Lycium

Overview

Lycium, commonly known as Goji Berry, is a nutrient-dense superfruit revered for its powerful health-promoting properties. A staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, Lycium is celebrated for its ability to enhance vitality, protect vision, and support long-term wellness. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and adaptogenic compounds, Lycium offers a broad spectrum of benefits for modern high-performance lifestyles.

Other Common Names

• Goji Berry

• Wolfberry

• Lycium barbarum

• Lycium chinense

Top Benefits

• Supports eye health and sharp vision

• Enhances immune system performance

• Delivers potent antioxidant protection

• Boosts energy, stamina, and vitality

• Promotes radiant skin and healthy aging
  

What Is Lycium?

Lycium is a hardy, flowering plant native to China and Mongolia. Its fruit — the Goji Berry — is small, bright red, and naturally sweet with a subtle tang. In traditional medicine, it's used to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the eyes, and promote longevity and resilience.

Modern science validates its use: Lycium is rich in zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polysaccharides, giving it exceptional antioxidant, immune-supporting, and anti-aging capabilities. These compounds protect cellular structures from oxidative stress, enhance mitochondrial function, and support optimal immune performance.

Marco’s Grounds™ Lycium Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, we source our Lycium from a family-owned farm in the Ningxia region of China — globally recognized for producing the highest-quality Goji Berries.

The berries are organically cultivated, harvested at peak ripeness, and undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure unmatched purity and nutrient density. Our extraction and formulation methods preserve the full spectrum of Lycium’s bioactive compounds, delivering consistent results for vision, immunity, energy, and skin health.

Dosing Principles and Rationale

Effective daily intake of Lycium ranges from 10–30 grams of dried fruit or 500–1,000 mg of standardized extract, depending on health goals.

At Marco’s Grounds™, we follow hormetic dosing principles (see Marco’s Grounds Dosing Philosophy), formulating each dose to maximize benefits without overloading the system. For best results, Lycium should be taken with meals to enhance bioavailability and nutrient synergy.

Lycium Key Mechanisms

1. Eye Health

• Zeaxanthin protects the retina from blue light and oxidative damage [1]

• Reduces risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [2]

2. Immune Function

• Polysaccharides stimulate immune cell activity and enhance immune responses [3]

3. Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Benefits

• Neutralizes free radicals, reducing cellular oxidative stress [4]

• Supports skin elasticity, hydration, and a youthful appearance [5]

4. Energy & Vitality

• Enhances mitochondrial energy production, reducing fatigue and improving endurance [6]

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• Vitamin C – Amplifies antioxidant action and immune resilience

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Boosts anti-inflammatory and skin-health benefits

• L-Theanine – Complements Lycium’s energizing properties with calm focus
  

References

1. Ma, Y., et al. (2019). Zeaxanthin and its role in protecting the retina from oxidative damage. J Nutr Biochem, 65, 98–105.

2. Leung, H. W., et al. (2005). The benefits of Lycium barbarum on visual acuity and macular health. Clin Nutr, 24(6), 889–895.

3. Gan, L., et al. (2004). Immunomodulation and anti-aging effects of polysaccharides in Lycium barbarum. Mech Ageing Dev, 125(5), 517–524.

4. Amagase, H., et al. (2009). Antioxidant activity of Lycium barbarum extract and its impact on skin health. Food Chem, 113(4), 1103–1109.

5. Kim, H., et al. (2020). Lycium chinense and its effects on skin hydration and elasticity. J Ethnopharmacol, 248, 112119.

6. Yao, R., et al. (2011). Lycium barbarum enhances mitochondrial function and energy production. Mol Nutr Food Res, 55(4), 567–574.