Improvement of sleep quality by a standardized Lycium barbarum fruit juice shown in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study

Four controlled human clinical studies conducted in USA and China have examined the general effects of orally consumed Lycium barbarum fruit in a form of standardized juice (GoChi^TM) provided to 162 healthy adults (18–72 years age) for 14 or 30 days of consuming 120ml/day (equivalent to at least 150g of fresh fruit, the amount traditionally used). In evaluation of subjective questionnaire ratings (0–5) analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched pairs tests, statistically significant differences between the starting point and final day were consistently found in the GoChi group (N=total 81) among all 4 studies showing increased ratings for sleep quality and easy awakening in addition to other subjective feelings. Based upon these effects, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to evaluate sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) [1]. High PSQI scores reflect extremely poor sleep quality, and the GoChi group (N=16) indicated reduction of PSQI scores, with GoChi intake shortening minutes to fall asleep, and a tendency of improving overall sleep quality. On the other hand, placebo group (N=15) showed no improvement on sleep quality in PSQI, or in any of these 4 clinical studies (N=total 81). No adverse reactions, abnormal symptoms, changes in body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, visual acuity, urine, stool, or blood biochemistry were seen in either group. These results indicate that daily consumption of GoChi increases quality of sleep without any adverse effects.

Reference: 1. Buysse, D.J., et al. (1989) Psychiatry Res. 28:193–213.