Lycium barbarum
Lycium barbarum
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry, is a traditional plant used in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed for various health benefits such as enhancing vision and boosting immunity, though specific uses vary across different traditions. Scientific evidence on its efficacy remains limited; studies have shown that daily consumption of Lycium barbarum did not significantly improve bone or muscle parameters in aging mice compared to an extract. However, a study found that SeLBP (selenoprotein L) from this plant showed superior therapeutic effects on alcohol-induced liver injury compared to other treatments, with low-dose advantages comparable to silymarin. Extraction methods using deep eutectic solvents have also been explored for their efficiency in extracting phenolic compounds and polysaccharides from both black and red goji berries. Notably, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, suggesting that Lycium barbarum is generally well-tolerated.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- None of the three daily consumption regimens of Lycium barbarum significantly improved bone or muscle parameters in aging mice compared to an extract.
- SeLBP showed superior therapeutic effects on alcohol-induced liver injury compared to LBP or Na2SeO3, with a low-dose advantage comparable to silymarin.
- Different deep eutectic solvents provided varying yields of phenolic compounds from black and red goji berries, with some showing higher efficiency than ethanol and water.
- This study developed an ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent method to extract polysaccharides from various plants, identifying species-specific structures and some bioactivities.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lycium barbarum?
Lycium barbarum (Lycium barbarum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Lycium barbarum?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Lycium barbarum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: None of the three daily consumption regimens of Lycium barbarum significantly improved bone or muscle parameters in aging mice compared to an extract.
How strong is the evidence for Lycium barbarum?
The strongest finding for Lycium barbarum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Lycium barbarum safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Lycium barbarum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Lycium barbarum interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Lycium barbarum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Lycium barbarum?
Lycium barbarum is also known as: Дереза обыкновенная, goji.
Is Lycium barbarum a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Research on the Highly Efficient and Low-Dose Improvement of Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by High-Selenium-Content Modified Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Deep Eutectic Solvents as Sustainable Media for Efficient Recovery of Phenolics From Black (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) and Red (Lycium barbarum Lam.) Goji Berries: Optimization and Functional Evaluation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effects of Daily Lycium barbarum Consumption Regimens on Bone and Muscle in Aging Mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Structural characterization and bioactivity evaluation of polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum indicum, Lycium barbarum, Rosa roxburghii, and Platycodon grandiflorum extracted by ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents. literature abstract metadata