Abstract
- Background
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial represents the first documented study conducted outside of China to comprehensively examine the generalized physiological and psychological effects of the orally consumed goji berry (Lycium barbarum), administered as a standardized juice (GoChi™; FreeLife International LLC, Phoenix, AZ) to healthy adult human subjects over a 14-day intervention period. Grounded in the extensive historical medicinal properties attributed to Lycium barbarum in traditional Asian pharmacopeia, this trial investigated subjective self-ratings (scored on a 0 to 5 scale) across multiple health domains, including general feelings of well-being, neurological and psychological traits, gastrointestinal regularity, musculoskeletal comfort, cardiovascular status, and overall product safety/adverse effects.
- Methods
A rigorous clinical design was implemented to evaluate 34 healthy adult participants. Objective clinical measures—including body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, resting pulse rate, and visual acuity—were systematically assessed at baseline (Day 1) and post-intervention (Day 15). Participants consumed either 120 mL per day of the standardized GoChi™ juice ($N = 16$) or an organoleptically matched placebo control solution ($N = 18$). Comprehensive questionnaires captured subjective changes across physiological and psychological parameters, and statistical analyses evaluated within-group and between-group pre- and post-intervention differences from Day 1 to Day 15.
- Results
Statistical evaluations revealed highly significant improvements from Day 1 to Day 15 within the GoChi™ treatment group ($N = 16$), marked by increased self-ratings for subjective energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, feelings of general health, contentment, and overall happiness. Furthermore, daily supplementation with GoChi™ significantly reduced subjective feelings of fatigue and stress, while meaningfully improving the regularity of gastrointestinal function. In sharp contrast, the placebo control group ($N = 18$) exhibited only two isolated significant changes across all evaluated questionnaire parameters (specifically noting variations in heartburn and happiness). No statistically significant changes in musculoskeletal or cardiovascular complaints were observed in either cohort. Additionally, all parametric physiological data—such as body weight, BMI, blood pressure, and pulse rate—remained stable, showing no significant differences between groups or between Day 1 and Day 15.
- Conclusions
These empirical findings clearly demonstrate that daily dietary consumption of standardized Lycium barbarum juice (GoChi™) for 14 consecutive days safely increases subjective feelings of general well-being, significantly enhances neurological and psychological performance, and optimizes gastrointestinal regularity in healthy adults. The data strongly indicate and warrant that further extensive clinical research should be pursued to confirm and broaden contemporary scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic and health-promoting potentials of Lycium barbarum upon human health.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5404101_A_Randomized_Double-Blind_Placebo-Controlled_Clinical_Study_of_the_General_Effects_of_a_Standardized_Lycium_barbarum_Goji_Juice_GoChi