Evidence supporting the use of: Lycium
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lycium (commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including in formulas intended to support women’s health during menopause. In TCM, Lycium is believed to nourish the yin, tonify the liver and kidneys, and support overall vitality—functions thought to be disrupted during menopause, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue. Historical texts and modern TCM practice include Lycium as part of multi-herb preparations for menopausal symptom management.
However, scientific evidence specifically supporting Lycium’s effectiveness for menopause is limited. Most available research has examined its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-aging effects in general populations or animal models, and not in menopausal women. A few small studies suggest potential benefits for metabolic health and mood, but these are preliminary and not menopause-specific. Thus, while traditional use is well documented, robust clinical trials directly evaluating Lycium for menopausal symptoms are lacking.
In summary, Lycium’s use for menopause is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than solid scientific validation. Those considering its use should consult healthcare professionals, especially as part of a broader strategy for managing menopausal symptoms.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Lycium
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bloodshot Eyes
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Mood Swings
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Psoriasis
Stress