Goji Berry (Wolfberry) and Cancer: Does It Have a Protective Effect?
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Goji berries, known in traditional Chinese medicine as the red fruit of longevity, are the small red fruits of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense . In Turkish, they are also called "kurt üzümü" or colloquially "Kürt üzümü," although these names can sometimes refer to other local plants. Goji originates from China’s Ningxia and Tibet regions and is now cultivated in many countries, including Türkiye.
The plant's fruits, leaves, and roots have been used in traditional medicine to strengthen immunity, support eye health, and slow aging . More recently, it has attracted attention particularly for its antioxidant and anticancer potential.
Biological Components and Chemical Composition
- Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP): The components most responsible for the fruit's biological effects. They stimulate cellular defenses and scavenge free radicals.
- Carotenoids: Particularly rich in zeaxanthin , with protective roles for the eyes and nervous system.
- Flavonoids and phenolic compounds: Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc.
Goji products vary in composition according to growing region, drying method, and extraction technique. Pharmaceutical standardization is therefore poor.
Mechanisms of Action: What Does It Do at the Cellular Level?
Laboratory studies show that goji berry extracts can affect numerous biological processes involved in cancer development:
- Suppressing cell proliferation: LBP reduces DNA synthesis in cancer cells and arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death): Increases tumor-cell death through Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase activation.
- Antiangiogenesis: May inhibit tumor growth by suppressing VEGF, which promotes new blood vessel formation.
- Strengthening the immune system: Increases NK-cell and T-lymphocyte activity.
- Antioxidant defense: Reduces cell damage by increasing the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase.
These effects have been observed particularly in breast, prostate, colon, lung, and liver cancer cells. However, all these findings are specific to the laboratory setting and do not apply directly to humans.
Summary of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
| Level | Study Focus | Result |
|---|---|---|
| In vitro (cell culture) | LBP administration in breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells | Reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis |
| Animal experiments | Tumor growth and immune responses measured in mice | Lower tumor volume and higher IL-2 levels with goji |
| Human studies (observational) | Fatigue, appetite, and immune parameters with goji extract | Improved quality of life in small patient groups, few side effects |
| Randomized clinical trial | None (planned) | Efficacy in cancer treatment has not been established |
No clinical guideline (NCCN, ESMO, ASCO) currently recommends goji berry for cancer treatment.
Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Safety
| Situation | Explanation | Clinical recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin interaction | Increased INR and bleeding have been reported after goji consumption. | In people taking warfarin or similar drugs, goji should be avoided. |
| Chemotherapy interaction | The antioxidant load could theoretically reduce the effects of platinum and alkylating agents. | During active treatment, use only with a physician's approval. |
| Metabolic interactions | May weakly inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes. | Use caution with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs such as tacrolimus or phenytoin. |
| Side effects | Mild gastrointestinal discomfort and allergic rashes occur rarely. | Generally well tolerated; stop if symptoms develop. |
The FDA classifies goji berry only as a "dietary supplement" ; it is not licensed for any oncological indication.
Goji Berry and Cancer Prevention
Its antioxidant content has led to suggestions that goji may reduce free-radical DNA damage and thus slow cancer development . A 2019 review reported lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) in populations regularly consuming goji.
However, these findings do not establish causality; goji consumers also differ in overall lifestyle, including diet and exercise. The protective-effect hypothesis is interesting but remains unproven.
When and How Might It Be Used?
- 5–10 g of dried fruit daily, or an equivalent liquid extract, may be used if recommended as a dietary supplement .
- In cancer patients, it should be started only under oncologist/dietitian supervision after evaluating drug interactions.
- When choosing goji tea or capsules, look for certified ingredients and a pesticide analysis report .
- Safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient.
Conclusion: Goji Berry's Actual Role in Cancer
Goji berry is scientifically interesting because of its biologically active components. However, most studies to date have been laboratory or animal studies , with insufficient reliable human clinical outcome data. For cancer treatment or prevention, it must not replace medicines.
Until sufficient evidence exists, goji berry may be considered a supportive part of a balanced diet; however, patients receiving active cancer treatment should not use it without their doctor's knowledge.
References
- Amagase H, Farnsworth NR. Goji (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense): a review of bioactive constituents and health benefits. Food Res Int. 2011.
- Wang CC et al. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides induce apoptosis in human bladder and prostate cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018.
- Leung HWC et al. Immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020.
- Cheng CY et al. Potential preventive role of goji berries in oxidative stress and inflammation. Nutrients. 2019.
- EMA Herbal Monograph: Lycium barbarum fructus. 2022.
- NCCN Guidelines: Integrative Oncology, Version 1.2025.
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