Antioxidant
Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum)
Also known as: Goji berry, Goji berry extract, Lycium barbarum fruit, Chinese wolfberry
Wolfberry (goji berry) is a traditional Chinese fruit rich in polysaccharides, carotenoids, and antioxidants with preliminary evidence for immune support and eye health. Most human studies are small or conducted in Asian populations, limiting generalizability of findings.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Common questions
How much Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) should I take?
The typical range is 1–15 g daily of whole fruit or dried equivalent; 300–500 mg of concentrated extract. Traditional use suggests ongoing supplementation; typical studies range 4–12 weeks
When should I take Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum)?
With meals to optimize absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids. Recommended; fat-soluble nutrient content benefits from dietary fat.
Which form of Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) is best?
Powder extract. Other forms in the catalog: Dried fruit, Concentrated extract, Capsule, Liquid extract.
Is Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) safe?
Commonly reported: Mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals, Rare allergic reactions.
Which Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) supplement scores highest?
Olly Daily Energy, at 73/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Antioxidant support
- Eye health and vision
- Immune function
- Traditional vitality support
How it works
- Polysaccharide and carotenoid-mediated antioxidant activity
- Potential immune cell modulation
- Lutein and zeaxanthin content for ocular protection
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1–15 g daily of whole fruit or dried equivalent; 300–500 mg of concentrated extract
- Timing
- With meals to optimize absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids
- With food
- Recommended; fat-soluble nutrient content benefits from dietary fat
- Duration
- Traditional use suggests ongoing supplementation; typical studies range 4–12 weeks
- Special populations
- Generally recognized as safe in food form; pregnant/nursing women should consult healthcare provider before supplemental use
Forms
- Powder extract· 70/100
- Dried fruit· 70/100
- Concentrated extract· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals
- Rare allergic reactions
Contraindications
- Potential interaction with blood-thinning medications (theoretical; use with caution)
- May cause diarrhea or stomach upset at very high doses
- Caution in individuals with nightshade sensitivity
Products containing Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
See all products →
Evidence notes
Moderate preliminary evidence from small human trials and in vitro studies. Polysaccharide and carotenoid content is well-documented, but clinical efficacy in Western populations remains limited. Most robust data from traditional use and animal models; human RCTs are sparse and often published in regional journals.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Antioxidant
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Wolfberry Extract (Lycium barbarum) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.