Evidence supporting the use of: Lycium
For the body system: Senses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lycium, commonly known as goji berry or Lycium barbarum, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support various aspects of health, including the “Senses” body system—primarily eyesight. In TCM, Lycium fruit is believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, organs considered integral to eye health and sensory function. Its use for improving vision and protecting the eyes is well-documented in classical Chinese medical texts, where it is frequently included in herbal formulas for blurry vision, diminished visual acuity, and general eye fatigue.

Modern scientific studies do provide some support for the traditional use of Lycium in eye health: animal and limited human studies suggest that Lycium polysaccharides may help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress and age-related degeneration. Some small clinical studies have reported potential benefits in delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but these findings are preliminary and not yet conclusive. The majority of available evidence remains rooted in traditional use, with scientific validation still emerging. Therefore, while Lycium is widely used for supporting sensory health—especially vision—this is primarily based on its traditional application, with a moderate but not robust scientific foundation.

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