Last verified: 17 days ago
Goji Berries
Also known as: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, goji, Chinese wolfberry
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Antioxidant-rich berry with early evidence for eye health support via zeaxanthin content.
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What it does
Goji berries are the dried fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant native to Asia and long used in traditional medicine. They are rich in zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that accumulates in the retina and may...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
28 g dried berries daily (based on available study data)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Goji berries are the dried fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant native to Asia and long used in traditional medicine. They are rich in zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that accumulates in the retina and may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — one small clinical trial found that eating 28 g of goji berries five times per week for 90 days significantly increased macular pigment optical density, a biomarker for eye health. They also contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidant compounds that show antioxidant activity in lab and food-composition studies.
What It Doesn't Do
No proven heart disease prevention in humans. No solid clinical evidence for anti-aging effects. No human trial data supporting liver protection claims. Animal studies on heart injury don't translate directly to humans. Don't expect dramatic immune-boosting effects — the evidence just isn't there yet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Increases macular pigment density in healthy adults, a key marker for age-related eye disease risk.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 28 g dried berries 5x/week
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Rich in zeaxanthin, polyphenols, and flavonoids that show strong antioxidant activity in lab tests.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Contains zeaxanthin dipalmitate that blocks blue light and neutralizes oxidative damage in retinal cells.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — zeaxanthin from goji berries is bioavailable and measurably increases macular pigment and skin carotenoids in humans. The esterified form (zeaxanthin dipalmitate) may have enhanced stability due to higher lipophilicity, but human absorption data is limited.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most health claims are based on lab studies or animal models, not human clinical trials
- Only one small pilot RCT (27 participants) supports eye health benefits — results need replication in larger trials
- Products vary widely in zeaxanthin content depending on origin and processing method
- May interact with blood thinners like warfarin — consult a doctor if on anticoagulants
- Marketed with broad 'superfood' claims that far outpace the current human evidence base
Products Containing Goji Berries
See how Goji Berries is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Goji Berries do?
Antioxidant-rich berry with early evidence for eye health support via zeaxanthin content.
What is the effective dose of Goji Berries?
28 g dried berries daily (based on available study data)
Is Goji Berries safe?
Most health claims are based on lab studies or animal models, not human clinical trials
What doesn't Goji Berries do?
No proven heart disease prevention in humans.
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: 2026-05-25