Researchers tested a natural compound from goji berries called LBP to see if it could help people with diabetes control their blood sugar better. Using lab cells and diabetic mice, they found that LBP improved how the body uses insulin and reduced the amount of glucose the liver produces. The compound worked by activating special pathways in cells that help manage blood sugar. The study also checked for safety and found no harmful effects at the doses tested. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before goji berry extract can be recommended as a diabetes treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural extract from goji berries could help cells and diabetic mice better control blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance
  • Who participated: Lab-grown liver cells designed to mimic insulin resistance, mice with diabetes induced by high-fat diet and a chemical, and healthy mice used to test for safety
  • Key finding: The goji berry extract (LBP) improved insulin sensitivity in resistant cells and reduced excessive glucose production in diabetic mice by activating cellular pathways that control blood sugar
  • What it means for you: This suggests goji berries may eventually help with diabetes management, but this is early-stage research. Don’t replace your diabetes medications with goji berries yet—talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements

The Research Details

This was a laboratory and animal study, not a human trial. Researchers used two main approaches: First, they grew liver cells in a dish and exposed them to high glucose levels to create insulin resistance, then treated them with the goji berry extract. Second, they created diabetic mice using a high-fat diet combined with a chemical injection, then gave some mice the goji berry extract for 14 days. They measured various markers of blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in both systems. Finally, they tested whether the extract was safe by giving it to healthy mice and checking for any harmful effects.

This type of research is important because it helps scientists understand how a natural compound works at the cellular level before testing it in humans. Lab and animal studies are much faster and cheaper than human trials, making them useful for initial screening of promising treatments.

Understanding the exact mechanism—how the goji berry extract actually works inside cells—helps researchers determine if it’s worth testing in humans and what dose might be effective. This study identified specific cellular pathways involved, which gives scientists a roadmap for further investigation.

Strengths: The study used multiple approaches (cells and animals) to confirm findings, tested for safety, and identified specific molecular mechanisms. Limitations: This is not human research, so results may not translate directly to people. The sample size for animal studies wasn’t clearly specified. The study was published in 2025, so long-term follow-up data isn’t available yet. Results from lab and animal studies often don’t work the same way in humans.

What the Results Show

The goji berry extract successfully improved how insulin-resistant liver cells responded to insulin. It did this by activating two important proteins (AKT and GSK3) that normally get blocked in diabetes. The extract also reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that damage cells in high-glucose conditions.

In diabetic mice, the extract prevented the liver from making too much glucose, which is a major problem in diabetes. It did this by turning down genes that create new glucose and turning up genes that break down glucose for energy. The mice also showed better glucose storage in their livers as glycogen, which is the body’s stored form of glucose.

The extract worked by activating a cellular energy sensor called AMPK, which acts like a master switch for glucose control. This is the same pathway that some diabetes medications target, suggesting the goji berry extract may work through a similar mechanism.

The study found that the extract improved glucose uptake in resistant cells, meaning cells could take in and use glucose more effectively. Liver glycogen content improved in diabetic mice, indicating better glucose storage. The extract also reduced the production of harmful reactive oxygen species, which are molecules that damage cells and contribute to diabetes complications. No toxicity or harmful effects were observed in any of the tested doses in either cells or mice.

Previous research suggested goji berries had some anti-diabetes effects, but the exact mechanisms weren’t well understood. This study fills that gap by showing specifically how the extract improves insulin sensitivity and reduces excessive glucose production. The findings align with how some approved diabetes medications work, which strengthens the scientific basis for further investigation.

This research was conducted entirely in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. Results in animals often don’t translate directly to people due to differences in metabolism and complexity. The study didn’t compare the goji berry extract to standard diabetes medications, so we don’t know how effective it might be relative to existing treatments. The duration was short (14 days), so long-term effects are unknown. The exact dose that would be appropriate for humans wasn’t determined. The study didn’t examine how the extract might interact with other medications people with diabetes commonly take.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early-stage research, goji berry extract shows promise as a potential diabetes treatment, but it’s too early to recommend it as a replacement for current diabetes medications. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (this is animal/lab research only). If you’re interested in goji berries as a supplement, discuss it with your doctor first, especially if you take diabetes medications, as there could be interactions.

People with diabetes or prediabetes may find this research interesting, as it suggests a natural approach to blood sugar control. However, this research is not yet ready for practical use. Healthcare providers researching natural diabetes treatments should note these findings for potential future investigation. People should NOT stop taking prescribed diabetes medications based on this study.

This is very early-stage research. If the findings hold up in human studies (which would take several years), benefits would likely take weeks to months to become noticeable, similar to other diabetes treatments. Don’t expect immediate results if you try goji berries on your own.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user wants to explore goji berries as a supplement (with doctor approval), track daily goji berry consumption in grams, fasting blood glucose readings (if they monitor at home), and energy levels. Record this for 8-12 weeks to see if there’s any personal pattern.
  • Users could add a small daily serving of goji berries (about 10-15 grams) to their diet as a snack or in smoothies, while continuing to monitor blood sugar as directed by their doctor. This allows them to track whether they notice any personal changes while maintaining their current diabetes management plan.
  • Create a simple log tracking: (1) goji berry intake amount and time, (2) blood glucose readings if monitored at home, (3) overall energy and hunger levels, and (4) any changes in diabetes symptoms. Review monthly to identify personal patterns. Share results with healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriateness.

This research is preliminary laboratory and animal study data, not human clinical evidence. Goji berry extract should not replace prescribed diabetes medications. People with diabetes should not change their treatment plan based on this study without consulting their healthcare provider. If you take diabetes medications, blood thinners, or have diabetes complications, discuss any supplement use with your doctor first, as there may be interactions. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.