The Goji super berry
Some foods deliver more than just nutritional value and are believed to have disease-fighting and regenerative properties. Edible berries fall into this category; none more so than the Wolfberry, commercially known as the Goji berry. These berries have played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2000 years. They are believed, among other things, to strengthen the immune system, help eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm count and improve circulation. Another traditional property of the Goji fruit is the enhancement of skin complexion. It is also claimed that the berries have anti-aging properties. Leaves from the Lycium plant can be used to make tea and Lycium root bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and some types of skin diseases.
Goji berry is the common name for the fruit of two very closely related plants; Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, two species of boxthorn in the family Solanaceae (which also includes the tomato, potato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco and deadly nightshade). Goji berries currently grow in many parts of the world.
Goji species are deciduous woody perennial plants, growing 1 to 3 meters high. The berry, which is about 2 centimeters in diameter has a mild, sweet liquorice flavor. Most of the Goji berries sold in stores are cultivated in China, but they also grow in Mongolia and on vines in the sheltered Himalayan valleys of Tibet and Nepal. They can be dried, eaten raw, or brewed into a tea.
The Goji berry has been grown as an ornamental and edible plant in the UK for nearly 300 years. In 2007, the UK Food Standards Agency removed the fruit from the Novel Foods list. It is now legal to sell the Goji berry in the UK as a food.
Since the early 21st century in the United States and other developed countries, there has been increasing recognition of Goji berries for their nutritional richness and antioxidant qualities. These berries are almost never found in their fresh form outside of their production regions, and are usually sold in open boxes and small packages as a dried fruit. The amount of desiccation varies; some are soft and a little sticky, while others may be quite hard. There is now a diverse range of consumer products including Goji juice, whole fruit purée, powder, crunch bars, granola cereals, tea, essential oils derived from seeds and Goji berry extract in capsule form.
Goji berries and antioxidants
The Goji berry has been rated number one on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale by the US Department of Agriculture. The scale was developed to measure the antioxidant levels in foods and, the higher the score, the more potent the food is at fighting the free radicals that damage cells. Goji berries achieved a spectacular 25,300 per 100g on the ORAC scale, while prunes, which came second, had a mere 5,770 per 100g. The berries have 2,000 more antioxidants and 500 times the amount of vitamin C per weight as oranges.
Health benefits of the Goji berry
Goji berries have played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2000 years.
Improving vision with the Goji berry
As mentioned, Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s principal roles in the body is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light. In fact, it is believed that increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
Controlling cholesterol and blood pressure with the Goji berry
Goji berries are believed to combat two key factors implicated in the development of heart disease, namely oxidized cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Cholesterol becomes a health problem when it is oxidized by free radicals and attaches to artery walls as plaques. The body secretes an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD) which combats free radicals. SOD produces antioxidants to prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. Unfortunately, levels of SOD decline with age. Research in China has demonstrated that that the Goji berry can stimulate an increase in the production of SOD, thereby reducing oxidization of cholesterol. Goji berries also contain other antioxidants that decrease oxidation of cholesterol and help to control blood pressure.
Organ maintenance with the Goji berry
Goji berries can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and enhance the liver and digestive system function. The berries contain fatty acids, which can stimulate collagen production and retain moisture, resulting in younger-looking skin.
Improving Sleep with the Goji berry
Goji berries are a rich source of two nutrients, Thiamin (B1) and Magnesium, known to promote healthy sleep.
Boosting energy with the Goji berry
The Goji berry is an ‘adaptogen’, a term used to describe a substance with a combination of therapeutic actions. Goji berries are considered to be a beneficial adaptogen in Asia. The berry is believed to enhance stamina, strength and energy.
Promoting human growth hormone production with the Goji berry
Levels of human growth hormone decline as the body ages. This decline parallels physical deterioration, such as lower levels of energy, muscle wasting and a tendency to store more body fat. Goji berries are believed to boost the secretion of human growth hormone in three ways. The Goji berry is a rich source of l-glutamine and l-arginine, two amino acids which may work together to boost growth hormone levels. A polysaccharide in the Goji berry has been found to act as a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone by the pituitary gland). The berry is a rich source of Potassium, which is vital for health and longevity. Insufficient Potassium can result in reduced secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.
Research on the Goji berry
Several published studies, mainly from China, have reported that Lycium barbarum has possible medicinal properties [1]. These include potential benefits related to cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases [2,3] and vision-related diseases [4] such as AMD and glaucoma [5]. The plant has also been shown to have neuroprotective [6] , anticancer [7] and immunomodulatory properties [8].
However, in the west, none of this research has been scientifically verified, confirmed in clinical studies, or accepted by regulatory authorities.
Side effects of the Goji berry
There has been no reported cases of allergy to the Goji berry, nor any serious or life threatening side effects.
Two published case reports described elderly women who experienced increased bleeding after drinking Goji tea. Studies showed that the tea inhibited Warfarin metabolism, suggesting a possible interaction between Warfarin and undefined phytochemicals in the Goji plant [1,2].
Atropine, a toxic alkaloid, occurs naturally in Goji berry fruit. The atropine concentrations of berries from China and Thailand are variable, with a maximum content of 19 parts per billion, below likely toxic levels.
