Lycium barbarum Fruit (Goji) Attenuates the Adrenal Steroid Response to an Exercise Challenge and the Feeling of Tiredness: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Human Clinical Study

Abstract

We examined the effects of Lycium barbarum fruit (goji) intake on general well-being in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 30-day intervention trial. Plasma levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), glucose, urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactic acid followed by an exercise challenge were assessed at the pre-and post-intervention. Relative to the placebo group (n=19), tiredness and overall health were significantly improved in the Lycium barbarum group (n=20). Cortisol, DHEA and lactic acid levels were significantly increased by the exercise for the pre-intervention: However, at the post-intervention, Lycium barbarum intake significantly attenuated cortisol and DHEA levels. Lactic acid levels were comparable for both groups, and glucose and BUN levels were not altered. These results show that Lycium barbarum consumption attenuates the adrenal steroid response and reduces the feeling of tiredness.