDa, primarily composed of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose residues. Bioavailability Notes: Zeaxanthin absorption is fat-dependent — studies show a meal with 15g fat increases zeaxanthin bioavailability by approximately 2.5-fold compared to low-fat consumption; LBPs are not digested in the small intestine and act as prebiotics in the colon, with partial fermentation by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species; iron absorption estimated at 2-8% due to non-heme form and presence of phytic acid; protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) estimated at 0.82-0.87 for dried berry protein; drying method significantly impacts nutrient retention, with freeze-drying preserving up to 95% of vitamin C versus hot-air drying retaining only 20-40%.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) activate macrophages and enhance T-cell proliferation through TLR4 pathway stimulation. Zeaxanthin accumulates in retinal tissue and may protect against oxidative damage through free radical scavenging. The polysaccharide fractions demonstrate complement system activation and increased natural killer cell activity in preliminary studies.
Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies showing immune-enhancing effects of LBPs at doses of 100-300mg daily equivalent. Small human trials (n=50-60) suggest improved subjective wellbeing and antioxidant markers after 30-day supplementation with standardized extracts. Current clinical evidence is preliminary and limited by small sample sizes and short study durations. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits in humans.
Goji berries are generally well-tolerated as food, with rare reports of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Potential interaction with warfarin has been reported in case studies, possibly due to flavonoid content affecting cytochrome P450 enzymes. High doses may cause digestive upset including nausea or diarrhea in some users. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.
