Goji berry belongs to the Solanaceae family within the genus: Lycium L. and has a botanical name Lycium barbarum. Goji berry is a small, deciduous, erect, and perennial shrub native to Southeastern Europe and Asia. It is also referred to as Barbary Boxthorn, Box Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Tea plant, Barbary Wolfberry, Common Matrimony-Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Common Matrimony Vine, Goji, Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Duke of Argyll’s Tea plant, Gojiberry, Lycium, Himalayan Goji, Red Medlar, Mede Berry, Wolfberry, Matrimony Vine and Tibetan Goji. The names for Goji berries in different countries are: German: Bocksdorn, Wolfsdorn; Italian: Spina-Santa Di Barberia; Spanish: Mora De La Vista, Cambronera; Korean: Tangkugijanamu, Gu Gi Ja etc.
Goji berries are used in Chinese medicine to help delay the aging process, to strengthen the kidneys and liver, and help eyes. A small study into the health benefits of goji juice found that drinking it every day helped with energy levels, better sleep, ability to focus, and reduced fatigue and stress
Goji berries contain healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation. Goji berries contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, similarly to other berries, including blueberries and raspberries.
Goji berries Quick Facts
Name:
Goji berries
Scientific Name:
Lycium barbarum
Origin
Southeastern Europe and Asia
Colors
Bright orange-red
Shapes
Ellipsoid, Diameter: 1–2 cm
Flesh colors
Red-orange
Taste
Mild taste
Calories
98 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients
Vitamin A (55.71%)
Iron (23.75%)
Carbohydrate (16.60%)
Vitamin C (15.11%)
Dietary Fiber (9.47%)
Goji berry is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with grey-green leaves, purple/blue flowers, and red fruits. It resembles raisins with a nutty flavor. It is mostly found in dried form. Goji berry possesses antioxidants, protein, and vitamin C.
Name
Goji berries
Scientific Name
Lycium barbarum
Native
Southeastern Europe and Asia. Goji was used in China and Tibet for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient and medicinally. But it was introduced in Western countries in recent years.
Common/English Name
Barbary Boxthorn, Box Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Tea plant, Barbary Wolfberry, Common Matrimony-Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Common Matrimony Vine, Goji, Duke Of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Duke Of Argyll’s Tea plant, Gojiberry, Lycium, Himalayan Goji, Red Medlar, Mede Berry, Wolfberry, Matrimony Vine and Tibetan Goji.
Name in Other Languages
Chinese: Di Gu Pi, Ning Xia Gou Qi; Czech: Kustovnice Obecná, Kustovnice Cizí; Danish: Almindelig Bukketorn, Bukketorn; Dutch: Boksdoorn, Goji Bessen; French: Lyciet À Feuilles D’halimus, Lyciet De Barbarie; German: Bocksdorn, Wolfsdorn; Hungarian: Ördögcérna, Semfűsemfa; Icelandic: Laufskála fl étta; India: Murali; Italian: Spina-Santa Di Barberia; Korean: Tangkugijanamu, Gu Gi Ja; Norwegian: Kinabukketorn, Bukketorn; Polish: Kolcowój Szkarłatny; Slovencina: Kustovnica Cudzia; Spanish: Mora De La Vista, Cambronera Swedish: Bredbladigt Bocktörne, Bocktörne; Tibetan: Dre Tsher Ma; Vietnamese: Cẩu Kỷ, Kỷ Tử
Plant Growth Habit
Deciduous, erect, perennial shrub
Growing Climate
Temperate
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Plant Size
1–3 m
Lifespan
4-5 years
Branchlets
Thorny
Leaf
Deciduous, grey-green, lanceolate /ovate, length: 7 cm, breadth: 3.5 cm with rounded or blunted tips
Edible parts of the plants
Fruit: Fruits are consumed raw, dried or fresh, processed into wine, beer, and juice or cooked. It is also added to rice congee. The fruit is used to make herbal tea. Leaves: Leaves are consumed as a potherb or in the form of herbal teas. Seed: The roasted seeds are used as a substitute for coffee.
Flowering Season
Summer
Flower
Purple/blue, bell-shaped or tubular sepals which form short, triangular lobes
Fruit shape & size
Ellipsoid, Diameter: 1–2 cm
Fruit color
Bright orange-red
Flesh color
Red-orange
Flavor/aroma
Combination of cherries, raspberries, and dates
Fruit Taste
Mild taste
Seed
10-60 tiny, yellow
Fruit Season
July – October
Major Nutritions
Vitamin A 390 µg (55.71%)
Iron, Fe 1.9 mg (23.75%)
Carbohydrate 21.58 g (16.60%)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 13.6 mg (15.11%)
Total dietary Fiber 3.6 g (9.47%)
Protein 3.99 g (7.98%)
Threonine 0.1 g (5.68%)
Sodium, Na 83 mg (5.53%)
Calcium, Ca 53 mg (5.30%)
Isoleucine 0.073 g (4.37%)
Valine 0.088 g (4.17%)
Histidine 0.044 g (3.57%)
Leucine 0.128 g (3.46%)
Lysine 0.065 g (1.94%)
Total Fat (lipid) 0.11 g (0.31%)
Health Benefits
Prevent diabetes
Reduce cholesterol
Healthy Body
Prevents cancer
Protects liver
Eliminates free radicals
Protects cardiovascular system
Prevents cell damage
Protects skin
Promotes sleep
Increase sperm quality
Eye health
Calories in 28 gm
98 Kcal.
Traditional uses
Goji is used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce dizziness, back pain, and eyesight.
