Goji berries have long been used for their nutritional value and medicinal purposes in Asian countries. In the last two decades, goji berries have become popular around the world and are consumed as a functional food due to wide-range bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. In addition, they are gaining increased research attention as a source of functional ingredients with potential industrial applications. This review focuses on the antioxidant properties of goji berries, scientific evidence on their health effects based on human interventional studies, safety concerns, goji berry processing technologies, and
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries or gouqizi in Chinese, come from plants in the Lycium genus, terutama Lycium barbarum, L. chinense, dan L. ruthenicum. Berries from these species have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, consumed as tea, tinctures, and tonics. Today, they are recognized for their high nutritional value and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, polysaccharides, and carotenoids, which contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Originally native to Asia, goji berry cultivation has now expanded across Europe including Italy, Portugal, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and more. Despite regional differences in their chemical profiles, goji berries consistently show strong health-promoting properties, making them popular in the global food and pharmaceutical industries. In many countries, especially in Europe, they are found in food supplements and a variety of products such as marmalades, sauces, yogurts, and even beer. Although goji berries are not restricted by EU novel food regulations, some safety concerns especially allergic reactions have been reported in sensitive populations.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Goji berries are visually appealing with vibrant colors ranging from red to black and a unique sweet-tangy taste. Nutritionally, they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, essential minerals (such as potassium, iron, and zinc), and healthy fatty acids especially linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Their amino acid profile is also notable, containing both essential and non-protein amino acids like proline, serine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and hydroxyproline. These nutrients, combined with their bioactive compounds, contribute to a range of health benefits. Thanks to their refreshing taste and functional properties, goji berries are increasingly used in the formulation of modern health foods and supplements aimed at boosting overall well-being.