Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) has a long-standing history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is believed to support immune health and promote general vitality. In TCM, goji berries are often recommended to help prevent colds, especially during seasons when susceptibility is high. This traditional use is based on the berry’s reputed ability to “nourish yin” and “tonify the blood,” thought to strengthen the body's resistance to illness.

From a scientific perspective, goji berries contain compounds such as polysaccharides, vitamins (notably vitamin C), carotenoids, and flavonoids, which are generally recognized as antioxidants and may play a role in immune modulation. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest goji berry extracts can enhance immune response and increase the activity of certain white blood cells. However, robust clinical trials in humans that specifically examine goji berry’s ability to prevent or treat the common cold are lacking.

Therefore, while there is a traditional rationale for using goji berry to prevent colds, and some mechanistic plausibility based on its bioactive compounds, the direct scientific evidence for this specific use in humans is weak or preliminary. The traditional rating of 2 reflects that the practice is common in folk medicine but not well supported by modern clinical studies.

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