Botanical Overview
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as Goji berry, Chinese boxthorn, or wolfberry, is a member of the Solanaceae family. It is native to China and other regions in East and Central Asia. The plant’s medicinally used parts include the berries, leaves, and roots. Goji berries have a prominent role in traditional Chinese medicine.
Energetics
Lycium barbarum is considered neutral in temperature and moistening in nature. It has sweet and bitter tastes with ascending and outward directionality. The herb is tonifying and strongly supports qi, blood, and body fluids.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Immunomodulatory
- Hepatoprotective
- Neuroprotective
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Immunosuppression
- Poor vision
- Liver dysfunction
Syndromes
- Oxidative stress
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Chronic liver disease
TCM
- Weakness
- Dryness
- Night blindness
- Tinnitus
Syndromes
- Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Qi Deficiency
Ayurveda
No well-supported indications documented.
Unani
No well-supported indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Lycium barbarum contains important phytochemical families including polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and betaines, which contribute to its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried berry 6-18 g daily
- Infusion 2-4 g 1-2 times daily
- Powder 3-6 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated. Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data. Potential interactions with anticoagulants and hypotensive drugs necessitate monitoring. Rare allergic reactions may occur, especially in individuals sensitive to Solanaceae family plants.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers found.
Selected References
- Lycium barbarum L. (Goji Berry): A Review of its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Applications
- Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) – Plants for a Future database
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Dan Bensky et al.)
- Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (Gan et al.)