Lycii Fructus
Aliases：Gouqizi、Gou Qizi、Tian Caizi、Xi Gouqi、Gou Naizi、Hong Qingjiao、Gou Tizi、Gouqi Guo、Xue Qizi、Jin Gouqi
Gouqi (Lycii Fructus), a Chinese medicinal, commonly refers to the fruit of Lycium barbarum L., a plant of the Solanaceae family. It is the dried ripe fruit. It is listed as a superior grade herb in Shen Nong‘s Classic of Materia Medica and is known as the “longevity fruit”.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify the liver and kidney, benefit essence and brighten the eyes.
Indications
Consumptive disease with essence deficiency, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, impotence and spermatorrhea, internal heat with wasting thirst disorder, sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, and blurred vision.
Modern Pharmacology
Immune enhancement: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides enhance non‑specific immune function and increase disease resistance. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Scavenge free radicals and delay aging; antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, β‑carotene, etc. Hepatoprotective: Protect against liver injury, inhibit fat deposition in hepatocytes, and promote liver cell regeneration. Hypoglycemic: Improve insulin resistance and serve as an adjunctive therapy for diabetes. Lipid‑regulating: Lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Vision improvement: Rich in zeaxanthin and carotene, protect the retina and relieve eye strain. Anti‑fatigue: Increase physical endurance and prolong exercise time. Antitumor: Inhibit various tumor cells. Sex hormone‑like effects: Exhibit sex hormone‑like activity and improve sexual function. Neuroprotective: Protect the nervous system.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), the main active components, composed of arabinose, glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, rhamnose, etc. Alkaloids: Betaine, scopoletin, etc. Carotenoids: Zeaxanthin, physalein, carotene, etc. Flavonoids: Various flavonoid compounds. Amino acids: Contains multiple amino acids, with higher levels of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, and proline. Others: Crude fat, crude protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, β‑sitosterol, linoleic acid, and various trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 5–15 g in decoction; or used in pills, powders, extracts, or wine preparations. Daily health maintenance: 6–12 g (about a small handful) steeped in boiling water and taken as tea. Raw consumption: Wash and chew directly. Recommended daily amount: 10–20 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: ① Use with caution in cases of spleen deficiency with loose stools (goji berries are sweet and sticky, which may aggravate diarrhea). ② Avoid in cases of common cold with fever and acute inflammatory conditions (its warming nature may worsen the condition). ③ Use with caution in allergic individuals (rare cases of allergy may occur). Use with caution in the following groups: ① Diabetic patients: Goji berries contain natural fructose; intake should be controlled. Recommended daily dosage: 5–8 g, with blood glucose monitoring. ② Patients with hypertension or an irritable temperament: May generate heat and stir up fire. ③ Patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis): Goji berries may activate immune responses; use with caution. ④ Patients taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Goji berries may enhance the anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleeding. Drug interactions: Atropine can inhibit the cholinergic‑like action of goji berries; they should not be used together. Overdose reactions: Excessive consumption may cause “fire” symptoms such as nosebleeds, red and swollen eyes, and general discomfort. Usage note: When steeping in water, use warm water at 60–80°C. Avoid prolonged steeping in boiling water, which may destroy heat‑sensitive components.
Selected Formulas
1. Qiju Dihuang Wan (Lycium, Chrysanthemum and Rehmannia Pill) (Source: Yiji – Medical Grades) Ingredients: Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus) 15 g, Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos) 10 g, Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) 24 g, Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) 12 g, Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 12 g, Fuling (Poria) 9 g, Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) 9 g, Danpi (Moutan Cortex) 9 g. Usage: Grind into fine powder, mix with refined honey to make pills. Take 9 g each time, twice daily. May also be used as a decoction. Indications: Liver‑kidney yin deficiency with dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes, photophobia with tearing, etc. 2. Zuogui Wan (Restore the Left Kidney Pill) (Source: Jingyue Quanshu – The Complete Works of Zhang Jingyue) Ingredients: Gouqizi 12 g, Shudihuang 24 g, Shanyao 12 g, Shanzhuyu 12 g, Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) 12 g, Lujiaojiao (Cervi Cornus Colla) 12 g, Guibanjiao (Testudinis Plastri Colla) 12 g, Chuanniuxi (Cyathulae Radix) 9 g. Usage: Grind into fine powder, mix with refined honey to make pills. Take 9 g each time, twice daily. May be reduced to a decoction. Indications: True yin deficiency with low back and knee soreness, night sweats, spermatorrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness and blurred vision. 3. Gouqi Wan (Lycium Pill) (Source: Puji Fang – Universal Relief Prescriptions) Ingredients: Gouqizi (soaked in wine) 60 g, Tusizi (steamed with wine) 60 g, Shudihuang (steamed with wine) 30 g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, washed with wine) 30 g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, stir‑fried with wine) 30 g. Usage: Grind into fine powder, mix with refined honey to make pills the size of a mung bean. Take 30 pills each time, on an empty stomach, with warm wine. Indications: Deficiency of liver‑kidney essence and blood with sallow complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, impotence, spermatorrhea. 4. Gouqi Juhua Cha (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Tea) (Empirical formula) Ingredients: Gouqizi 10 g, Juhua 5 g. Usage: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea, one dose per day. Indications: Eye strain, dry eye syndrome, decreased visual acuity, hypertension with headache and vertigo due to liver‑kidney yin deficiency. 5. Gouqi Jiu (Lycium Wine) (Source: Taiping Shenghui Fang – Holy Beneficial Prescriptions) Ingredients: Gouqizi 250 g, white liquor (baijiu) 1500 ml. Usage: Wash and dry the goji berries, steep in the white liquor in a sealed container for 7–14 days. Dosage: 10–15 ml each time, twice daily. Indications: Liver‑kidney deficiency with low back and knee soreness, vertigo, tinnitus, impotence, spermatorrhea.
Daily Consumption
1. Goji Berry and Chrysanthemum Tea Take 6–12 g of goji berries and 4–6 chrysanthemum flowers. Steep in boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Action: Clears the liver and brightens the eyes, resolves toxin. Suitable for eye strain, red, swollen and painful eyes. 2. Goji Berry Congee Cook goji berries, red dates (jujube), and japonica rice together until fully cooked. Action: Tonifies blood, beautifies the skin, fortifies the spleen and benefits qi. 3. Goji Berry Soup Add goji berries when the soup is almost done. Can be stewed with mutton, beef, white fungus (snow fungus), or pear. Action: Nourishes the liver and kidney, moistens the lung and promotes fluid production. 4. Goji Berry Wine Wash and dry goji berries, then steep in white liquor (baijiu) in a sealed container for 1 week. Action: Tonifies the liver and kidney, warms and unblocks the blood vessels. 5. Chewing Goji Berries Directly Wash goji berries and take 10–20 g each time, once in the morning and once in the evening. Action: Provides the best absorption and retains the most nutrients.
Medicinal Parts
dried ripe fruit
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container. For stir-fried Gouqizi and salt-processed Gouqizi, keep in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat, moisture, and insects.