The root, bark, and berries were used in traditional Oriental medicine to promote good health, improve vision, strengthen the immune system, kidneys, and liver, antiageing, improve sperm production and blood circulation and enhance sexual performance.
It is used as a diuretic, emmenagogue, and antipyretic as well as to treat anemia, diabetes, tinnitus, and lung and liver diseases.
Precautions
Goji berries can have adverse interactions with medication for blood pressure, diabetes or blood thinner warfarin.
The consumption of Goji berries by pregnant or breastfeeding women is unsafe because it possesses a chemical, betaine that leads to miscarriage.
Goji causes an allergic reaction to those who are allergic to peaches, tobacco, nuts, and tomatoes.
How to Eat
It could be eaten raw.
Goji berries are also available in the form of juice.
Goji berries can be brewed as a tea by adding a handful of goji berries to a glass of cold or hot water (or herb tea) and let sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes.
The soaked goji berries could be added to the smoothie.
Goji berries could be mixed with nuts and dried fruit.
It could be used as an addition for hot or cold cereals.
It could be added to scones or muffins like raisins.
Goji berries are also added as an ingredient in soups.
It is also consumed in the form of raw tea or extract.
Other Facts
Goji berries are the richest source of antioxidants and carotenoids.
It provides nutritional iron 15 times more than spinach.
It possesses more Vitamin C per ounce in comparison to orange.
The dried fruit and root bark lower the cholesterol level by preventing the gastrointestinal tract from absorbing cholesterols.
It possesses an anti-inflammatory agent which helps to reduce cholesterol.
Goji berry Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Lycium barbarum
Rank
Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom
Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom
Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision
Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division
Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass
Asteridae
Order
Solanales
Family
Solanaceae (Potato family)
Genus
Lycium L. (Desert-thorn)
Species
Lycium barbarum L. (Matrimony vine)
Synonyms
oberella halimifolia (Mill.) E.H.L.Krause
Jasminoides flaccidum Moench
Lycium barbarum var. auranticarpum K.F.Ching
Lycium barbarum var. barbarum
Lycium halimifolium Mill.
Lycium lanceolatum Veill.
Lycium turbinatum Veill.
Lycium Vulgare Dunal
Terms elliptica Raf.
History
Goji berry was used in China and Tibet for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient and for medicinal purposes. But it was introduced in Western countries in recent years.
Plant
It grows to about 1–3 m tall and bears ellipsoid, about 1–2 cm in diameter fruits. The flowers are purple/blue with bell-shaped or tubular sepals which form short, triangular lobes. They open in the summer season. Leaves are deciduous, grey-green, 7 cm in length and 3.5 cm broad. The branches are thorny. They are rounded or blunted at tips. It is an excellent choice for temperate climates. They perform well in moist, well-drained soils. The plant has a life span of 4-5 years.
Fruit
Goji berry fruits are 1-2 cm in diameter, ellipsoid, and bright orange-red. This fruit flavors the combination of cherries, raspberries, and dates with a mild taste. Each fruit contains 10-60 tiny yellow seeds. The fruits are available from July to October.
Nutritional value
Goji berry is a fruit that possesses all essential amino acids and antioxidants along with a high amount of protein. They also possess vitamin C, carotenoids, and twenty-one minerals, and are rich in fiber. It provides 15 times more amount of iron than spinach. Goji berry is also called a nutritional powerhouse as it contains zinc, calcium, selenium, and others.
Nutritional value of Goji berry
Serving Size: 28 g
Calories 98 Kcal.Calories from Fat 1.00 Kcal.
