Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, lipoproteins and increased oxidative stress. New therapeutic alternatives have been studied for the treatment of DM and due to their antioxidant content, the Goji Berry is being widely used as a functional food. We performed a systematic review on the use of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) for the DM treatment. A systematic review was conducted through the PUBMED and LILACS databases being used the terms "Goji Berry and Diabetes", "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes", "Goji Berry and Diabetes and Treatment" and "Lycium Barbarum and Diabetes and Treatment". Results showed Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) has the potential to be effective in the treatment DM. Goji Berry would be an excellent alternative to already currently available drugs and contain no adverse effects. So, it is extremely important that more research on the subject to support its importance.