Lycium barbarum
What's the taxonomical classification of Lycium barbarum?
Lycium barbarum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this botanical lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its hierarchical descent, the plant is organized under the order Solanales and falls within the family Solanaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lycium and the species barbarum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
| Species | barbarum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Lycium barbarum has perennial, woody, deciduous shrub stems that typically reach heights of two to three meters and feature small, ovate to lanceolate leaves arranged alternately along the branches. These leaves are generally bright green and measure between ten and twenty-five millimeters in length. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are typically violet or purplish with darker veins. Following pollination, it develops elongated, red, fleshy berries that are the primary harvestable fruit. The stems often exhibit sharp, small spines at the nodes, which is a characteristic feature of the species.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of northern and western China, specifically within the Ningxia, Gansu, and Xinjiang provinces. It thrives in dry, sandy soils where sunlight is abundant and temperatures are relatively high. While its primary cultivation is centered in these East Asian territories, it has been introduced to various other parts of the world for medicinal and agricultural use. Some populations can now be found in parts of North America and Europe due to human intervention. These global distributions are typically limited to climates that mimic its original steppe and desert habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry, requires well-drained sandy or loamy soil and full sunlight to produce its characteristic bright red fruits.
Growers typically plant these perennial shrubs in temperate climates where they can establish deep root systems. Regular irrigation is necessary during the dry summer months to ensure consistent fruit development and prevent stress. Maintaining a balanced nitrogen level in the soil helps promote vigorous vegetative growth and healthy stem structure.
Pruning the branches annually can significantly increase yield by improving airflow and sunlight penetration within the canopy.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Lycium barbarum is utilized medicinally through its berries, fruit, leaves, roots, and seeds. The bright red fruit, commonly known as goji berries, is the most widely consumed part for its antioxidant properties. While the berries are the primary focus, the leaves are sometimes used in traditional remedies to treat fever or inflammation. The roots can be processed into decoctions to support various internal health functions. Additionally, the seeds may be incorporated into specific preparations depending on the traditional application.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", Lycium barbarum is used for its health-promoting effects due to the nutritional richness in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant metabolites of its fruits. Fresh fruits contain kaempferol, caffeic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamic acid and 5-hydroxyferulic acid. Rutin and chlorogenic acid were detected in the leaves and flowers of the plant. A previously undescribed N,N-dicaffeoylspearmidine derivative was identified specifically in the flowers. Additionally, N-feruloyltyramine derivatives are the major bioactive molecules found in the stems.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- berries
- fruit
- leaves
- roots
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Lycium barbarum, has been utilized for centuries within Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan Medicine to enhance vitality and treat various ailments. In the Chinese tradition, the bright red berries are frequently prepared as tonics to support kidney and liver functions. Tibetan practitioners often incorporate the fruit into holistic remedies aimed at balancing bodily energies and strengthening the immune system. Historical records suggest that these berries were valued for their ability to nourish the blood and improve visual acuity. This long-standing medicinal history underscores the plant's cultural importance across diverse Asian healing traditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. have been used as a traditional medicinal food of Tibetans to alleviate fatigue caused by oxygen deficiency for thousands of years. The fruits were collected from Haixi national municipality of Mongol and Tibetan at an altitude of 3100 m (N 36.32°, E98.11°) in Qinghai, China. In the study, LBWP was orally administered to mice at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg once daily for 15 days. The LBWP group showed increased spleen indices at the 200 mg/kg dosage. The anti-fatigue effects of LBWP were demonstrated in lower doses compared to other plants and were much better at the same dosage.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Tibetan Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Lycium barbarum?
This plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-diabetic pharmacological activities that contribute to its therapeutic potential. The presence of bioactive polysaccharides and carotenoids helps neutralize free radicals to prevent cellular oxidative damage. These compounds also mitigate systemic inflammation and support liver health by protecting hepatocytes from chemical injury. Furthermore, the plant enhances immune system responses through complex modulation of white blood cell activity. Finally, its ability to regulate glucose metabolism provides significant benefits for managing diabetic conditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Lycium barbarum has long been employed for its anti-aging, vision-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. A major bioactive glycoconjugate isolated from this plant, Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGP), possesses documented antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. LbGP supplementation significantly promoted follicular development, enhanced oocyte maturation competence, and improved subsequent early embryonic potential in aged mice. Mechanistically, LbGP restored mitochondrial function in aged ooceytes by activating PPAR signaling pathways, which led to reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and DNA damage. Furthermore, LbGP systemically remodeled the aged ovarian microenvironment by increasing functional granulosa cell populations and reducing pro-inflamatory immune cells.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- hepatoprotective
- immunomodulatory
- anti-diabetic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds including Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, all-trans-β-carotene, all-trans-zeaxanthin, kaempferol, and lyciumamides L-N. These bioactive substances contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant and immune-modulating activities. The specific polysaccharides are known for their ability to regulate metabolic processes and enhance cellular defense mechanisms. Carotenoids like all-trans-β-carotene and all-trans-zeaxanthin provide essential support for ocular health and vision protection. Furthermore, the flavonoid kaempferol and the unique lyciumamides L-N offer potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", pure Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs-X) were compared with crude LBPs regarding immunological activity. Lower doses of pure LBPs-X ranging from 5-20 mg/kg.d showed a remarkable effect on immunological enhancement. Especially, LBPs-X at 10 mg/kg.d had a highly significance difference compared with crude LBPs on immune indices in mice. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides demonstrate the best pharmacological effect when administered at the best dose.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Lycium barbarum polysaccharides
- all-trans-β-carotene
- all-trans-zeaxanthin
- lyciumamides L-N
- kaempferol glycosides
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, general eye health, liver diseases, immune system improvement, and vision impairment. The berries of Lycium barbarum contain high concentrations of carotenoids that protect the retina from oxidative damage. Regular consumption may help mitigate symptoms of vision impairment by supporting ocular clarity. Furthermore, the plant contains bioactive compounds that assist in managing various liver diseases. These nutritional properties also contribute significantly to immune system improvement by strengthening the body's natural defenses.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Lycium barbarum polysaccharides exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects. These polysaccharides are used to address the damage to the blood-retina barrier that occurs during retinal illnesses. Specific conditions mentioned in the context of retinal disease include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. The plant helps alleviate these retinal diseases by repairing blood-retina barrier dysfunction. This process involves modulating pathological factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and autophagy.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- 1. eye health
- 2. liver diseases
- 3. immune system improvement
- 4. aging
- 5. diabetes
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create various medicinal herbal preparations including 50% ethanol extract, Lycium barbarum polyphenols, dried goji berry pulp, fruit juice, and water decoction. These diverse forms allow for different methods of extracting bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. The 50% ethanol extract and isolated polyphenols are often used in concentrated laboratory or pharmaceutical applications. In contrast, the dried goji berry pulp and fruit juice serve as more traditional dietary supplements. Finally, the water decoction is a common method for preparing a tea-like infusion to release soluble nutrients.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Lycium barbarum L. produces polyphenols (LBP) that were extracted and purified to evaluate their mechanism in alleviating NAFLD. The main active components identified in LBP include rutin, astragaloside, isoquercitrin, luteolin, and 4-coumaric acid. In a study where LBP was administered over 10 weeks, it significantly reduced levels of inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6. LBP also restored levels of SOD, MPO, GST, and GSH-Px in the liver and colon. Furthermore, LBP improved dysregulated intestinal flora by affecting microorganisms such as Paramuribaculum, Muribaculaceae, Eisenbergiell, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia. These polyphenols work by regulating the methionine cycle through direct interactions with enzymes MAT1A and MAT2A.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 50% ethanol extract
- Lycium barbarum polyphenols
- dried goji berry pulp
- fruit juice
- water decoction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health side effects including dangerous drug interactions with warfarin and potential complications regarding radiation injury. Consuming Lycium barbarum while taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on coagulation. Furthermore, some studies suggest that its antioxidant properties might interfere with the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating cancer. Individuals undergoing medical treatments should exercise caution and consult a physician before use. These adverse reactions highlight the importance of professional guidance when incorporating this berry into a medical regimen.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", there are no signs of toxicity for the plant Lycium barbarum. Investigations into the fruit have focused on Lycium barbarum polysaccharides which show antioxidative properties for age related diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes. The root bark of the plant contains several compounds that demonstrate a hepatoprotective action and inhibitory effects on the rennin/angiotensin system. Although the plant is considered safe, 2 cases of possible interaction with warfarin point to a potential risk of drug interaction. Further investigation is needed before clinical recommendations can be made regarding these products.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- drug interaction with warfarin
- radiation injury
What herbs are paired with Lycium barbarum?
This plant, known as goji berry, is most frequently paired with medicinal herbs like chrysanthemum, jujube, and rehmannia to balance its warming properties.
Combining goji berries with chrysanthemum is a classic remedy used to soothe the eyes and clear heat from the liver. Adding red dates or jujube enhances the tonic effect on the blood and provides a natural sweetness to herbal teas. For deeper kidney support, practitioners often blend these berries with prepared rehmannia root to nourish the essence.
These specific combinations are designed to harmonize the body's internal energy through traditional dietary therapy.