SIDE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS OF
Wolfberry or goji berry (juice)
Wolfberry or goji berry (juice)
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Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Wolfberry or goji berry is the common name for the fruit of two very closely
related species: Lycium barbarum (寧夏枸杞) and L. chinense (枸杞), two
species of boxthorn in the family Solanceae. Other members of this family
are potato, tomato, eggplant, deadly nightshade, chili pepper and
tobacco. [A]
Goji / Wolfberry contains zeaxanthin, carotene, polysaccharides, betaine,
cerebroside, beta-sitosterol, p-coumaric, and various vitamins. [3, 11]
Uses and Potential Health Benefits of Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi, Fructus Lycii, Wolfberry) has been used for
nourishing the liver, and in turn, improving the eyesight in traditional
Chinese medicine. Despite the fact that L. barbarum has been used for
centuries, its beneficial effects to our bodies have not been
comprehensively studied with modern technology to unravel its
therapeutic effects at the biochemical level. Marketing and research
(mainly in vitro) literature for wolfberry products including several "goji
juices" suggest that wolfberry polysaccharides have anti-oxidative
activities and may have biological effects and health benefits. Wolfberry
also contains zeaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant and intake of
wolfberries could increase the plasma levels of zeaxanthin. [A]
Wolfberry leaves are commonly used to prepare tea and Lycium root bark
is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory skin
diseases. According to a test-tube study, most polysaccharides from goji
were found to be anti-oxidative. [6] Published studies have suggested the
possible health benefits of Lycium barbarum, wolfberry or goji juice,
including potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory
diseases, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cancers. [A]
Recently, laboratory has demonstrated its neuroprotective effects to
counter neuronal loss in neurodegenerative diseases. [11]
Polysaccharides extracted from L. barbarum can protect neurons against
beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in neuronal cell cultures, and retinal ganglion
cells in an experimental model of glaucoma. [11] A test-tube study showed
that a fraction of polysaccharide from Wolfberry exerted significant
neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons exposed to
glutamate. Glutamate excitotoxicity is involved in many neurodegenerative
diseases including Alzheimer's disease. This fraction of polysaccharide
has also been shown to protect rat cortical neurons against beta beta-
amyloid. [5]
Researchers have even isolated the active component of polysaccharide
which can attenuate stress kinases and pro-apoptotic signaling pathways.
[11] In a 30-day exhaustive exercise program, L. barbarum
polysaccharides administration significantly increased glycogen level and
anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA)
level and creatine kinase activities in rats. Thus, gogi can reduce the
oxidative stress in rats during exhaustive exercise. [9] While, a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-days clinical trial of 34
subjects showed that goji juice reduced fatigue and stress and improved
regularity of gastrointestinal function. [8]
Aglucopyranoside and phenolic amides isolated from wolfberry rook bark
are found to have activities against pathogenic bacteria and fungi in vitro
studies. [A] Lycium barbarum polysaccharide was shown in vitro to inhibit
the growth of human leukemia HL-60 cells. [4] A study of 79 advanced
cancer patient s demonstrated that Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides
could enhance the anti-cancer effect of a chemotherapy on patients
suffered from malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal
carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, malignant
hydrothorax. [1]
A study of estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 model suggested the use of
gogi as an anti-cancer agent for estrogen receptor positive human breast
cancer. It may also have less side effects compared with certain types of
chemotherapy. [7]
Side Effects of Wolfberry or Goji
Prolonged large intake of wolfberry tea has been reported to increase
bleeding. An in vitro study suggests that it may interact with warfarin. [10]
Atropine, a toxic alkaloid, is also found in wolfberry fruit, but its normal
concentration in the berries is far below the toxic level. [A] If you are on
medicine, you must consult with your doctor about the side effects of
wolfberry and the potential interaction, before taking any wolfberry
products including goji juice.
Reference:
[A] Wikipedia, August 2009 [1] Cao GW, Yang WG, Du P. Observation of
the effects of LAK/IL-2 therapy combining with Lycium barbarum
polysaccharides in the treatment of 75 cancer patients. Zhonghua Zhong
Liu Za Zhi. 1994 Nov;16(6):428-31. [2] Huang L, Lin Y, Tian G, Ji G.
