Lycium chinense

Goji/Drug Interactions:

  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro, the root bark from Lycium chinense Miller had antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and human pathogenic fungi (33).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In case reports of individuals stabilized on warfarin, Lycium barbarum L. fruit elevated the international normalized ratio (INR) (77; 78). A patient on warfarin presented to the hospital with an elevated INR, as well as symptoms of epistaxis, bruising, and rectal bleeding (79). The patient had recently consumed goji juice for four days, with no other dietary changes. The patient was treated with phytonadione, and goji juice and warfarin were discontinued, resulting in a decrease in the INR over two days.
  • Antidepressants: MAOIsAntidepressants: MAOIs: In vitro, Lycium chinense inhibited MAO-B (60).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In animal research, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma glucose and 30-minute postprandial glucose levels (16; 15; 20; 50).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, an ethyl acetate extract of the root bark of Lycium chinense Miller had an antifungal effect (31; 33).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In animal research, Lycium constituents had antihypertensive effects (17). However, in human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (49).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal research, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides (16; 20).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro and in animal research, Lycium barbarum had antineoplastic effects (90; 21; 14; 91; 13; 12; 30; 92; 93).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Lycium fruit had antiviral activity (94).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In vitro, Lycium barbarum had cardioprotective activity (54).
  • Cognitive improvement agentsCognitive improvement agents: In human research, GoChiT improved mental acuity (87).
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: In vitro, a tea of L. barbarum L. weakly inhibited S-warfarin metabolism by CYP2C9 (77).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In a case report, it was determined that goji was responsible for a pruriginous eruption on sun-exposed areas of the skin (80). In vitro, a combination of Himalayan actives including goji berries attenuated ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cell apoptosis of skin organ epidermis and decreased TNF-alpha secretion (95). In human research, topical application reduced wrinkle depth (95).
  • Exercise agentsExercise agents: In human research, L. barbarum increased VO2 (48).
  • HepatotoxinsHepatotoxins: In animal research, Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae) had hepatoprotective effects and decreased levels of serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (58).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, Lycium barbarum regulated and increased the secretion of male sexual hormones (3).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In human research, results from available randomized controlled trials suggested that wolfberry alters immune response, such as enhancing the capacity to respond to antigenic challenge (86) and increasing the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G (85; 86). In animal research, Lycium had immunostimulatory activity (96; 21; 22).
  • Insulin preparationsInsulin preparations: In animal research, Lycium barbarum significantly increased insulin sensitivity (16).
  • InterleukinsInterleukins: In patients with advanced cancer, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides administered in conjunction with LAK/IL-2 increased NK and LAK cell activity (97).
  • Ophthalmic agentsOphthalmic agents: In human research, a combination product containing goji was found to improve xerophthalmia in postmenopausal women (98). In human research, Lacto-Wolfberry (a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji) prevented effects on pigmentation and soft drusen count in the macula in elderly subjects (99). In human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on eye fatigue or vision (49).
  • Osteoporosis drugsOsteoporosis drugs: In laboratory research, a water extract of Lycium chinense stimulated osteoblast proliferation and inhibited osteoclast formation (63).
  • Respiratory agentsRespiratory agents: In human research, GoChiT improved shortness of breath (87)
  • SedativesSedatives: In human research, GoChiT improved the ease of awakening and sleep quality, as well as fatigue (87; 49).
  • Weight loss agentsWeight loss agents: In a clinical trial of GoChiT fruit juice, the juice resulted in an increased reduction in waist circumference, but not a reduction in body weight, in subjects that were also exercising (48). In human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat (49).

