Evidence supporting the use of: Goji berry
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Goji berry (Lycium barbarum), also known as wolfberry, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting general health and accelerating recovery during convalescence. In TCM, goji berry is classified as a "tonic" herb, believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vitality, and support immune function. It is often included in herbal formulas prescribed to individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or periods of weakness, with the aim of replenishing qi (vital energy), enriching the blood, and promoting overall well-being. The traditional justification for goji berry’s use during convalescence is based on centuries of empirical observation rather than modern scientific validation. While the fruit is rich in nutrients such as polysaccharides, vitamins, and antioxidants—which could theoretically support immune and cellular recovery—rigorous clinical trials specifically investigating its effects in convalescent individuals are limited. Some modern studies suggest that goji berry extracts may have immunomodulatory and anti-fatigue properties, but these findings are mostly preliminary and not directly linked to post-illness recovery in humans. Overall, the use of goji berry for convalescence is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence, although limited laboratory and animal studies hint at possible benefits that warrant further research.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by goji berry
Aging (prevention)Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Glaucoma
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores