Evidence supporting the use of: Barbary matrimony vine
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Barbary matrimony vine, also known as Lycium barbarum or goji berry, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly to support eye health. In TCM, the berries are believed to nourish the liver and kidney, which are considered closely linked to eye function. Classical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and later TCM materia medica reference goji berries as a remedy for improving vision, treating blurred eyesight, and alleviating eye fatigue. The traditional rationale is largely based on the doctrine of signatures and empirical observation rather than controlled scientific studies.
Modern research provides limited but emerging support for these traditional uses. Lycium barbarum is rich in carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin, which is known to accumulate in the retina and may help filter harmful blue light and reduce oxidative stress on eye tissues. Some small-scale clinical studies and animal research suggest potential benefits for protecting retinal cells and improving visual function, but these studies are preliminary and not yet conclusive. There is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to fully validate the traditional claims. Therefore, while its use for eye health is primarily justified by tradition, there is a plausible scientific basis that warrants further investigation.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAcetyl L-carnitine
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apricot
Aronia melanocarpa
astaxanthin
avocado
barbary matrimony vine
bee products
Beef liver
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Celosia
chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dunaliella salina
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
Phaffia rhodozyma
pine bark
Polygonum
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
procyanidol
pumpkin
Pycnogenol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
rue
rutin
saffron
Salmon Oil
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
spinach
Tagetes
Taurine
Tea
trace minerals
Triphala
Troxerutin
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
Zinc