Goji berry (Lycium barbarum), long used in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining attention in modern health research. Studies suggest its polysaccharides may support thermogenesis and energy metabolism through gut microbiota modulation, potentially improving cold tolerance in experimental models. Other goji-derived compounds have been linked to muscle and bone health. Since most evidence comes from cell and animal studies, human clinical research is still needed, but these findings provide scientific context for goji berry’s traditional use as a functional food.
With the rise of health-conscious lifestyles, goji berry tea has quietly become a daily wellness “standard” for many people, both young and old.
But is goji berry really that magical? In fact, as a traditional and highly valued Chinese medicinal herb, goji berry was listed as a “superior herb” in the ancient Chinese medical text Shennong Bencao Jing over two thousand years ago. The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) also recorded that it could “strengthen muscles and bones, lighten the body, resist aging, and tolerate cold and heat” when consumed long term. Today, modern scientific research is beginning to further explore and validate some of these traditional claims.
Recent research suggests that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) can enhance thermogenesis and energy metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota, thereby helping the body better cope with cold exposure. This discovery not only deepens our scientific understanding of goji berry but also provides new perspectives on improving the body’s tolerance to cold. It is fascinating to see how traditional knowledge is being revisited through modern science—goji berry is clearly more than just a trendy “wellness drink”; it has emerging scientific foundations.
Recently, the research group of Chang Chen from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Kan Ding’s group from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published a study online in The FASEB Journal titled “Lycium barbarum polysaccharide increases thermogenesis and energy metabolism through modulation of the gut microbiota to confer resistance to cold temperatures”. This study, for the first time, reported that goji berry may help counteract cold stress by promoting the browning of white adipose tissue and enhancing thermogenic capacity, offering a modern biological explanation for the traditionally described ability to “withstand cold and heat.” The study provides a systematic scientific interpretation of this ancient herbal function.
LBP as a Key Component Behind “Cold Resistance”
The research team used C57BL/6 mice as an experimental model to investigate the effects of LBP on cold tolerance. The mice were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with the experimental group receiving long-term LBP supplementation.
The researchers first conducted cold exposure experiments to monitor changes in core body temperature and used metabolic cages to assess energy expenditure in both groups.
The results showed that LBP significantly increased the expression of browning markers in white adipose tissue, enhancing thermogenic capacity. In addition, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses demonstrated that LBP markedly activated UCP1 protein in brown adipose tissue, promoting heat production and increasing metabolic rate.
Further mechanistic studies revealed that LBP also acted at the level of the gut microbiota. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that LBP supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota of mice and reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.
Figure: Schematic diagram of how LBP enhances thermogenesis and energy metabolism to improve cold resistance.
In addition, the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidaceae increased. These bacteria can elevate SCFA levels, which may further support gut health and metabolic function. The study also found that LBP increased intestinal GLP-1 secretion in mice. This hormone activated the CREB/PGC1α signaling pathway in white adipose tissue, promoting energy expenditure and enhancing thermogenic function.
Through this series of detailed experiments, the study showed that LBP may promote thermogenesis and energy expenditure by modulating gut microbiota composition and increasing gut hormone levels.
Naringin (NAR) can improve muscle endurance and prevent disease-related muscle atrophy.
Importantly, this research provides a modern scientific explanation for the traditional concept of “tolerating cold and heat,” offers reference points for understanding other traditional herbal functions, and suggests that LBP could have potential as a dietary supplement ingredient for people living in cold environments. However, further human studies are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy.
Beyond Cold Resistance: Potential Roles in Muscle and Bone Health
The remarkable properties of the goji berry are not limited to improving cold tolerance. In recent years, the same research team has reported progress in other areas related to goji extracts. Studies indicate that goji berry extract may mimic certain effects of exercise by activating the ERRγ signaling pathway, increasing type IIa oxidative muscle fibers, and improving muscle endurance.
During the investigation of its active components, naringenin (NAR) was identified as a key compound. Naringenin was shown to significantly alleviate muscle damage both structurally and functionally and to play an important role in mitigating age-related or disease-associated muscle atrophy [2,3]. These findings suggest that goji-derived compounds may help enhance muscle oxidative capacity in ways that resemble some benefits of long-term exercise, though this does not replace physical activity.
In addition, another goji-derived fraction, LBP1C-2, was reported to maintain the skeletal muscle satellite cell pool through interaction with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), thereby helping to preserve muscle regenerative capacity.
A related study also showed that LBP1C-2 could alleviate age-related bone loss by targeting the BMPRIA/BMPRII/Noggin signaling pathway, further supporting its potential relevance in aging and bone health research. These findings suggest that goji berry components may have multi-target biological activities associated with muscle and skeletal health, although clinical validation is still needed.
Summary
From ancient times to the present, goji berry has been treasured in traditional Chinese culture and widely used in medicine and health practices for thousands of years. Descriptions in Shennong Bencao Jing and Compendium of Materia Medica are now being revisited through modern biomedical research.
The value of goji berry lies not only in traditional wisdom but also in emerging scientific exploration. Its polysaccharides and other extractable components have been studied for their potential roles in enhancing thermogenesis, supporting energy metabolism, and improving tolerance to cold in experimental models, as well as for their possible involvement in muscle and bone health. Together, these studies highlight how long-standing traditional knowledge can inspire contemporary scientific discovery, while also underscoring the importance of cautious interpretation and the need for further human clinical research.