Natural Products

Goji

Boxthorn, Lycium barbarum, Matrimony Vine

Efficacy

• Used for these indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Blood, liver and kidney tonic
  Cancer
  Diabetes
  Dizziness
  Erectile dysfunction
  Fever
  Hypertension
  Improving circulation
  Malaria
  Ophthalmic disorders
  Strengthen muscles and bone
  Tinnitus
  

Safety

• Risk of Drug Interaction: Moderate
• Adverse effects: Rare

Description

Goji is a Chinese shrub that produces a small red fruit that is believed to prolong life. The dried fruits and the root bark are both used.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

To date, to study has been conducted to prove the benefits of goji.

There is little information on doses but a typical dose of 1 cup of tea per day or more is used. However, the concentration of the tea may vary based on how it is prepared.

Is it safe?

• Few side effects have been associated with goji. Its root bark may cause nausea and vomiting.
• Goji is not recommended for pregnant women as it is an abortifacient. There is no data available on breast-feeding.
• Those suffering from diabetes, hypertension or hypotension should exercise caution when taking goji.
• Goji may increase the effects of diabetes and blood pressure medication. It may also interact with oral anticoagulants such as Coumadin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you are already taking medication, check with your pharmacist to see whether it is compatible with goji before ingesting.

References

1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007