Can this be an ageless youth tonic? Lycii berry is also known as Wolfberry and Goji berry and at least three other names. Why so many names? I was intrigued so I did a little digging on the history and benefits of this yummy berry which has been used in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese medicine, since the third century AD. What an amazing plant this is!
So many health benefits exist on every part of this plant, and it is considered an immunity boosting energy superfood because it contains polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These powerful antioxidant properties and help support cardiovascular health as well as used for inflammation. The Polysaccharides have important effects in alleviating dry eye disease. According to ancient Chinese Materia Medica, goji berry can be consumed to nourish the liver and kidneys, and to improve vision. (Chien et.al)
As we age, our eyesight deteriorates. Consuming Lycii berries as a supplement increases the antioxidant zeaxanthin which support anti-aging by protecting the retina from the ganglion cells responsible for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss. (Barhum, 2018)
Beta-carotene is abundant in Lycii berries and give the fruit its orange-red color. Beta carotene converts into Vitamin A in the body and is vital for eye health, bone health, skin health, and cell development. When ingested, the Vitamin A from Goji berries, helps promote cell turnover, keeping our skin radiant and even toned.
Dried Lycii berries can be eaten as a healthy snack, and it also is available in powdered and juice forms. I made a Lycii berry glycerite which enhanced the sweetness of this berry and is a pleasant way to enjoy the extract benefits without alcohol. I take it as a supplement to give me an energy boost and to take advantage of the anti-aging properties. I may not be forever young, but I certainly feel it at times. Just another way to be ageless!
Works cited
Barhum, Lana. "What are the Benefits of Goji Berries." Medical News Today, edited by Natalie Butler, RD, LD, Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK,, 7 Aug. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322693#who-should-avoid-them
Lloyd, Bernard, et al. "Forever Young." Forever Young, Downtown Music Publishing, 1984.
Kaung-Jen Chien, Chi-Ting Horng, Yu-Syuan Huang, Yi-Hsien Hsieh, Chau-Jong Wang, Jai-Sing Yang, Chi-Cheng Lu, Fu-An Chen, Effects of Lycium barbarum (goji berry) on dry eye disease in rats
Mol Med Rep. 2018 Jan; 17(1): 809–818. Published online 2017 Nov 3. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7947
PMCID: PMC5780158