Proximity
Amount
% DV
Water
2.1 g
Energy
98 Kcal
Energy
409 kJ
Protein
3.99 g
7.98%
Total Fat (lipid)
0.11 g
0.31%
Ash
0.22 g
Carbohydrate
21.58 g
16.60%
Total dietary Fiber
3.6 g
9.47%
Total Sugars
12.77 g
Minerals
Amount
% DV
Iron, Fe
1.9 mg
23.75%
Sodium, Na
83 mg
5.53%
Calcium, Ca
53 mg
5.30%
Vitamins
Amount
% DV
Vitamin A
390 µg
55.71%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
13.6 mg
15.11%
Amino Acids
Amount
% DV
Threonine
0.1 g
5.68%
Isoleucine
0.073 g
4.37%
Valine
0.088 g
4.17%
Histidine
0.044 g
3.57%
Leucine
0.128 g
3.46%
Lysine
0.065 g
1.94%
Methionine
0.024 g
Cystine
0.04 g
Phenylalanine
0.076 g
Tyrosine
0.062 g
Arginine
0.202 g
Alanine
0.195 g
Aspartic acid
0.479 g
Glutamic acid
0.401 g
Glycine
0.085 g
Proline
0.28 g
Serine
0.139 g
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weighing 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2221
Health Benefits of Goji berry
Goji berries possess various anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties which enhance the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to increase longevity and strength. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, C, antioxidants, iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and others. The dried berries assist to strengthen the immune system, improve liver function and protect eyesight.
Prevent diabetes
Diabetes has become one of the most common diseases nowadays. Diabetes can lead to various diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, ocular disease, and stroke. Recent studies show that the fruit extracts of Goji berries contain hypoglycemic properties. It also reports that the use of Goji berries helps to prevent diabetes without any side effects.
Reduce cholesterol
Cholesterol is the main cause of cardiovascular disease and heart diseases. Cholesterol restricts the flow of blood by forming a plaque inside the arteries and blood vessels which makes the heart pump with a force that leads to a weak heart. Recent studies show that Goji berries help to lower the LDL cholesterol level.
Eliminates free radicals
The presence of antioxidants in Goji berries prevents the formation of free radicals in the body because it can damage cells, tissues, cell membranes as well as DNA. The study made on the research reports that the intake of Goji berries reduces the medical conditions associated with the free radicals. The antioxidant also enhances the immune system. (1)
4. Protects the cardiovascular system
When the free radicals attack the heart, it gets weakened. The antioxidant chemicals prevent the heart from damaged by free radicals. Recent studies have shown that the extracts of Goji berry eliminate the free radicals from the heart. (2)
Healthy Body
Goji berry also provides a healthy body and general well-being. The study shows that the intake of Goji berries promotes gastrointestinal functions along with lowering fatigue and stress. It also enhances psychological and neurological performance. (3)
Prevents cancer
The Chinese people use Goji berries to cure cancer besides food. The scientific investigations on the extracts of Goji berry fruit show that it possesses anti-cancer properties. The test on human cancer cells shows that it could prevent the development of cancer cells and also the death of cells. (4)
Prevents cell damage
Free radicals assault the body from the inside and also damage the brain cells and neurons which is the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. This could be treated with the consumption of Goji berry. The extracts of Goji berry possess neuroprotective activity. The research also reports it as preventive medicine that also contains anti-aging activities. (5)
Protects liver
The liver gets damaged in the process of preventing itself from free radicals and physical damage. Goji berry is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for liver diseases. The Goji berry extracts eliminate the free radicals from the liver and possess protective properties. (6)
Protects skin
Ultraviolet radiation leads to damage to the skin as well as cancer which could be reduced by the consumption of Goji berries. The extract of Goji berry prevents skin damage from UV rays. The studies show that Goji berries lower immune suppression and skin inflammation due to the presence of antioxidant properties. (7)
10. Promotes sleep
Goji berry is used in Chinese traditional medicine to reduce stress and promote sleep. The research conducted on humans shows that Goji berry enhances sleep without any side effects. (8)
11. Increase sperm quality
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Goji berry is used as an aphrodisiac. The scientific studies show that an aphrodisiac property lowers the damage to the testes and prevents stress caused by hydrogen peroxide which decreases the semen and sperm quality. (9)
12. Eye health
The presence of antioxidants in Goji berries improves eyesight and prevents the free radicals that cause cataracts, loss of eyesight, and other eye ailments.
Traditional uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, Goji is used to cure back pain, eyesight, and dizziness. Traditional Oriental medicine uses roots, bark, and berries to enhance vision, and good health, strengthen the immune system, kidneys, and liver, antiageing, improve sperm production and blood circulation and enhance sexual performance. It is also used to treat diabetes, tinnitus, Anaemia, and lung and liver diseases.
How to eat
Goji berries could be consumed raw and also available in the form of juice. It can be brewed in form of tea by adding Goji berries to a glass of cold or hot water and letting it remain for 5 to 10 minutes. It could be added to the smoothie by soaking it. It could be mixed with dried fruit and nuts or added like raisins to the hot or cold cereals. Goji berries could be used like raisins for the scones or muffins. It is used as an ingredient in soups.
Precautions
Goji berries may interact with the medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and blood thinner warfarin. Those who are allergic to peaches, tobacco, nuts, and tomatoes, might experience some allergic reactions to Goji berries. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Goji berries because they it possesses chemical, betaine which leads to miscarriage.
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Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices.
