Introduction: Goji berry is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been widely used for centuries due to its diverse health benefits and medicinal properties. This comprehensive review examines the pharmacognostic and pharmacological actions of Goji berry from a TCM perspective, integrating both historical and modern scientific research. The review highlights the traditional uses of Goji berry in TCM, where it is primarily prescribed to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote overall vitality. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) by exploring its pharmacognostic characteristics and pharmacological effects from both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern scientific perspectives. It aims to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary research, highlighting the historical uses of Goji berry, such as nourishing the liver and kidneys, enhancing vision, and boosting overall vitality, while also examining scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic benefits, thus offering a holistic understanding of its medicinal value. Material and Methods: A total of 140 articles were selected for this review, and several search terms were used, including Goji berry, L. barbarum, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, and Phytoconstituents, using the online databases PubMed, CNKI, and Google Scholar. Results: Pharmacognostically, Goji berries are recognized for their rich content of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to their therapeutic potential. These components exhibit multiple pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. Discussion: The review highlights the traditional uses of Goji berry in TCM, where it is primarily prescribed to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote overall vitality. In modern pharmacological studies, the efficacy of Goji berry in treating chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers, has been extensively explored. The study also discusses the mechanisms underlying these pharmacological actions, particularly the role of Goji berry polysaccharides in enhancing immune responses and their potential as a natural therapeutic agent in disease prevention and management. Conclusion: The review concludes by addressing the future prospects of Goji berry in modern medicine, advocating for further clinical trials to validate its traditional uses and pharmacological effects. By bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary research, this article aims to provide a solid foundation for the continued exploration and therapeutic application of Goji berry in integrative healthcare.
Sharma et al. (Mon,) studied this question.