Summary
Medicinal plant rich in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant action, used in cases of memory problems. Usually presented in the form of an aqueous extract, berries (fruit eaten directly), or tablets.
names
English name: goji, goji berry, goji berry
Binomial name: Lycium chinense, Lycium barbarum
There are 2 main species of goji berry
French name: goji , baies de Goji , “gou chi zi”, lyciet de Chine, épine du Christ
Name English: wolfberry, goji Berry, mede berry, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn
German name: Gemeine Bocksdorn , Chinesische Wolfsbeere
Italian name: goji , bacche di goji
Spanish name: Goji, Bayas de Goji, Cerezas de Goji, Bayas milagro, Bayas de la happiness
Family
Solanaceae
Constituents
Vitamins (C, E, B1, B5), pro-vitamin A, minerals, trace elements, antioxidant carotenoids (beta-carotene and zeaxanthins), fiber, carotenoids, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol
parts used
Fruit
Effects
Antioxidant, immunostimulant, improves neuropsychological performance (memory), adaptogen
Indications
– Cholesterol (cardiovascular protection)
– Alzheimer’s disease , through its effect on memory (but large-scale studies are still needed to prove the real effects of goji berries on Alzheimer’s disease).
– Prevention of cardiovascular diseases (read notes), such as hypertension (in traditional Chinese medicine)
– Possible prevention of diabetes
Secundary effects
No proven side effects. There is a report of a case with possible hepatotoxicity, but nothing has been proven.
contraindications
During radio or chemotherapy. But as there are no studies with goji in pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, its use is not recommended for these groups.
Interactions
Possible interaction with antivitamin K, such as warfarin or phenprocoumon, as well as other blood thinners.
Preparations
– Goji berry, goji berries (fruit in simple, pure form)
– Juice
Note: in producing countries (eg China) goji berry is often drunk in the form of fresh juice.
– Pills
– Capsules: 500 mg 1 to 3 times a day
Where does it grow?
The goji berry grows in various regions of the world.
To be more precise, the 2 species of goji berry ( Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum ) grow mainly in China and Mongolia, as well as in several other countries (Japan, Nepal, Pakistan…).
When to harvest goji berries?
The goji berry fruits (goji berries) are harvested in late summer or early autumn, when they are ripe.
Comments
– It is interesting to note that goji is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, notably used by Tibetans in the Himalayas. To know the indications in Chinese medicine, consult a specialist in this alternative medicine.
In China and especially in Tibet, the goji berry is used both for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
– Some people think that goji berry tastes similar to cranberry .
– In the west, goji is sometimes used for “anything and everything”, especially in the treatment of cancer, but so far no serious studies have proven its effectiveness for this indication, if not a preventive effect, thanks to the antioxidants found in this fruit. We recommend, of course, always following the doctor’s advice in cases of serious illnesses such as cancer and never self-medicating.
– Goji is considered a metabolic regulatory plant (like ginkgo and ginseng), these plants help the body withstand physical or mental aggression.
– In China, goji leaves are used as a tea (infusion) to improve immunity.
– Goji fruits are rich in vitamin C , more than oranges .
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