Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is known as “gou qi zi.” In TCM, goji berry is believed to nourish the blood, improve vitality, and is often recommended as a tonic for symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue and pallor. The traditional rationale is based on the berry’s purported ability to “enrich yin” and “tonify the liver and kidney,” which are concepts related to blood production and regulation in TCM theory. Goji berries are commonly included in herbal formulas prescribed for individuals with blood deficiency, a syndrome that shares some overlap with the Western concept of anemia.

From a scientific perspective, limited studies have analyzed the potential of goji berry to support anemia. Goji berries contain modest amounts of iron, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, which theoretically could contribute to improved hematological health. Some animal studies have observed increased red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels after administration of goji berry extracts, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, while there is a plausible nutritional basis and some preliminary data, the use of goji berry for anemia is not strongly supported by scientific evidence at this time. The primary justification for its use remains traditional, with some weak supportive evidence from nutritional content and preclinical models.

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