Goji Berries
Also known as: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, goji, Chinese wolfberry, Lycium chinense
Effective Dosage
28 g dried berries daily (one clinical trial); No established dose for other uses
What the Science Says
Goji berries are the dried fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant native to China and used for centuries in traditional medicine. They are rich in zeaxanthin, lutein, polyphenols, and polysaccharides — compounds with antioxidant properties. One small clinical trial found that eating 28 g of dried goji berries five times per week for 90 days significantly increased macular pigment density in the eyes of healthy adults aged 45–65, which is a marker associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reverse or treat age-related macular degeneration — the one human trial only measured a risk biomarker in healthy people. No human evidence they protect your liver, heart, or brain. The heart-health findings come from rat studies using an isolated compound, not from eating goji berries. Claims about immune-boosting, anti-aging, or cancer prevention are not supported by any human trials in the provided data. Being a 'superfood' doesn't mean it replaces a balanced diet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Goji berries are rich in zeaxanthin, lutein, polyphenols, and carotenoids; one small randomized pilot trial (n=27) found that 28g consumed 5x/week for 90 days significantly increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker for age-related macular degeneration risk, in healthy adults aged 45-65 (PMID: 34959963). In vitro and compositional analyses confirm goji berries contain bioactive compounds including chlorogenic acid, rutin, epicatechin, β-sitosterol, and polysaccharides with antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties (PMID: 38961030, PMID: 41828792). A rat-model study found kukoamine A, a compound from goji berry bark, activated Akt/GSK-3β signaling to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, though this is preclinical only (PMID: 35894345).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies; 28 g whole dried berries used in one clinical trial
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — zeaxanthin and lutein from goji berries appear bioavailable enough to raise blood and tissue levels based on the eye health trial, but absorption of other compounds in humans is not well characterized by the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pesticide and mycotoxin contamination is a documented concern in dried goji berries — look for products with third-party testing
- Most health benefit claims are based on animal studies or lab research, not human clinical trials
- The only human RCT was a small pilot study (27 participants) — results need replication in larger trials
- Goji berries may interact with blood thinners like warfarin — consult a doctor if you take anticoagulants
- Products marketed as 'goji supplements' vary widely in zeaxanthin content, which is the key active compound studied
Products Containing Goji Berries
See how Goji Berries is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06