Clinical studies of improving general well-being by a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice

Abstract

Three recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies and 1 randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study conducted in USA [1] and China have examined the general effects of orally consumed Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae) fruit in a form of standardized juice (GoChiTM) provided to 162 healthy adults in total (18–72 years age) for 14 or 30 days of consuming 120ml/day (equivalent to at least 150g of fresh fruit, the amount traditionally used). In evaluation of subjective questionnaire ratings (0–5) analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched pairs tests, statistically significant differences between first and final day were consistently found in the GoChi group (N=total 81) among all 4 studies showing increased ratings for energy level, athletic performance, stamina/endurance, sleep quality, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, bowel regularity, feelings of health, contentment and happiness. GoChi also significantly reduced feelings of fatigue, stress, tiredness, weakness, procrastination, headache, depression, daydream, short breath, backache, stiff shoulder and cold in extremities. Total efficacy of these primary assessments was significantly improved over 50% of subjects. In parametric markers, GoChi was effective to control waist circumference. The placebo group (N=total 81) showed only two significant changes in subjective markers in 1 study, but no significant improvements were found in other 3 studies. No adverse reactions, abnormal symptoms, changes in body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, visual acuity, urine, stool, or blood biochemistry were seen in either group. These results indicate that daily consumption of GoChi increases subjective feelings of general well-being, neurological/psychological traits, cardiovascular, joint/muscle functions and gastrointestinal regularity without any adverse effects.