Isolation, purification and physico-chemical properties of immunoactive
constituents from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998
Jul;33(7):512-6. [3] Xie C, Xu LZ, Li XM, Li KM, Zhao BH, Yang SL. Studies
on chemical constituents in fruit of Lycium barbarum L. Zhongguo Zhong
Yao Za Zhi. 2001 May;26(5):323-4. [4] Gan L, Wang J, Zhang S. Inhibition
the growth of human leukemia cells by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2001 Nov;30(6):333-5. [5] Ho YS, Yu MS, Yik SY, So
KF, Yuen WH, Chang RC. Polysaccharides from Wolfberry Antagonizes
Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Rat Cortical Neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2009
Jun 5. [6] Lin CL, Wang CC, Chang SC, Inbaraj BS, Chen BH.
Antioxidative activity of polysaccharide fractions isolated from Lycium
barbarum Linnaeus. Int J Biol Macromol. 2009 Aug 1;45(2):146-51. Epub
2009 May 3. [7] Li G, Sepkovic DW, Bradlow HL, Telang NT, Wong GY.
Lycium barbarum inhibits growth of estrogen receptor positive human
breast cancer cells by favorably altering estradiol metabolism. Nutr
Cancer. 2009;61(3):408-14. [8] Amagase H, Nance DM. A randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a
standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi. J Altern Complement
Med. 2008 May;14(4):403-12. [9] Niu AJ, Wu JM, Yu DH, Wang R.
Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on oxidative
damage in skeletal muscle of exhaustive exercise rats. Int J Biol Macromol.
2008 Jun 1;42(5):447-9. Epub 2008 Feb 29. [10] Leung H, Hung A, Hui
AC, Chan TY. Warfarin overdose due to the possible effects of Lycium
barbarum L. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1860-2. Epub 2008 Jan
15. [11] Chang RC, So KF. Use of anti-aging herbal medicine, Lycium
barbarum, against aging-associated diseases. What do we know so far?
Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;28(5):643-52. Epub 2007 Aug 21.
related species: Lycium barbarum (寧夏枸杞) and L. chinense (枸杞), two
species of boxthorn in the family Solanceae. Other members of this family
are potato, tomato, eggplant, deadly nightshade, chili pepper and
tobacco. [A]
Goji / Wolfberry contains zeaxanthin, carotene, polysaccharides, betaine,
cerebroside, beta-sitosterol, p-coumaric, and various vitamins. [3, 11]
Uses and Potential Health Benefits of Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi, Fructus Lycii, Wolfberry) has been used for
nourishing the liver, and in turn, improving the eyesight in traditional
Chinese medicine. Despite the fact that L. barbarum has been used for
centuries, its beneficial effects to our bodies have not been
comprehensively studied with modern technology to unravel its
therapeutic effects at the biochemical level. Marketing and research
(mainly in vitro) literature for wolfberry products including several "goji
juices" suggest that wolfberry polysaccharides have anti-oxidative
activities and may have biological effects and health benefits. Wolfberry
also contains zeaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant and intake of
wolfberries could increase the plasma levels of zeaxanthin. [A]
Wolfberry leaves are commonly used to prepare tea and Lycium root bark
is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory skin
diseases. According to a test-tube study, most polysaccharides from goji
were found to be anti-oxidative. [6] Published studies have suggested the
possible health benefits of Lycium barbarum, wolfberry or goji juice,
including potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory
diseases, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cancers. [A]
Recently, laboratory has demonstrated its neuroprotective effects to
counter neuronal loss in neurodegenerative diseases. [11]
Polysaccharides extracted from L. barbarum can protect neurons against
beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in neuronal cell cultures, and retinal ganglion
cells in an experimental model of glaucoma. [11] A test-tube study showed
that a fraction of polysaccharide from Wolfberry exerted significant
neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons exposed to
glutamate. Glutamate excitotoxicity is involved in many neurodegenerative
diseases including Alzheimer's disease. This fraction of polysaccharide
has also been shown to protect rat cortical neurons against beta beta-
amyloid. [5]
Researchers have even isolated the active component of polysaccharide
which can attenuate stress kinases and pro-apoptotic signaling pathways.
