Synopsis

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

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) has a longstanding history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is commonly used to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vitality, and support overall health. Specifically, TCM texts describe goji berry as a "tonic" herb, which means it is often prescribed to individuals suffering from fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite due to deficiency syndromes—conditions thought to arise from a lack of vital energies (Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang). In traditional practice, goji berries might be included in herbal formulas aimed at restoring appetite and digestive strength, especially in those who are weakened by illness or age.

However, scientific studies directly evaluating goji berry’s effect on appetite (particularly deficient appetite) are limited. Some small studies and animal research suggest that goji berries can have adaptogenic and nourishing effects, supporting overall metabolic function and possibly impacting energy levels, but there is minimal clinical evidence specifically linking their use to appetite stimulation in humans. Most references to goji berry’s effect on appetite are grounded in its traditional use as a gentle, restorative tonic rather than robust scientific validation. Thus, while the use of goji berry for deficient appetite is justified by tradition and has a moderate evidence rating based on historical practice, scientific validation remains limited.

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