    • Goji/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, the root bark from Lycium chinense Miller had antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and human pathogenic fungi (33).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In case reports of individuals stabilized on warfarin, Lycium barbarum L. fruit elevated the international normalized ratio (INR) (77; 78). A patient on warfarin presented to the hospital with an elevated INR, as well as symptoms of epistaxis, bruising, and rectal bleeding (79). The patient had recently consumed goji juice for four days, with no other dietary changes. The patient was treated with phytonadione, and goji juice and warfarin were discontinued, resulting in a decrease in the INR over two days.
  • Antidepressants: MAOIsAntidepressants: MAOIs: In vitro, Lycium chinense inhibited MAO-B (60).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, an ethyl acetate extract of the root bark of Lycium chinense Miller had an antifungal effect (31; 33).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal research, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides (16; 20).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro and in animal research, Lycium barbarum had antineoplastic effects (90; 21; 14; 91; 13; 12; 30; 92; 93).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In human research, goji increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (100). In human research, Lacto-Wolfberry (a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji) increased plasma zeaxanthin levels and the antioxidant capacity (99). In animal research, wolfberry resulted in an increase in serum antioxidant activity (92).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Lycium fruit had antiviral activity (94).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In vitro, Lycium barbarum had cardioprotective activity (54).
  • Cognitive improvement agentsCognitive improvement agents: In human research, GoChiT improved mental acuity (87).
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: In vitro, a tea of L. barbarum L. weakly inhibited S-warfarin metabolism by CYP2C9 (77).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In a case report, it was determined that goji was responsible for a pruriginous eruption on sun-exposed areas of the skin (80). In vitro, a combination of Himalayan actives including goji berries attenuated UVB-induced cell apoptosis of skin organ epidermis and decreased TNF-alpha secretion (95). In human research, topical application reduced wrinkle depth (95).
  • Exercise agentsExercise agents: In human research, L. barbarum increased VO2 (48).
  • Hepatotoxic herbsHepatotoxic herbs: In animal research, Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae) had hepatoprotective effects and decreased levels of serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (58).
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: In vitro, Lycium barbarum regulated and increased the secretion of male sexual hormones (3).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In animal research, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma glucose and 30-minute postprandial glucose levels (16; 15; 20; 50).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, Lycium constituents had antihypertensive effects (17). However, in human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (49).
  • ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: In human research, results from available randomized controlled trials suggested that wolfberry alters immune response, such as enhancing the capacity to respond to antigenic challenge (86) and increasing the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G (85; 86). In animal research, Lycium had immunostimulatory activity (96; 21; 22).
  • IronIron: In animal research, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP-4) increased the level of iron in muscle and bone (89).
  • Ophthalmic agentsOphthalmic agents: In human research, a combination product containing goji was found to improve xerophthalmia in postmenopausal women (98). In human research, Lacto-Wolfberry (a proprietary milk-based formulation of goji) prevented effects on pigmentation and soft drusen count in the macula in elderly subjects (99). In human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on eye fatigue or vision (49).
  • Osteoporosis agentsOsteoporosis agents: In laboratory research, a water extract of Lycium chinense stimulated osteoblast proliferation and inhibited osteoclast formation (63).
  • Respiratory agentsRespiratory agents: In human research, GoChiT improved shortness of breath (87)
  • SedativesSedatives: In human research, GoChiT improved the ease of awakening and sleep quality, as well as fatigue (87; 49).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. contains 0.5% of a novel stable precursor of ascorbic acid, which could theoretically increase serum ascorbic acid levels (101; 102).
  • Weight loss agentsWeight loss agents: In a clinical trial of GoChiT fruit juice, the juice resulted in an increased reduction in waist circumference, but not a reduction in body weight, in subjects that were also exercising (48). In human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on body weight, BMI, and body fat (49).
  • ZeaxanthinZeaxanthin: In healthy volunteers, goji increased plasma zeaxanthin levels (103; 104; 99; 7).
  • ZincZinc: In animal research, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP-4) increased the level of zinc in muscle and bone (89).

    • Goji/Food Interactions:

  • Iron-containing foodsIron-containing foods: When fed to weanling mice, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP-4) enhanced the content of zinc and iron in pygal muscles and femora and reduced their body weight (89).
  • Vitamin C-containing foodsVitamin C-containing foods: The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. contains 0.5% of a novel stable precursor of ascorbic acid, which could theoretically increase serum ascorbic acid levels (101; 102).
  • Zinc-containing foodsZinc-containing foods: In animal research, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP-4) increased the level of zinc in muscle and bone (89).

    • Goji/Lab Interactions:

  • Antibodies (serum)Antibodies (serum): In animal research, Lycium increased serum IgA and IgG levels (96). In human research, results from available randomized controlled trials suggest that wolfberry alters immune response, such as increasing the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G (85; 86)
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal research, Lycium constituents had antihypertensive effects (17). However, in human research, GoChiT lacked a statistically significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (49).
  • CytokinesCytokines: In human research, results from available randomized controlled trials suggest that wolfberry alters immune response, such as increasing the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G (85). In animal research, wolfberry decreased IL-5 and GRO/KC (IL-8 rat homologue) (92).
  • INRINR: In case reports of individuals stabilized on warfarin, Lycium barbarum L. fruit elevated the international normalized ratio (INR) (77; 78; 79).
  • InsulinInsulin: In animal research, Lycium barbarum increased insulin sensitivity (16).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: In animal research, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides (16; 20).
  • Liver panelLiver panel: In animal research, Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae) had hepatoprotective effects and decreased levels of serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (58).
  • Platelet countsPlatelet counts: In chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive and irradiated mice, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide enhanced peripheral platelet counts (12; 65).
  • Red blood cell countsRed blood cell counts: In chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive and irradiated mice, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide enhanced peripheral red blood cell counts (12; 65).
  • Serum ascorbic acid levelsSerum ascorbic acid levels: The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. contains 0.5% of a novel stable precursor of ascorbic acid, which could theoretically increase serum ascorbic acid levels (101; 102).
  • Serum glucose levelsSerum glucose levels: In animal study, Lycium barbarum decreased plasma glucose and 30-minute postprandial glucose levels (16; 15; 20; 50).
  • Serum hormone levelsSerum hormone levels: In vitro, Lycium barbarum regulated and increased secretion of male sexual hormones (3).
  • Serum levels of cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsSerum levels of cytochrome P450-metabolized agents: In vitro, a tea of L. barbarum L. weakly inhibited S-warfarin metabolism by CYP2C9 (77).
  • T cell countsT cell counts: In animal research, Lycium barbarum polysaccharide significantly increased the numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells (22). In human research, results from available randomized controlled trials suggest that wolfberry alters immune response, such as increasing the number of lymphocytes and levels of interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G (85)
  • White blood cell countsWhite blood cell counts: In irradiated mice, intraperitoneal Lycium chinense root increased leukocyte counts (65).
  • Zeaxanthin levelsZeaxanthin levels: In healthy volunteers, goji increased plasma zeaxanthin levels (103; 104; 99; 7).

    • Goji/Other Interactions:

  • Radiation therapyRadiation therapy: In animal research, a combination of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide and radiation had radiosensitizing effects (25).