Goji

Goji is a shrub with edible berries that are often used in dietary supplements and health foods or drinks. The berries and the bark, which are claimed to be beneficial for treating and preventing numerous different medical conditions, contain beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol that might help lower cholesterol) and betaine (a compound that can help lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, and blood clots).

What Is Goji?

Goji is a shrub native to China. It has small, red berries that are edible. Both the berries and the bark are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The berries in particular (and juice made from the berries) have become popular in health foods and drinks. It is said to be beneficial for treating and preventing a variety of different conditions, as well as for promoting longevity.
 
(Click Benefits of Goji for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
 

How Does It Work?

Goji contains a variety of different compounds that may have medicinal activity. Both the bark and the berries contain beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol that might help to lower cholesterol). Both also contain betaine, a compound that can help lower homocysteine levels, which might lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, and blood clots. The bark also contains compounds that may have the following properties:
 
  • Blood pressure-lowering effects
  • Blood sugar-lowering effects
  • Antibacterial properties.
     

Is Goji Effective?

In general, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that goji really is effective for most uses (see
 Does Goji Work? for more information)
.
 

Dosing Information

There is no established standard dosage, although general guidelines may be obtained from traditional usage of various goji products (see Goji Dosage for more information).
 

Side Effects of Goji

There are no side effects that can be clearly attributed to goji. However, this may be because there is a lack of clinical studies with the supplement; there may be side effects that are currently unknown.
 
(Click Goji Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Theoretically, goji may interact with a few medications (see Goji Drug Interactions).
 

Safety Issues With Goji

Normal consumption of goji through food is probably safe for most people. Medicinal use also appears to be safe in many circumstances. Some people may be more likely to experience problems than others. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking goji medicinally if you have:
 
  • Diabetes
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Any chronic or severe medical condition
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Goji Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose of this supplement. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much goji, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Goji Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Goji Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how to best store goji. Keep all medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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