Goji Berry for Hot Flashes

(GOJI-VMS Trial)

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Overseen ByAngela M Zivkovic, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of California, Davis
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two forms of goji berry powder-whole goji berry powder and goji juice powder-in peri- and postmenopausal women aged 40-65 years who experience frequent vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes). The study aims to determine which formulation is more promising for a future larger trial by evaluating effects on HDL cholesterol function, vasomotor symptoms, cognitive performance, and participant acceptability.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does whole goji berry powder produce a greater improvement in HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) over 30 days compared with goji juice powder? Are changes in HDL function associated with changes in hot flash burden, cognitive performance, and self-reported cognitive symptoms?

Researchers will compare participants assigned to whole goji berry powder with participants assigned to goji juice powder to evaluate differences in HDL function, vasomotor symptoms, cognitive outcomes, and intervention acceptability.

Participants will:

Consume one mug cake containing their assigned goji powder daily for 30 days. Record hot flash frequency, duration, and severity using a smartphone-based electronic diary.

Attend study visits at baseline, Day 15, and Day 30. Provide fasting blood samples at baseline and Day 30 for assessment of HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and cardiometabolic biomarkers.

Complete computerized cognitive testing (TabCAT) at baseline and Day 30. Complete questionnaires assessing menopause-related quality of life, brain fog, mental alertness, physical activity, and study acceptability.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women aged 40-65 who are peri- or postmenopausal and have frequent hot flashes. Participants should be generally healthy and able to attend study visits, use a smartphone diary, and provide blood samples.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to consume one mug-cake daily for 30 days
Willing to complete daily VMS symptom tracking on a smartphone
I am on stable hormone therapy for at least 8 weeks and still have hot flashes.
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Exclusion Criteria

Current participation in another interventional study
Known allergy or intolerance to goji (Lycium barbarum) or key mug-cake ingredients (e.g., wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs)
Combined intake of >5 servings of eggs or lutein/zeaxanthin-rich vegetables per week
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume a standardized goji-containing mug cake daily for 30 days and complete study assessments

4 weeks
3 visits (in-person) at baseline, Day 15, and Day 30

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Trial Overview

The study compares two forms of goji berry—whole powder vs. juice powder—taken daily in a mug cake for 30 days. Researchers will look at effects on cholesterol function, hot flashes, cognitive performance, and how acceptable participants find each form.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Goji Berry PowderExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Goji Berry Juice PowderActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials
958
Recruited
4,816,000+