Goji Berries Could Mend BPA Damage in Male Reproductive Organs

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a known endocrine disruptor whose damaging effects aren’t entirely known and understood. What we do know, however, is that it mimics estrogen in the body and can cause serious damage to male reproductive organs even before a boy is born.

In a 2013 study published in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers indicated a small fruit could hold some protective benefits for men exposed to BPA.

Numerous studies have linked BPA to male reproductive problems. One study in 2005 found that males exposed to BPA in the womb, even at rates lower than the range for pregnant women, suffered malformations in their reproductive organs and developmental problems in the prostate.

Another study found the same low level exposure to BPA in rats actually increased the risk of pre-cancerous lesions of the prostate and hormonal carcinogenesis in adulthood. In other words, those exposed to BPA were more likely to develop cancerous changes of the prostate.

The unassuming goji berry showed promising results in protecting and potentially reversing this BPA damage.

As GreenMedInfo reports, the researchers found the berry’s polysaccharides could actually reverse the atrophy of male reproductive organs including the reduced weight of testes and epididymis, brought on by BPA exposure.

“Feeding animals with the healing polysaccharides for 7 days upon BPA exposure recovered the testicular weight to near- normal levels, while fertility-related structures regained the required organisation to support their function. Epididymis weight responded less dramatically to the Goji berry treatment, although there was still a significant improvement.

Also, Goji berry polysaccharides increased the concentration of antioxidant compounds, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase, and improved the blood hormone profile, which is very negatively affected by BPA.”

The benefits of Goji berries are many, with 18 essential amino acids and “arguably more beta carotene than any other food on planet earth,” according to Christina Sarich, who outlined the various benefits of goji berries in a previous NaturalSociety article.

Goji berries, which are growing easier to find in local grocery stores may increase the production of human growth hormone, protect eye health, and is an incredible source of protein—with one cup containing about 12 grams.