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Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum; wolfberry)
An antioxidant berry rich in zeaxanthin. The cleanest signal is modest improvements in lipid/cardiovascular markers; eye and anti-ageing claims are mostly mechanistic, on a small evidence base.
What the evidence says
Most Goji Berries studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2006–2026.
Based on 26 studies · 5 meta-analyses · 12 RCTs
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
Several meta-analyses and reviews show modest improvements in lipid and cardiovascular markers plus subjective well-being, but the trials are mostly small and the eye/anti-ageing claims rest largely on mechanism and preclinical data.
20 rigorous studies
14 randomized trials · 5 meta-analyses · 1 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Goji Berries is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
4 trials ongoing or recruiting · 13 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
2 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Goji Berries, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Under EU law (Reg. 1924/2006), EFSA reviews whether a specific health claim for Goji Berries meets the evidence standard. These are independent regulatory decisions on claims — not studies, and never counted toward the evidence score above.
“Not authorised” means the specific claim wording did not meet the EU’s evidence standard — often a matter of dossier or phrasing, not proof of no effect. EFSA judges marketing claims and is kept separate from our study-based evidence score.
Source: EU Register of nutrition and health claims (European Commission / EFSA) · register snapshot Feb 2013
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), also called wolfberry, are a nutrient-dense fruit rich in the carotenoid zeaxanthin (relevant to macular/eye health) and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (antioxidant, immune-modulating).
Meta-analyses and reviews suggest modest improvements in lipid and cardiovascular risk markers and subjective well-being, plus a plausible role in supporting macular pigment for eye health. The clinical evidence base is still early-to-moderate, with mostly small trials.
Goji is one of the richest food sources of zeaxanthin, which concentrates in the macula and filters blue light.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides provide antioxidant and immune-modulating effects.
May modestly improve lipid markers and oxidative stress.
Avoid or monitor INR — reported interaction raising bleeding risk.
Limit to culinary amounts; concentrated extracts not well studied.
Case reports of goji raising INR/bleeding risk with warfarin — monitor.
May add mildly to glucose/BP lowering — monitor.
Tip: Reduce amount
Tip: Avoid if allergic to nightshades
Goji Berries has an evidence score of 4.8/10 — emerging evidence based on 25 indexed studies, including 3 meta-analyses. An antioxidant berry rich in zeaxanthin. The cleanest signal is modest improvements in lipid/cardiovascular markers; eye and anti-ageing claims are mostly mechanistic, on a small evidence base. Representative study: PMID 34839399.
The commonly studied dose of Goji Berries is 15-45g dried berries daily, or ~150-300mg standardized Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) extract. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
Timing is flexible for Goji Berries — consistent daily use matters more than the time of day. Eaten as dried fruit or taken as extract with food (zeaxanthin is fat-soluble, so a fat-containing meal aids absorption).
Goji Berries is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. Reported side effects are uncommon and include mild GI upset, allergic reaction. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Use of warfarin (reported interaction); Allergy to goji/nightshade-family plants.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 26 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.