Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ · Goji Berry
Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ (枸杞子, Goji Berry) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Yin Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, Benefit Eyes, Moisten Lungs.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ
- Characters
- 枸杞子
- Botanical name
- Lycium barbarum L.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Part used
- Fruit
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Kidney, Liver, Lung
- Category
- Yin Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Mongolia
Actions according to tradition
- Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin
- Benefit Eyes
- Moisten Lungs
- Tonify Essence
Traditional uses
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency
- Blurred vision and floaters
- Sore lower back and weak legs
- Nocturnal emission
- Consumptive cough
Studied effects and current applications
- Improves vision
- Supports immune function
- Increases longevity
- Enhances sexual function
- Protects liver
- Anti-aging
Applications under investigation
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetes complications
- Immune support
- Male infertility
- Anti-aging
- Athletic recovery
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Warfarin use (increases INR)
- Hypotension
Relative contraindications
- Diabetes (monitor blood sugar)
- Spleen deficiency with dampness
- Pregnancy
- Generally considered safe in moderation.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe to consume while breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe for children in appropriate amounts.
- Older adults
- Generally safe; monitor blood pressure
Possible adverse effects
- Digestive upset
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
When to stop
- On warfarin (consult doctor)
- Low blood pressure symptoms
- Digestive upset
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin | Severe | Significantly increases INR and bleeding risk Avoid combination. Multiple case reports of interaction |
| Antihypertensives | ACE inhibitors | Moderate | May lower blood pressure Monitor blood pressure |
| Diabetes medications | Insulin, Metformin | Moderate | May lower blood sugar Monitor blood glucose |
Reference dose
- Dried
- 6-18 grams daily (1-3 tablespoons)
- Juice
- 30-120 ml daily
- Extract
- 100-300 mg standardized extract daily
- Fresh
- 10-30 grams
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 3-6 months
- Maximum
- Long-term use traditionally practiced
- Children
- Safe for children. Traditionally given as tonic food.
Forms of preparation
Eat 1-3 tablespoons (10-30g) dried berries daily as snack or add to meals.
Convenience, whole food nutrition
Steep 1-2 tablespoons berries in hot water 5-10 min. Drink tea and eat berries.
Eye health, daily tonic
Add 10-20g to soups or congee. Cook 30-60 min.
Traditional preparation, family meals
Add 1-2 tablespoons to smoothies.
Quick absorption, convenience
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Lycium polysaccharides (LBP), zeaxanthin and betaine
Conjugated heteropolysaccharides · Immunomodulator, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic
AMPK activation, retina protection (ganglion cells), TLR4 modulation · 20-40% in aqueous extract
Xanthophyll carotenoid · Eye protector (macular), antioxidant
Blue light filtration, radical capture in the macula, retinal oxidative stress reduction · 0.03-0.5% in dried berry
Carotene (vitamin A precursor) · Antioxidant, eye protector, immunostimulant
Singlet oxygen uptake, conversion to vitamin A · 0.1-0.3%
Derived amino acid · Hepatoprotective, homocysteine reducer, osmoprotector
Methyl group donor, methionine cycle regulation · 1-3%
Vitamin · Antioxidant, immunostimulant
Electron donor, collagen cofactor · 148mg/100g in fresh berry
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Summer-autumn (July-October), multiple annual harvests
Berries picked by hand when they acquire a bright red color and firm consistency. They should not be overripe. The best production areas are Ningxia (宁夏) and Gansu. They are dried in shade first and then in soft sun.
Ripe berries spread on trays, dried first in the shade for 3-4 days to wrinkle evenly, then in gentle sun or controlled heat (do not exceed 40°C to preserve zeaxanthin and betaine). DO NOT dry in direct sunlight (it discolors and reduces antioxidant activity).
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
