Does Goji Berries Help With Goji berries are rich in zeaxanthin, lutein, polyphenols,...?

Evidence Summary

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).

Source: auto-research

Effective Dose

No established dose from provided studies; 28 g whole dried berries used in one clinical trial