Goji - Lycium chinense

Common Names: Goji, Goji berry, wolfberry, Chinese wolfberry, Lycium chinense, Lycium, Matrimony vine, Fructus Lycii, Chinese boxthorn, gou qi zi

Latin Name: Lycium chinense

Origin: Asia

Short Introduction

Goji (Lycium chinense) is a plant native to China and can be grown in temperate regions. It is frost-hardy and can survive cold winters. With the rising popularity of this remarkable plant, more people are interested in cultivating Goji in their own gardens.

Goji plants are available as seedlings, but they can also be easily grown from the small white seeds found inside the red berries. Goji is undemanding when it comes to soil but prefers lighter, sandy soils. Heavy or acidic soils are less suitable. Choose a warm, sunny spot for planting. Space the seedlings about 2 to 2.5 meters apart, and plant them outside in April or May. It is advisable to enrich the soil with compost to ensure sufficient nutrients. If rainfall is scarce, provide adequate watering during the first year.

In the first year, let the plant develop a single main shoot. In the second year, prune the main shoot at about half a meter to encourage lateral branching. Shape and trim the shrub regularly over the years to ensure sufficient sunlight reaches the fruit. Prune Goji in the same way as gooseberry bushes.

Goji berries start to ripen in the second or third year. While it’s possible to harvest some fruit in temperate climates, do not expect large yields.

Detailed Description

Goji, celebrated as the 'fruit of longevity,' is often considered one of the most nutritious fruits on earth.

Botanical Information

Lycium chinense, commonly known as Goji, is a frost-resistant, deciduous, thorny shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. It belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The plant features arching branches with small leaves. Its flowers are bisexual, star-shaped, small, and display white to purple hues, blooming from June through August. Goji starts producing bright orange-red berries in its second or third year. Since the fruits ripen late in the season, it is recommended to plant Goji in sunny, warm spots to ensure proper maturation. The berries, resembling rose hips, are sweet and delicious. Only ripe fruits, rich in nutrients and vitamins and uniquely bioavailable, are harvested.

Origin and Distribution

Goji originates from the Himalayan foothills. Its native range includes southern China, particularly the provinces of Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu, as well as Tibet and Manchuria. The name 'goji' is thought to be derived from the Gojal region, where Goji plants have long thrived. The berry's cultivation later spread throughout Asia, with Ningxia, China, recognized as the premier region producing the highest quality Goji berries worldwide.

Commercial cultivation is centered in China, the world's largest producer, but has expanded to Japan, Korea, Central and South Asia, India, and Indonesia. Recently, there have been more attempts to grow Goji in Europe, especially in southern countries with favorable climates. However, large-scale commercial growing is limited and in Europe, Lycium barbarum (a close relative of Lycium chinense) is more common, often found growing wild near railroads or planted as hedges. Global demand and prices for Goji berries are steadily increasing each year.

Usage / Dosage

In regions where Goji is a dietary staple, locals are said to enjoy unusually long lifespans. In traditional Chinese medicine, Goji is revered as a source of vitality and longevity and is valued for its fortifying effects and immune system support. While tales of lifespans exceeding 200 or 300 years are likely exaggerated, Goji remains recognized as a tonifying, strengthening food that promotes health.

The earliest written records of Goji use date back to the reign of Emperor Shen-Nung (2737–2697 BC), who classified its root among exceptional medicinal woods. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it was prescribed for skin disorders and rheumatism. The physician Li Shizhen (1518–1593) also credited Goji wine with contributing to the longevity of the villagers of Nan-Qiu.

The strengthening benefits of Goji are particularly valued during times of increased susceptibility to illness or weakened immunity. It is especially recommended for the elderly, athletes, or anyone under physical stress.

Goji is believed to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It is renowned for improving eye health, specifically enhancing night vision and reducing poor sight at dusk, making it useful even for conjunctivitis. Regular consumption is expected to benefit vision.

The berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which guard against and reduce the risk of cellular damage caused by free radicals—a key factor in aging. Consumption of Goji can slow the aging process of the skin and other organs. Goji also supports the production of red and white blood cells, making it helpful for anemia and strengthening immunity. Positive effects on allergic conditions have also been reported. Its rich nutrient content helps strengthen tendons, nails, and hair.

In China, Goji is linked to enhanced fertility, earning it the nickname “marriage wine.” It also benefits the urinary and reproductive systems and is thought to promote liver cell regeneration. Regular consumption is said to improve kidney and liver functions and, in 80% of cases, to alkalize and purify the blood.

Goji may be enjoyed as a nutritious snack or used to supplement vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.

Active Compounds

Goji berries are a potent natural source of nutrients with unusually high bioavailability and absorbability.

The fruits contain 18 amino acids (out of 20 found in nature). They are an excellent source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, in amounts greater than those found in carrots. Goji is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and E. Lycium polysaccharides in the fruit deliver antioxidant and immune-stimulating effects. Another identified polysaccharide stimulates growth hormone secretion. Betaine helps retain water in cells, preventing dehydration, and supports enzymatic processes for protein digestion, aiding good digestion.

Goji also contains 21 trace minerals, including iron (approx. 11 mg/100 g), calcium, zinc, copper, selenium, phosphorus, and germanium. It is also a source of linoleic acid (supports cholesterol management), palmitic and myristic acids, beta-sitosterol, sesquiterpenoids, and tetraterpenoids.

Traditional Dosage

Goji berries are most commonly eaten fresh. They can be added to foods such as yogurt, salads, baked goods, or muesli. In China, the berries are used fresh, dried, pickled, or as an ingredient in cooked dishes and soups. Traditional uses include Goji berry or leaf tea and Goji wine. In the West, dried berries and juice are most common.

The recommended dosage is a handful of berries daily (20–50g), divided into three servings. The size of the handful serves as a universal measure for all family members (for children, a child's handful is used).

Warning: Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. The body will attempt to eliminate excess nutrients and minerals. In case of diarrhea, pause consumption or reduce the dosage.