INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT

Goji Berry/Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ 枸杞子

Lycium barbarum — the kidney-liver-yin tonic berry of TCM,
grown on the alkaline soils of Ningxia for over 2,000 years.

FORMULA ROLE

Why LunarSip uses it.

Goji berry appears in LunarSip’s Ginseng Eight Treasure Tea as a mellow fruit-based herb traditionally associated with daily nourishment and balance. It softens the stronger character of ginseng and cistanche while adding natural sweetness to the formula. LunarSip uses goji berry to help the tea feel suitable for a repeatable daily ritual rather than a sharp stimulant drink.

HOW IT'S USED

The red jewel of Ningxia.

In Chinese herbal practices, goji is one of the most beloved tonics — both medicine and food. Shennong Ben Cao Jing (~200 CE) documents that long-term use "strengthens muscles and bones, lightens the body, and prevents aging." Li Shizhen's Ben Cao Gang Mu (1578) refined the description: goji "nourishes the kidney and essence, supports the liver and brightens the eyes." It is the most commonly used Yin-tonifying berry in Chinese herbal practice today.

In Western herbal traditions, Lycium barbarum is studied for its polysaccharides (LBP), carotenoids (notably zeaxanthin and lutein), polyphenols, and betaine. Modern pharmacology has examined antioxidant, immune-modulating, neuroprotective, and ocular-supportive activities. Goji's zeaxanthin content is among the highest of any commonly consumed food — a property linked to macular pigment density in the eye.

THE EVIDENCE

What the research says.

Backed by2,000+ peer-reviewed studies on PubMed, goji is one of the most extensively researched herbs in modern phytomedicine.
EVIDENCE-BASED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Goji (Lycium spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

Journal of Dietary Supplements · 2015

The most comprehensive English-language systematic review of goji to date — 14 co-authors consolidating "safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature" using a validated, reproducible grading rationale across clinical trials, pharmacology, interactions, adverse effects, and dosing.

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PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW

Goji (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense): Phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety

Planta Medica · 2010

A foundational review by Olivier Potterat documenting goji fruit proteoglycans with "antioxidative properties and pharmacological activities in the context of age-related diseases." Author flags two case reports of possible interaction withwarfarin— a key safety consideration.

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FUNCTIONAL FOOD REVIEW · 2022

Lycium barbarum (Goji) as functional food: a review of nutrition, phytochemical structure, and biological features

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition · 2022

A 2022 review covering goji's role as a functional food. Research suggests goji polysaccharides act as key bioactives with "antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and glycaemic-regulating properties," while zeaxanthin contributes to ocular health and polyphenols add hepatoprotective effects.

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COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW · 2025

Lycium barbarum (goji berry): A comprehensive review of chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and applications

Food Chemistry · 2025

A recent comprehensive review consolidating decades of goji research across chemistry, bioactivity, and functional-food applications. Authors emphasize zeaxanthin, LBP polysaccharides, and carotenoids as the herb's most studied compounds.

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FOUND HERE

In these LunarSip formulas.

Goji berry appears in four LunarSip teas:
Ginseng Eight Treasure Tea for Men
Ginseng Eight Treasure Tea for Men$34.00
Liver Detox Night Tea
Liver Detox Night Tea$34.00
Five Reds Energy Tea
Five Reds Energy Tea$34.00
Sleep & Calm Herbal Tea
Sleep & Calm Herbal Tea$34.00