Goji Berry Extract
Also known as: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, GBE, LBP (Lycium barbarum polysaccharides)
Effective Dosage
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Goji berry extract comes from the fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Lab and animal studies suggest its carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) and other compounds like taurine and polysaccharides may protect cells from oxidative stress, support eye health, and reduce inflammation. However, the available research is almost entirely from cell cultures and animal models — there is currently very little human clinical trial data to confirm these effects.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans — the anti-cancer data comes only from lab cells. No human evidence it cures dry eye disease. Not a proven treatment for diabetic retinopathy in people. Don't believe claims it 'boosts immunity' or 'detoxifies' — no human data supports this from the provided studies.
Evidence-Based Benefits
In vitro studies suggest goji berry extract and its carotenoid components (lutein, zeaxanthin) may offer cytoprotective effects against certain toxins in neuroblastoma cells (PMID: 32387444), and ethanol extract showed anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against breast cancer cells in culture (PMID: 26525080). A rat study found that oral GBE improved dry eye disease symptoms in a dose-dependent manner, potentially via polysaccharides and betaine reducing oxidative stress and inflammation (PMID: 29115477). Taurine in goji berry extract may activate PPAR-γ pathways relevant to diabetic retinopathy in cell models (PMID: 21820420).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic or absorption data in the provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Nearly all research is from cell cultures or animal models — human clinical evidence is essentially absent in the provided data
- Doses used in rat studies (250–500 mg/kg body weight) do not translate directly to human supplement doses
- Products in the NIH DSLD database vary widely in formulation and extract standardization, making quality comparisons difficult
- Marketing claims often far outpace the actual evidence base for this ingredient
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