Nutrient content of the Goji berry
Differences in the degree of berry maturation at the time of harvesting, geographic region where the berries were grown; post-harvest handling and processing; duration of storage; residual water content; and assay preparation can significantly affect individual estimates of nutrient content.
Macronutrients in the Goji berry
Goji berries contain significant amounts of macronutrients, namely, carbohydrates, proteins, fat and dietary fiber. Carbohydrate forms up to 68% of the mass of the dried Goji berry, with around 12% protein, and 10% fiber and fat. The total caloric value in a 100 gram serving is around 370 (kilo) calories.
Micronutrients and phytochemicals in the Goji berry
Goji berries contain a range of nutrients and phytochemicals including:
• 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides
• 5 unsaturated fatty acids including the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid
• beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols
• 5 carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll and zeaxanthin
• numerous phenolic pigments (phenols) associated with antioxidant properties
• 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals
• 18 amino acids
• 6 essential vitamins
How to grow the Goji berry
Although the Goji plant can grow in poor soil, it should be well-drained. It can grow in both semi-shade (light woodland) and full sun. Once the shoots reach 5 to 7centimeters, at about 10 weeks from sowing, their rate of growth increases dramatically. Heights increase is in the region of 150 centimeters a month . The plants will recover from being allowed to dry out and high temperatures do not harm them. They can also survive down to temperatures as low as about -150C and will survive the winter with no protection.
Plant the seedlings in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the tips of the young plants to encourage bushy growth. Small purple and white trumpet flowers appear from June to August. These are followed by small red oval berries from August to October. The berries can be harvested until the first frosts. It is better to shake the berries from the plant than to pick them by hand, as bruising causes the fruit to oxidize and turn black.
Pesticide and fungicide use in the cultivation of the Goji berry
Pesticides are routinely used in the commercial cultivation of Goji berries to protect them against damage by insects. Since the early 21st century, high levels of pyrethroid insecticide and fungicide residues have been detected by the United States Food and Drug Administration in some imported Chinese Goji berries and Goji berry products from China.
Some Western suppliers state that their Goji berries are organically grown when in reality they are not. The Green Certificate claimed by some Goji berry marketers to be the equivalent of the United States Department of Agriculture’s ‘USDA Organic’ seal is in reality an agricultural training program for China’s rural poor. China’s Green Food Standard, administered by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture does permit some pesticide and herbicide use.
Despite some claims that Goji berries sold in the United States, Canada and Europe are organic, there is no evidence for standardized organic certification from the Asian countries where they are commercially grown. Frequently these berries are labeled as Tibetan or Himalayan Goji berries that have been ‘wild crafted’ or ‘wild harvested’. In Tibet fertilizers and pesticides are conventionally used, and Goji berries from this country, or of Himalayan origin, have not been proven to be organically grown.
Enhancement of libido with the Goji berry
Impaired sexual function is often an inevitable part of aging. A diminished sex drive in both men and women can be associated with decreased production of testosterone. Goji berries can help by increasing the secretion of this hormone. In Asia Goji berries are traditionally regarded as a strong sexual tonic. In addition, the berry acts as a general tonic to improve overall stamina, mood and well-being. The berries can also help to decrease stress. All of these benefits are conducive to a healthier sex life.
What is the recommended dosage for the Goji berry?
The Tibetan Medical College in Lhasa recommends 5 to 30 grams of Goji berries as the daily adult dose for general well being.
Several published studies, mainly from China, have reported that Lycium barbarum has possible medicinal properties. These include potential benefits related to cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases [3] and vision-related diseases such as AMD and glaucoma [4]. The plant has also been shown to have neuroprotective [5], anticancer [6,7] and immunomodulatory properties [8].
Related articles:
Weight loss with the Goji Berry
Side Effects of the Goji Berry
References
1. Lam AY, Elmer GW, Mohutsky MA. Possible interaction between warfarin and Lycium barbarum L. Ann Pharmacother. 2001, Oct; 35(10):1199-201.
2. 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):1860-1862.
3. Jia YX, Dong JW, Wu XX, Ma TM, Shi AY (1998). The effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on vascular tension in two-kidney, one clip model of hypertension. Sheng Li Xue Bao 50 (3): 309–314.
4. Chan HC, Chang RC, Koon-Ching Ip A, et al (January 2007). “Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn on protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma”. Exp. Neurol. 203 (1): 269–273.
5. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al (2005). Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp. Gerontol. 40 (8-9): 716–727.
6. Gan L, Hua Zhang S, Liang Yang X, Bi Xu H (April 2004). “Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum”. Int. Immunopharmacol. 4 (4): 563–569.
7. He YL, Ying Y, Xu YL, Su JF, Luo H, Wang HF (September 2005). Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on tumor microenvironment T-lymphocyte subsets and dendritic cells in H22-bearing mice. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao 3 (5): 374–377.
8. Gan L, Hua Zhang S, Liang Yang X, Bi Xu H (April 2004). “Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum”. Int. Immunopharmacol. 4 (4): 563–569.
Common misspellings: Gogi, Goggi, Gogii, Gojii, Goge, Gogee
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