[11] In a 30-day exhaustive exercise program, L. barbarum
polysaccharides administration significantly increased glycogen level and
anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA)
level and creatine kinase activities in rats. Thus, gogi can reduce the
oxidative stress in rats during exhaustive exercise. [9] While, a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-days clinical trial of 34
subjects showed that goji juice reduced fatigue and stress and improved
regularity of gastrointestinal function. [8]
Aglucopyranoside and phenolic amides isolated from wolfberry rook bark
are found to have activities against pathogenic bacteria and fungi in vitro
studies. [A] Lycium barbarum polysaccharide was shown in vitro to inhibit
the growth of human leukemia HL-60 cells. [4] A study of 79 advanced
cancer patient s demonstrated that Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides
could enhance the anti-cancer effect of a chemotherapy on patients
suffered from malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal
carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, malignant
hydrothorax. [1]
A study of estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 model suggested the use of
gogi as an anti-cancer agent for estrogen receptor positive human breast
cancer. It may also have less side effects compared with certain types of
chemotherapy. [7]
Side Effects of Wolfberry or Goji
Prolonged large intake of wolfberry tea has been reported to increase
bleeding. An in vitro study suggests that it may interact with warfarin. [10]
Atropine, a toxic alkaloid, is also found in wolfberry fruit, but its normal
concentration in the berries is far below the toxic level. [A] If you are on
medicine, you must consult with your doctor about the side effects of
wolfberry and the potential interaction, before taking any wolfberry
products including goji juice.
Reference:
[A] Wikipedia, August 2009 [1] Cao GW, Yang WG, Du P. Observation of
the effects of LAK/IL-2 therapy combining with Lycium barbarum
polysaccharides in the treatment of 75 cancer patients. Zhonghua Zhong
Liu Za Zhi. 1994 Nov;16(6):428-31. [2] Huang L, Lin Y, Tian G, Ji G.
Isolation, purification and physico-chemical properties of immunoactive
constituents from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998
Jul;33(7):512-6. [3] Xie C, Xu LZ, Li XM, Li KM, Zhao BH, Yang SL. Studies
on chemical constituents in fruit of Lycium barbarum L. Zhongguo Zhong
Yao Za Zhi. 2001 May;26(5):323-4. [4] Gan L, Wang J, Zhang S. Inhibition
the growth of human leukemia cells by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2001 Nov;30(6):333-5. [5] Ho YS, Yu MS, Yik SY, So
KF, Yuen WH, Chang RC. Polysaccharides from Wolfberry Antagonizes
Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Rat Cortical Neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2009
Jun 5. [6] Lin CL, Wang CC, Chang SC, Inbaraj BS, Chen BH.
Antioxidative activity of polysaccharide fractions isolated from Lycium
barbarum Linnaeus. Int J Biol Macromol. 2009 Aug 1;45(2):146-51. Epub
2009 May 3. [7] Li G, Sepkovic DW, Bradlow HL, Telang NT, Wong GY.
Lycium barbarum inhibits growth of estrogen receptor positive human
breast cancer cells by favorably altering estradiol metabolism. Nutr
Cancer. 2009;61(3):408-14. [8] Amagase H, Nance DM. A randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a
standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi. J Altern Complement
Med. 2008 May;14(4):403-12. [9] Niu AJ, Wu JM, Yu DH, Wang R.
Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on oxidative
damage in skeletal muscle of exhaustive exercise rats. Int J Biol Macromol.
2008 Jun 1;42(5):447-9. Epub 2008 Feb 29. [10] Leung H, Hung A, Hui
AC, Chan TY. Warfarin overdose due to the possible effects of Lycium
barbarum L. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1860-2. Epub 2008 Jan
15. [11] Chang RC, So KF. Use of anti-aging herbal medicine, Lycium
barbarum, against aging-associated diseases. What do we know so far?
Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;28(5):643-52. Epub 2007 Aug 21.