What are the characteristics of Goji berries?
The ancients used lycion, probably identified as the juice of the lyciet, to treat eye diseases.
Leclerc and Dorvaux (1948) report the beneficial action of alcoholized leaves in whooping cough and spasmodic cough at a dose of 1g per day. It is also reputed to be an immunostimulant and to protect vision. Leclerc (20th century) considers it to be an antispasmodic and antitussive, without the eye disorders or dry mouth associated with atropine derivatives.
Goji berry(gouqizi) is traditionally used in China to increase longevity and boost sexual tone. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it benefits the liver and kidneys, stimulates vital energy and improves eyesight. Indications include vital energy deficiencies, joint and knee pain, anemia and dementia. The roots are considered a "cooling" agent. Belonging to the same family as belladonna, this solanaceous plant was considered toxic at the beginning of the 20th century, following the work of Siebert (1890), who believed it contained toxic alkaloids. In reality, the plant contains only traces of tropane alkaloids in the leaves and fruit.
In Asia, the berries are added to foods as an ingredient.
- Latin name: Lycium barbarum L.
- Botanical family: Solanaceae
- Productive organ: Fruit
Precautions for use :
- Possible interaction with warfarin and anticoagulants
- Aggravation of liver damage due to ischemia-reperfusion after liver transplantation
Main plant components :
- Polysaccharides (LBPs or Lycium barbarum polysaccharides)
- Flavonoids: quercetol diglycoside, rutoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside
- Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, p-coumaric acid
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), riboflavin (vitamin B2), beta-carotene, iron, zinc, selenium, cerebroside, beta-sitosterol
- Carotenoids: zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, neoxanthin
The berry is listed as a medicinal plant in the French Pharmacopoeia, and has a control monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is an authorized ingredient in dietary supplements in France. It is used as a foodstuff in Asia, and its use is developing in the West.
The exceptional properties of goji berry stem from its rich and varied composition of bioactive nutrients, notably :
- Specific polysaccharides (LBPs): These compounds are at the heart of goji's immunostimulant and antioxidant properties. They play a key role in strengthening the immune system and protecting cells.
- Flavonoids: Powerful antioxidants such as rutoside, quercetol diglycoside and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Phenolic acids: Like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and protect against cell damage.
- Carotenoids: Zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are pigments that support visual health and protect the retina against UV and blue light aggression.
- Vitamins and minerals: Goji berry is a concentrated source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), riboflavin (vitamin B2), iron, zinc and selenium, micronutrients essential for cellular and metabolic health.
Properties and therapeutic indications
Goji berry is particularly renowned for its beneficial effects on vision. This property is attributed to its high content of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that plays a key role in eye health.
- Retinal protection: zeaxanthin, concentrated in the macula of the eye, acts as a natural filter against UV rays and harmful blue light. It protects retinal cells against oxidative damage responsible for disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
- Improved night vision: The specific polysaccharides in goji berries promote the regeneration of rhodopsin, a pigment essential for vision in low-light conditions.
- Prevention of ocular pathologies: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, the berry reduces the risk of retinopathy and other complications linked to aging or oxidative stress.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are at the heart of the berry's immunostimulant properties. These macromolecules play an active role in modulating the immune system:
- Activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes: LBPs stimulate the activity of key immune cells, enhancing the body's ability to detect and eliminate pathogens.
- Increased cytokine production: These signal proteins play a crucial role in communication between immune cells, promoting a coordinated response against infections.
- Reduces chronic inflammation: Goji's anti-inflammatory properties help limit excessive immune reactions, preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
The antioxidants present in goji berries, such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids, play a fundamental role in protecting cells against free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress.
- Cellular protection: Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reducing damage to DNA, lipids and cellular proteins.
- Slowing skin aging: By limiting the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers, these compounds preserve skin firmness and elasticity.
- Prevention of chronic diseases: By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, the berry helps prevent pathologies such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Lycium barbarum is closely linked to liver health.
- Protection against toxins: Goji's polysaccharides and phenolic acids help neutralize toxins and protect liver cells from damage.
- Reduces oxidative stress: Antioxidants protect the liver from free-radical-induced damage, particularly in conditions such as ischemia-reperfusion after liver transplantation.
- Support for liver regeneration: Goji is used to stimulate the regeneration of liver tissue, promoting better detoxification and optimal metabolic function.
Goji berry is considered a general tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, capable of revitalizing body and mind.
- Stimulation of vital energy (Qi): Goji's nutrients, combined with its adaptogenic properties, increase resistance to physical and mental stress, improving stamina and overall vitality.
- Reduced fatigue: By supporting cellular energy production, goji helps reduce chronic fatigue and improve physical performance.
- Improved sexual tone: Traditionally used to boost sexual tone, goji also acts on hormonal health and energy balance.
Goji's bioactive components play a beneficial role in regulating cardiovascular and metabolic functions:
- Improved blood circulation: Flavonoids and carotenoids contribute to the health of blood vessels by strengthening their walls and reducing inflammation.
- Reduction of LDL cholesterol: antioxidants present in goji help reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, thus limiting the accumulation of atheromatous plaques.
- Blood sugar stabilization: Goji's polysaccharides promote optimal blood sugar regulation, useful for people with diabetes or at metabolic risk.
Goji is traditionally used to relieve joint pain and chronic inflammation:
- Reducing joint inflammation: The berry's anti-inflammatory compounds ease pain associated with arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Strengthens connective tissue: Goji's antioxidants and nutrients support the regeneration of joint tissue and cartilage.
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