Goji Berry and Vasomotor Symptoms Pilot Study

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly experienced as hot flashes, affect a large proportion of women during the menopausal transition and can negatively impact quality of life, sleep, and cognitive function. Emerging evidence suggests that more frequent vasomotor symptoms may also be associated with markers of vascular dysfunction and adverse brain health outcomes. However, few nutritional interventions have been evaluated for their potential effects on vascular health and vasomotor symptoms in this population.

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) contain bioactive compounds including carotenoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols that have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiometabolic benefits. Prior studies suggest that goji berry consumption may influence lipid metabolism and vascular function, but the relative efficacy of different commercial goji preparations remains unclear. Two commonly available forms are whole goji berry powder, produced from the entire dried fruit, and goji juice powder, produced from concentrated juice. These preparations differ substantially in composition and may have different physiological effects.

This pilot study is designed to compare these two goji powder formulations and generate preliminary data to inform the design of a larger clinical trial. In addition to evaluating changes in HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a measure of HDL function and reverse cholesterol transport, the study will examine participant-reported vasomotor symptoms, cognitive performance, subjective cognitive symptoms, and menopause-related quality of life. The study will also assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering goji powder in a standardized mug-cake format and the practicality of using electronic symptom tracking for daily monitoring of hot flashes.

Participants will consume a standardized goji-containing mug cake daily for 30 days and complete study assessments before and after the intervention period. Cognitive performance will be evaluated using a tablet-based cognitive assessment battery, while validated questionnaires will assess menopause-related quality of life, subjective cognitive symptoms, mental alertness, and physical activity. Daily electronic diaries will be used to capture the frequency, duration, and severity of vasomotor symptoms throughout the study period.

As a feasibility pilot, the primary purpose of this study is to estimate effect sizes, assess variability of outcome measures, evaluate adherence and participant experience, and identify the most promising goji powder formulation for future investigation. Findings from this study will help guide the development of larger trials evaluating nutritional strategies to support vascular health, cognitive function, and symptom management in midlife women.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult women aged 40-65 years
• Peri- or postmenopausal with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) occurring ≥4 days/week over the past 2 weeks
• Willing to consume one mug-cake daily for 30 days
• Willing to complete daily VMS symptom tracking on a smartphone
• Hormone therapy (HRT) is allowed if the dose has been stable for ≥8 weeks and hot flashes are still present

Exclusion criteria

• Combined intake of >5 servings of eggs or lutein/zeaxanthin-rich vegetables per week
• Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Known allergy or intolerance to goji (Lycium barbarum) or to key mug-cake ingredients (e.g., wheat/gluten, dairy, and eggs)
• Current use of warfarin (goji has reported interactions with anticoagulants); other anticoagulants will be reviewed case-by-case
• Uncontrolled thyroid disease or other medical conditions likely to confound VMS assessment
• Initiation or planned change of HRT, GLP-1 agonists, or other medications known to affect lipid metabolism or VMS during the 30-day study
• Current participation in another interventional study
• Any condition that, in the judgment of investigators, makes participation unsafe or data interpretation unreliable